Amidst the dark and mysterious landscape of the Lands Between, players of Elden Ring often find themselves stumbling upon areas imbued with ancient, almost forgotten power. One such location is the Cathedral of Dragon Communion a site steeped in lore, magic, and powerful abilities. Located in the far reaches of Caelid, this towering and ominous ruin plays a crucial role for those seeking to embrace the power of dragons. Here, players can trade Dragon Hearts for potent incantations that allow them to wield the might of these mythical beasts. Understanding the Cathedral of Dragon Communion, where to find it, and how to use its blessings is essential for dragon build enthusiasts and lore seekers alike.
Location of the Cathedral of Dragon Communion
Journeying to Caelid
The Cathedral of Dragon Communion is located in southern Caelid, a region known for its crimson rot, grotesque enemies, and eerie atmosphere. To get there, players can begin from the starting region of Limgrave and make their way east through the treacherous roads. Eventually, they will reach the Smoldering Church, then continue down to the southern coastline of Caelid, near the site of grace called Caelid Highway South.”
Approaching the Cathedral
As you near the cathedral, you’ll begin to see signs of decay and fire. The structure itself is a large, broken ruin built into a cliff, with dragon statues and scorched architecture that hint at its violent and ancient history. Nearby enemies include dragon cultists and wandering beasts, so be prepared to fight your way through. Once you reach the cathedral, activate the site of grace to use it as a fast travel point for future visits.
What You Can Do at the Cathedral
Offering Dragon Hearts
The main purpose of the Cathedral of Dragon Communion is to offer Dragon Hearts in exchange for Dragon Communion incantations. These are powerful spells that allow the player to breathe fire, rot, lightning, or even ice, emulating the terrifying power of dragons themselves. Each spell requires a certain number of Dragon Hearts, which are obtained by slaying dragons scattered across the world.
List of Available Spells
- Dragonfire – spew a massive flame breath across the battlefield
- Rotten Breath – inflict Scarlet Rot damage over time
- Glintstone Breath – unleash magical dragon breath
- Smarag’s Glintstone Breath – an upgraded form of magical breath
- Borealis’s Mist – frost-based breath that slows and damages enemies
- Theodorix’s Magma – spew lava that burns and lingers
- Dragonice – a base-level frost breath
- Ekzykes’s Decay – enhanced rot breath with wide area coverage
Note that some of these spells are only available after defeating specific dragons, each representing a unique element or power. Once you acquire their heart, you can return to the Cathedral to unlock that dragon’s incantation.
Dragon Communion Build Potential
Who Should Use These Spells?
Dragon Communion incantations scale primarily with the Faith and Arcane stats, making them ideal for hybrid spellcasters. Players who choose classes such as the Prophet or Confessor will naturally be drawn to these abilities. The Arcane stat, in particular, is often overlooked by new players, but it plays a significant role in boosting the effectiveness of dragon spells. Equipping items that increase Faith and Arcane will make these incantations more viable in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
Best Strategies for Combat
- Use Rotten Breath early in boss fights to apply Scarlet Rot, then kite while it drains health.
- Pair Dragonice with melee weapons for frost procs and damage boosts.
- Use Glintstone Breath for magic-resistant enemies when physical spells fall short.
- Combine a dragon build with talismans like Flock’s Canvas Talisman to boost spell power.
Cathedral Lore and Significance
The Roots of Dragon Communion
The Cathedral of Dragon Communion is not simply a mechanic hub it is a place drenched in the old ways of worship and transformation. According to Elden Ring lore, the Dragon Communion was a heretical rite that allowed mortals to commune with ancient dragons, sacrificing their own humanity to gain draconic strength. Practitioners of this rite underwent horrific transformations, often losing their minds or becoming draconic abominations.
Signs of this ritual are everywhere in the cathedral. From the massive dragon skulls to the crimson and blackened ground, it is clear that great sacrifices took place here. The presence of powerful spells also reflects the idea that those who gave themselves over to the dragons gained formidable magic but at a terrible cost.
Connections to Other Areas
Earlier in the game, players may encounter the Church of Dragon Communion located on a small island in West Limgrave. This smaller church offers basic dragon spells and serves as an introduction to the system. However, it is the Cathedral of Dragon Communion that offers the true potential of dragon power, making it the ultimate destination for those who walk the draconic path.
Tips for Farming Dragon Hearts
Top Dragons to Hunt
- Flying Dragon Agheel – found in Limgrave Lake
- Decaying Ekzykes – near the Cathedral itself
- Borealis the Freezing Fog – northern Mountaintops of the Giants
- Glintstone Dragon Smarag – near Raya Lucaria Academy
- Theodorix the Great Wyrm – in the Consecrated Snowfield
Each dragon offers at least one Dragon Heart, while more powerful ones can offer two. You can return to the Cathedral after each victory to see if new incantations have become available. Many players choose to specialize in hunting these beasts to unlock every Communion spell.
Recommended Tools for Dragon Slayers
- Use ranged weapons or summons to draw agro and create openings.
- Respec into high Arcane before using the incantations for maximum damage.
- Equip armor sets with fire or frost resistance depending on the dragon type.
The Cathedral of Dragon Communion is one of the most iconic and meaningful locations in Elden Ring. It represents a fusion of gameplay, lore, and character progression in a way few places do. Whether you’re after high-damage incantations, fascinated by ancient draconic rituals, or simply want to enhance your Arcane build, this cathedral offers both power and mystery. Venture into Caelid, embrace the Communion, and let the roar of dragons guide your path through the Lands Between.