Upgrading your weapons early in Lords of the Fallen can make a significant difference in your playthrough, and this guide will show you the best Deralium farming route to get your weapons up to +9 before even reaching the first Beacon.

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Where to Start: Forsaken Fen Vestige

To begin this efficient farming route, travel to the Forsaken Fen Vestige. Before starting the loop, you’ll need to unlock a crucial shortcut to streamline the process:

1. From the Vestige, head into the Fen, following the torches.
2. Look for a large root leading up to a shortcut back to the Vestige.
3. Once the shortcut is open, return to the Vestige, rest, and begin the farming cycle.

This setup ensures you can quickly reset enemies and maximize efficiency.

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Farming Route Breakdown

1. Defeat the First Shuja Warrior
   • Head through the shortcut and eliminate the Shuja warrior immediately outside.
   • These enemies can drop Small Deralium Fragments, which are used to upgrade weapons to +2.
2. Shift to the Umbral Realm and Climb the Ladder
   • A ladder will appear nearby once in Umbral mode.
   • Defeat the Shuja enemies along the way (one mandatory, two optional), as they also drop Small Deralium Fragments.
3. Use the Umbral Exit & Break the Wooden Debris
   • After exiting Umbral, destroy the wooden barricades ahead.
   • Prepare for battle against Holy Bulwark enemies and Avowed Soldiers.
4. Defeat the Holy Bulwark and Avowed Soldiers
   • Holy Bulwarks have a chance to drop Large Deralium Shards, which upgrade weapons from +6 to +9.
   • Avowed Soldiers can drop Regular Deralium Nuggets, which are necessary for upgrades between +3 and +5.
5. Cross the Broken Bridge
   • Stand near the edge and block or dodge the archer’s two shots from across the gap.
   • Use the Umbral Lantern to safely cross.
6. Branching Path – Farm Additional Avowed Soldiers or Continue for Large Deralium
   • Left Path: Leads to three additional Avowed Soldiers, ideal if you need Regular Deralium Nuggets.
   • Right Path: Leads up a mountain trail where another Holy Bulwark resides.
     • This second Holy Bulwark has less health than the first, making it a prime target for farming Large Deralium Shards.
7. Final Battle & Reset
   • At the end of the mountain path, defeat one last Avowed enemy.
   • Rest at the Lookout Vestige, then fast travel back to the Forsaken Fen Vestige to repeat the route.

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Efficiency & Drop Rates

• Time per Loop: Approximately 4-5 minutes per run.
• Deralium Drop Rates: While not guaranteed, farming for 2 hours was enough to upgrade a weapon to +9.
• Additional Loot:
  • XP/Vigor Gain: Farming this route took a character from Level 60 to Level 72.
  • Armor Sets & Weapons: Enemies in this route frequently drop various armor sets and weapons.
  • Useful Consumables: Drops include Briostone Pairs, Ammunition Pouches, Blood Cures, and Minor Holy Salts.

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Why This Route is the Best

1. Minimal Backtracking

Many farming routes require tedious backtracking, but this one follows a continuous loop, making it more efficient and engaging.

2. Balanced Challenge & Skill Development

The variety of enemies in this route helps players hone their combat skills while farming. Shuja enemies offer quick skirmishes, Avowed Soldiers provide mid-range battles, and Holy Bulwarks test endurance and counterplay.

3. Guaranteed Progression

Even if Deralium drops are not guaranteed per run, every loop contributes to:

• XP/Vigor accumulation
• Weapon and armor collection
• Consumables that support your build

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Dealing with the Holy Bulwark Enemies

Combat Strategy:

• Watch for attack telegraphs. Their slow but heavy swings give ample time to dodge.
• Bait their slam attack. This creates a large opening for counterattacks.
• Use status effects. Weapons with Bleed or Fire can quickly wear them down.
• Don’t panic-roll. Time your dodges carefully to avoid wasting stamina.

Tip: If you’re struggling, farm smaller enemies first to upgrade your weapon, making future runs easier.

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Final Thoughts & Community Support

This Deralium farming route is the best way to supercharge your early game, getting your weapon to +9 before major challenges arise. Whether you’re looking to level up, gather rare loot, or simply master combat, this path provides steady rewards.

If you have questions or need help with specific aspects, drop a comment below. For more Lords of the Fallen guides, check out our channel. And if you found this guide useful, consider subscribing—you’re helping to feed Marshmallow, our beloved cat!

Happy farming, and good luck upgrading your arsenal!