The Gold Scarab is one of the most useful talismans for players who want to level up faster, purchase expensive equipment, or improve several weapons without spending hours gathering additional runes.
While equipped, the talisman increases the number of runes received from defeated enemies by 20 percent. That bonus applies throughout normal exploration and makes it particularly valuable during dedicated rune-farming routes.
Obtaining it is not easy, especially for characters entering Caelid early. The talisman is awarded after completing the Abandoned Cave, a dark dungeon filled with Scarlet Rot pools, erupting geysers, poisonous enemies, and a two-opponent boss encounter.
This guide explains where to find the Abandoned Cave, what supplies to bring, how to reach the boss room, and how to overcome the Cleanrot Knights guarding the Gold Scarab.
What Does the Gold Scarab Talisman Do?
The Gold Scarab increases rune acquisition by 20 percent whenever it is equipped. It does not improve combat statistics directly, but the additional currency can accelerate almost every form of character development.
More runes allow you to purchase levels, upgrade materials, spells, consumables, arrows, armor, and other useful equipment. Obtaining the talisman relatively early can therefore provide benefits throughout the rest of the game.
Gold Scarab Effect
- Increases runes earned from defeated enemies by 20 percent;
- Must be equipped in a talisman slot;
- Works during ordinary combat and farming routes;
- Can be combined with other rune-boosting effects;
The talisman becomes even more valuable when used with a Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot, which temporarily provides an additional 30 percent rune bonus.
Where to Find the Gold Scarab
The Gold Scarab is found inside the Abandoned Cave in Caelid. The dungeon entrance sits in a cliff wall across a ravine east of the Smoldering Wall Site of Grace.
The route is easy to miss because there is no ordinary road leading directly to the cave. Players must cross a series of large roots or branches extending over the chasm.
Gold Scarab Location Summary
- Region: Caelid;
- Dungeon: Abandoned Cave;
- Nearest Site of Grace: Smoldering Wall;
- Bosses: Cleanrot Knight with a spear and Cleanrot Knight with a sickle;
- Main reward: Gold Scarab talisman;
How to Reach the Smoldering Wall Site of Grace
Players who have already discovered the Smoldering Wall Site of Grace can travel there immediately. From the grace, the Abandoned Cave lies almost directly to the east.
Anyone who has not reached it should enter Caelid by following the main road east from Limgrave. Several Sites of Grace can serve as useful starting points, including Warmaster’s Shack, Summonwater Village Outskirts, or locations near the eastern bridge.
Continue along the main road through Caelid and pass the Caelem Ruins. A telescope icon should eventually appear on the map, with a Finger Reader positioned nearby.
The Smoldering Wall Site of Grace is located just south of that telescope. Activate it before attempting the cave so that any failed crossing or dungeon attempt requires only a short return journey.
How to Cross the Ravine
From the Smoldering Wall Site of Grace, travel east toward the edge of the ravine. Caelid’s large dog-like enemies may be roaming nearby, and an Abductor Virgin may also appear in the wider area.
You do not need to fight every enemy. Moving around them or using Torrent can save healing resources for the dungeon.
At the edge of the ravine, look for large roots extending toward the opposite cliff. These form a narrow bridge leading toward the Abandoned Cave entrance.
Tips for Crossing the Roots
- Dismount from Torrent if precise movement feels easier on foot;
- Keep the camera aligned with the root;
- Avoid sudden sideways movements;
- Do not fight enemies while standing over the ravine;
- Look toward the far cliff for a small ledge and cave opening;
The entrance is positioned partway down the opposite cliff rather than at the top. As you move across the roots, look toward the right-hand side for the ledge leading into the cave.
A fall from the crossing will usually require another attempt, so take the route slowly. The dungeon is already unpleasant enough without beginning it after an avoidable visit to the bottom of the ravine.
Activate the Abandoned Cave Site of Grace
Once inside, immediately activate and rest at the Abandoned Cave Site of Grace. The dungeon contains several dangerous status effects, and mistakes near the beginning can consume healing supplies quickly.
Equip a lantern or prepare a torch before moving deeper. The cave is dark, and improved visibility makes it easier to identify enemies, safe ground, and Scarlet Rot geysers.
What to Bring Into the Abandoned Cave
Preparation is more important here than in many early dungeons because Scarlet Rot can continue draining health long after leaving the contaminated pools.
Recommended Supplies
- Preserving Boluses;
- A lantern or torch;
- Armor with high Immunity;
- Enough Crimson Flasks for the dungeon and boss encounter;
- A Spirit Ash suitable for distracting multiple enemies;
- Ranged weapons, spells, or throwing items;
- Neutral or non-fire elemental damage when possible;
Preserving Boluses reduce accumulated Scarlet Rot and can remove the condition after it activates. Carrying several provides room for mistakes while crossing the cave.
Where to Get Preserving Boluses
Preserving Boluses can be purchased from the Nomadic Merchant near the Caelid Highway North Site of Grace.
They can also be crafted after obtaining Armorer’s Cookbook 6 from the Siofra River region. Crafting becomes useful for players planning to explore several areas containing Scarlet Rot.
Keep at least one bolus available for the boss encounter. The arena contains Rot, and one of the Cleanrot Knights can produce an additional Scarlet Rot attack.
Best Armor for Scarlet Rot Resistance
Scarlet Rot buildup is influenced by the Immunity statistic. Armor sets with strong Immunity can extend the time available before the condition activates.
The Mushroom Set and Guardian Set provide useful resistance, although they may not be available to every early-game character.
The Cleanrot armor set is another practical option. Pieces can be obtained from Lesser Cleanrot Knights found in the Swamp of Aeonia, not far from the Abandoned Cave.
Farming a complete set is not mandatory, but replacing low-Immunity armor can make the dungeon less punishing.
Abandoned Cave Walkthrough
Immediately after the Site of Grace, the route requires a drop into a large area covered by Scarlet Rot. The landing itself can create buildup, and remaining in the pool causes the meter to rise rapidly.
Move toward solid ground as efficiently as possible. Rolling through the Rot may cover the character in contaminated material, causing the status bar to continue increasing briefly even after reaching safety.
Running or stepping carefully can therefore be preferable when the surface allows it.
Watch for Scarlet Rot Geysers
The dungeon contains geysers that erupt from contaminated ground. Their timing can be observed before crossing.
Wait for an eruption to finish, then move past the area before the next one begins. Being caught can apply heavy damage and rapidly increase Scarlet Rot buildup.
Do not rush through several geysers at once unless you clearly understand their timing. A short delay is usually less expensive than consuming another healing flask and Preserving Bolus.
Enemies Inside the Abandoned Cave
The cave contains Servants of Rot, giant rats, and other creatures capable of applying poison or Scarlet Rot.
Servants of Rot can be dangerous in groups, especially when encountered in narrow spaces. Draw them out individually when possible and avoid fighting while standing in contaminated pools.
Rats can interrupt attacks and surround the player quickly. Use wide attacks or retreat to a narrow passage where fewer can reach you simultaneously.
Dungeon Survival Tips
- Fight enemies on safe ground whenever possible;
- Use ranged attacks to draw one enemy at a time;
- Do not spend every Preserving Bolus before the boss;
- Watch the status bar while looting;
- Use the environment to separate groups;
- Keep enough healing flasks for two bosses;
Optional Items in the Abandoned Cave
Players who explore the entire dungeon can collect several useful materials and weapons.
- Aeonian Butterflies;
- Toxic Mushrooms;
- Fire Grease;
- Dragonwound Grease;
- Venomous Fang;
- Serpent Bow;
Collecting everything requires entering additional contaminated areas. Players interested only in the Gold Scarab can follow the shorter route toward the boss.
Fast Route to the Gold Scarab Boss
After entering the main cave, move toward the inactive Abductor Virgin and take the path to its left.
Continue downward while avoiding the Scarlet Rot geysers. Follow the route past the Effigy of the Martyr and its summoning pool.
The summoning pool allows cooperative assistance after it has been activated. Players who feel underprepared can bring another person into the dungeon before approaching the boss room.
Proceed through the area containing a large Miranda Flower. Avoid remaining directly beside it when the plant begins releasing damaging effects.
Climb the nearby ledge and enter the tunnel beyond it. This passage leads toward the fog gate and the Cleanrot Knight encounter.
How to Prepare for the Cleanrot Knights
The boss encounter features two Cleanrot Knights with different weapons. One carries a spear, while the second uses a sickle.
Fighting both at once can be difficult because their attacks overlap and cover different ranges. A Spirit Ash or cooperative ally can divide their attention and create opportunities to focus on one opponent.
Recommended Boss Preparation
- Refill health and remove active Scarlet Rot;
- Equip a Spirit Ash capable of surviving sustained pressure;
- Use weapon buffs before crossing the fog when possible;
- Keep one Preserving Bolus assigned to a quick item slot;
- Prepare ranged options for separating the bosses;
- Avoid relying on Scarlet Rot damage;
Both Cleanrot Knights are immune to Scarlet Rot. Builds centered on applying that condition should switch to physical attacks, magic, or another effective damage type.
Defeat the Spear Cleanrot Knight First
At the beginning of the encounter, only the spear-wielding Cleanrot Knight is active in the center of the arena. The sickle knight joins shortly afterward.
This creates a brief opportunity to deal substantial damage before the fight becomes a two-on-one engagement.
Move toward the spear knight quickly and use a strong opening sequence. Stance damage, jump attacks, powerful weapon skills, or fast spells can reduce its health before the second opponent fully enters the battle.
If both remain active, continue focusing on the spear knight. Removing one opponent as soon as possible simplifies the rest of the encounter considerably.
Cleanrot Knight Spear Attacks
The spear knight focuses primarily on close-range thrusts and advancing combinations. Its attacks can cover more distance than expected, so do not assume that one backward step creates safety.
Dodge to the side rather than retreating in a straight line. Side movement also helps prevent the second knight from lining up an attack at the same time.
Apply pressure after the spear knight finishes a committed sequence. Its attacks can be interrupted by aggressive play, although reckless exchanges can still lead to heavy damage.
Cleanrot Knight Sickle Attacks
The sickle-wielding knight adds both close-range pressure and ranged magical attacks.
It can release arcs of energy that travel toward the player. These can be avoided by rolling through them or moving to the side.
The sickle knight can also release Scarlet Rot directly in front of itself. Move sideways as soon as the animation begins rather than retreating through the affected area.
If Rot activates, use a Preserving Bolus when enough distance has been created.
Watch for the Fire Resistance Buff
The sickle knight can temporarily increase the fire resistance of both bosses. Fire-focused builds may therefore experience reduced performance during part of the encounter.
Physical, magic, lightning, or another available damage option may produce more reliable results.
You do not need to rebuild the entire character for one dungeon, but carrying an alternative weapon or spell can prevent the buff from slowing the battle excessively.
Use Spirit Ashes to Separate the Bosses
A Spirit Ash is useful even when it does not deal significant damage. Its main purpose can be attracting one knight while the player focuses on the other.
Summon immediately after entering, then attack the spear knight while the Spirit moves into position.
A durable summon is generally more useful than a fragile high-damage option because the encounter becomes much harder after the distraction disappears.
Ashes that summon several allies may also divide enemy attention, although wide boss attacks can remove weaker spirits quickly.
Ranged Builds Have an Advantage
Both Cleanrot Knights prefer close-range combat, making bows, sorceries, incantations, and other ranged tools useful.
Maintain distance while the Spirit Ash occupies one opponent. Fire several attacks, then reposition before both knights close the gap.
The sickle knight’s magical arcs prevent complete safety at range, so continue watching its animations even while targeting the spear knight.
Melee Strategy for the Cleanrot Knights
Melee characters should avoid standing between both enemies. Move around the outside of the arena and keep the spear knight positioned between the player and the sickle knight whenever possible.
Use jump attacks, charged strikes, or weapon skills to build stance pressure. A critical opportunity can provide valuable damage and temporary protection from other attacks.
Do not continue a long combination when the second knight approaches from outside the camera. One or two reliable hits are safer than committing to an animation that cannot be cancelled.
Melee Boss Tips
- Focus on the spear knight first;
- Keep both bosses visible whenever possible;
- Attack after committed spear combinations;
- Move sideways when the sickle knight releases Rot;
- Use jump attacks to build stance pressure;
- Avoid remaining inside the contaminated edge of the arena;
Magic Strategy for the Cleanrot Knights
Magic users should summon a Spirit Ash and create distance immediately. Use fast spells when both knights are moving and stronger casts while one is occupied.
Avoid selecting spells with extremely long animations unless the bosses are clearly distracted. Both can cross the arena quickly.
Keep enough stamina available to dodge after casting. Emptying the stamina bar for one additional spell can leave the character unable to avoid a spear charge or magical arc.
Use the Arena Carefully
The boss arena contains Scarlet Rot, adding environmental pressure to an already difficult encounter.
Remain on safer ground whenever possible and avoid rolling repeatedly through contaminated sections. Status buildup can become difficult to monitor while both bosses are attacking.
Keep the fight near the center when practical. Moving too close to the edge can limit camera visibility and create situations where one knight attacks from outside the screen.
Cleanrot Knights Boss Rewards
After both Cleanrot Knights are defeated, the player receives 7,000 runes and the Gold Scarab talisman.
The talisman is awarded automatically, so there is no additional container or hidden route to search after the battle.
How to Equip the Gold Scarab
Open the Equipment menu and place the Gold Scarab in an available talisman slot. The 20 percent rune bonus remains active as long as the item stays equipped.
Because it occupies a slot that could otherwise provide health, stamina, damage, or defense, it may not be ideal during every difficult encounter.
A practical approach is to equip it during exploration, farming, or encounters you can complete reliably, then replace it with a combat talisman for more demanding bosses.
How to Combine the Gold Scarab With a Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot
The Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot temporarily increases rune acquisition by 30 percent for three minutes.
Its effect can be combined with the Gold Scarab, allowing players to receive more than 50 percent additional runes compared with the normal reward during that period.
Best Times to Use the Combination
- Immediately before completing a high-value farming route;
- Near the end of a boss encounter;
- Before defeating a large group of valuable enemies;
- During repeated late-game rune farming;
- Before triggering an event that rewards a large number of runes;
The consumable duration is limited, so activate it only when the valuable enemies are ready to be defeated.
Is the Gold Scarab Worth Getting Early?
The talisman is valuable at almost every stage, but the Abandoned Cave can be difficult for low-level characters. Entering too early may consume more resources and time than the bonus immediately returns.
Players with enough health to survive several attacks, a moderately upgraded weapon, access to Preserving Boluses, and a reliable Spirit Ash should be able to complete the dungeon with careful play.
If the bosses feel overwhelming, return after gaining several levels or improving the weapon. The Gold Scarab remains useful later, so there is no need to force the encounter before the build is ready.
Recommended Level and Equipment
The supplied source does not provide a specific recommended character level. Difficulty will depend heavily on weapon upgrades, Vigor, damage type, and access to summons.
As a general preparation standard, the character should be capable of surviving Caelid’s ordinary enemies and defeating Lesser Cleanrot Knights without exhausting every healing flask.
A well-upgraded weapon often matters more than several additional character levels.
Common Abandoned Cave Mistakes
- Entering without Preserving Boluses;
- Forgetting to activate the Site of Grace;
- Rolling repeatedly through Scarlet Rot;
- Using every healing flask before the boss;
- Fighting groups while standing in contaminated pools;
- Entering the boss room with active Scarlet Rot;
- Ignoring the spear knight during the opening seconds;
- Using Rot-focused attacks against immune bosses;
- Allowing both knights to remain active for too long;
- Forgetting to equip the talisman after earning it;
Most of the dungeon’s difficulty comes from several hazards acting together. Careful resource management can make a greater difference than rushing through the route.
Fast Gold Scarab Route Summary
- Travel to the Smoldering Wall Site of Grace in Caelid;
- Move east toward the ravine;
- Cross the large roots to the opposite cliff;
- Enter the Abandoned Cave and activate its Site of Grace;
- Drop into the Scarlet Rot area;
- Take the left path near the inactive Abductor Virgin;
- Avoid the geysers and pass the summoning pool;
- Move through the Miranda Flower room;
- Climb the ledge and enter the boss tunnel;
- Defeat the spear Cleanrot Knight first;
- Defeat the sickle Cleanrot Knight;
- Equip the Gold Scarab from the Equipment menu;
Final Gold Scarab Checklist
- Activate the Smoldering Wall Site of Grace;
- Cross the roots carefully;
- Rest at the Abandoned Cave Site of Grace;
- Bring a lantern and Preserving Boluses;
- Equip armor with useful Immunity;
- Save healing resources for the boss;
- Use the left route near the Abductor Virgin;
- Activate the summoning pool if cooperative help may be needed;
- Summon a Spirit Ash inside the boss arena;
- Pressure the spear knight before the second boss joins;
- Avoid Scarlet Rot attacks from the sickle knight;
- Equip the Gold Scarab after victory;
- Combine it with Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot during farming;
Getting the Gold Scarab in Elden Ring
The Gold Scarab is worth the journey because its rune bonus remains useful long after Caelid’s Abandoned Cave has been completed. Every farming route, ordinary enemy group, and major encounter can provide more currency while the talisman is equipped.
Reaching it requires careful traversal across the ravine, preparation for Scarlet Rot, and enough resources to survive a dungeon filled with environmental hazards. The final Cleanrot Knight encounter is easier when the spear user is pressured immediately and a Spirit Ash divides the attention of the two bosses.
Bring Preserving Boluses, conserve healing flasks, and avoid relying on Scarlet Rot damage. Once both knights have been defeated, the Gold Scarab is awarded automatically alongside 7,000 runes.
Equip it during exploration and farming, combine it with a Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot when a large rune reward is approaching, and watch character progression become noticeably faster. The Abandoned Cave may be unpleasant, dark, and filled with Rot, but at least the treasure at the end understands the importance of proper financial compensation.
