Elden Ring can’t really be considered a puzzle game, but the developers like to give us a change of pace every now and then. The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC includes many sealed Sources, which you’ll need to free if you want to progress through the Shadowlands.
Clue on Sealed Sources
There is a good chance that you will find the clue about the sources, before you meet one. It is possible that this is the reason for your presence here. There is no need to buy this document from Moore for 1000 Runes, it does not unlock any particular dialogue, nor any option.
Functioning
The usable wind columns on Torrent’s back should be familiar to you at this point in the game (at least, we hope so for you). In the Shadowlands, some of these columns, called Spirit Springs, are effectively sealed, rendering them unusable. Their animation is much less visible in this state. You can’t jump or land without splattering like a pancake in a sealed spring.
Unsealing the sources
The solution is simple and intuitive. As Moore explains, you have to find a pile of special stones and destroy it by attacking it. The said pile of stones is displayed transparently, in the sealed source. So you know what to look for.
This pile of stones is usually close to the source, at least, at the beginning of the game. As you progress through the DLC, things will get more complicated. The piles of stones will be further away, and above all, they can be heavily defended, or even hidden. We found a pile of stones hidden behind an illusory wall, in the mages’ tower for example.
After vandalizing the pile of stones, all you have to do is take advantage of your spiritual source, in order to reach places that have not yet been explored.
Position of sealed sources
Here is a comprehensive map with all the sealed sources, the first one you will encounter, to the East of the first region. It allows you to reach the second area, without having to kill Rellana, knight of the twin moons.
