Direct answer: Defeat the Fire Giant, rest at the Forge of the Giants, and speak with Melina. Choose to burn the Erdtree; the story sequence transports you to Crumbling Farum Azula.
Required route
- Defeat Morgott and reach the Mountaintops of the Giants with the Rold Medallion.
- Travel east across Flame Peak to the Foot of the Forge Site of Grace.
- Defeat the Fire Giant and activate the Forge of the Giants grace at the rim of the cauldron.
- Speak with Melina and confirm you are ready to proceed. If you have inherited the Frenzied Flame, the dialogue option changes, but the forge still advances the story.
- After the cutscene, activate the first Farum Azula Site of Grace.
Before you burn the Erdtree
This is a major story transition. Complete any optional activities in Leyndell and the Mountaintops that you still want to do. Leyndell changes after the late-game sequence, and some city content becomes inaccessible.
Common wrong turns
Defeating the Fire Giant does not teleport you immediately. Rest at the forge grace and use the prompt there. The Four Belfries portal is a short preview/side trip, not the main story entrance.
Research status
Research-reviewed against the Forge of the Giants reference on 29 September 2026. Not gameplay-recorded.
Explore the Crumbling Farum Azula region guide for nearby routes and locations.