As many players likely suspected, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree features a wide range of secrets that can be very difficult to uncover. Whether it's finding an illusory wall that leads to a new region of the map, or finding one of the most incredible boss fights tucked away in an easily missable area, SotE continues FromSoftware's long tradition of telling players very little about what is possible in their games. In the Elden Ring DLC, one of the best secrets involves the Sword of Light and Sword of Darkness.
Shadow of the Erdtree: How to Get Rakshasa's Great Katana & Armor
Reach Shadow of the Erdtree's Eastern Nameless Mausoleum to collect Rakshasa's Great Katana and Armor Set.
The Sword of Light and the Sword of Darkness are powerful, but they cannot be acquired without first finding the Stone-Sheathed Sword. This guide will explain exactly how to get the required sword, and where players will have to go to transform it into the Sword of Light and the Sword of Darkness.
How to Get the Stone-Sheathed Sword in Shadow of the Erdtree
Head to One of the Three Altars
There are three altars in Shadow of the Erdtree where the Stone-Sheathed Sword can be found. Once you claim the sword from one, it will disappear from the other two. The three altars are located in the following areas:
- Fog Rift Catacombs: This is where most players will acquire the Stone-Sheathed Sword, as it is accessible far earlier than the next two.
- Ruins of Unte: This location is only accessible through a secret path through the Shadow Keep.
- Rauh Ancient Ruins: This area is also only accessible via a path that starts at Shadow Keep.
Fog Rift Catacombs Altar:
The Fog Rift Catacombs are found in Gravesite Plain, north of the Castle Front site of grace. You can reach this dungeon as soon as you enter the Realm of Shadow, though you may want to take the time to gather the Scadutree Fragments in Gravesite Plain before doing so. From Castle Front, simply head north through the ravine guarded by Messmer Soldiers. They will throw firepots at you, but if you are quick, you'll easily make it through. The path will funnel you straight to the catacombs, so don't worry about getting lost.
Once inside the catacombs, as you get close to the end, you'll encounter a long hallway with a spell-caster at the opposite end. You'll have to make your way down the hallway, dodging the projectiles coming at you, as well as the spiked ceiling that is trying to crush you. You are heading to the same area where Ash of War: Blinkbolt is found. At the end of the hall, kill the enemy standing on the platform. Stand where he was standing, right against the railing, and when the large spiked ceiling comes down, you'll notice a cutout you can jump into. Get in, and when it rises, jump on to the platform with the chest.
Now, as the ceiling lowers, you want to jump onto the very top of the spiked ceiling block. Once on top, run back the opposite way toward the entrance. The ceiling will continue to rise and fall with you on it. As you proceed down, you'll see an area on the right you can jump to. You'll see the alter, with a legendary item glowing on it. This is the Stone-Sheathed Sword. Collect it and exit the catacombs however you wish.
Where To Find The Spirit Glaive In Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree
The Spirit Glaive is a unique weapon in Shadow Of The Erdtree that deals physical and magic damage; here's where to find it.
How to Get the Sword of Light and Sword of Darkness in the Elden Ring DLC
Ruins of Unte Altar - Darkness
Now that you have the Stone-Sheathed Sword, it's time to actually turn it into something useful. The item description states that it can be used in rituals, and that's exactly what you are going to do. However, your first task is to reach lower Scadu Altus through the secret passage in the Shadow Keep. Follow these steps to reach the secret path:
- Enter the Shadow Keep through the front gate. If you have not defeated the Golden Hippopotamus, you'll have to before you can proceed.
- Continue along the main path in the keep until you reach a bridge covered in fire pits that look like boats. Head to the end of the bridge.
- On the northeast side of the bridge, you'll find a ladder near the end. Climb down the ladder, then follow the path through the waterfall. You'll end up in a chamber with a painting. Hit the wall on the right side of the room, it's fairly obvious where the illusory wall is. Follow the path that is revealed until you reach a coffin. Enter the coffin to be taken to your destination.
After taking the coffin ride, you'll be released at the Castle Watering Hole site of grace. The Ruins of Unte are very close. Simply head northeast to the large collection of buildings off in the distance.
Once you arrive at the ruins, you'll notice a large Furnace Golem blocking the entrance to the main building. You'll need to reach the roof of the building to the left of the golem and throw a Hefty Furnace Pot into its head basket. This will cause it to come to life. You don't technically need to take it down, but it will make things easier.
Shadow of the Erdtree: Rellana, Twin Moon Knight Boss Guide
Rellana, Twin Moon Knight, is a brutal and deadly boss encountered early on in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, so here's how to take her down.
To craft a Hefty Furnace Pot, you'll need to find the Greater Potentate's Cookbook 2. This is found in the Run-Down Traveler's Rest, south of the Abandoned Ailing Village beneath the Ellac Greatbridge in Gravesite Plain.
With the Furnace Golem out of the way, head into the large field that is now accessible. To the right of the building, at the end of the field, you'll find the second altar. When you approach it, it will ask if you want to raise the sword to the Darkness. Make sure to do it. This is not a permanent decision. You can switch between the Sword of Light and Sword of Darkness any time, simply by visiting the altars.
Rauh Ancient Ruins Altar - Light
To reach the Light Altar, you'll first need to reach the Ancient Ruins of Rauh. As mentioned, this is done through the Shadow Keep. Once you reach the Specimen Storeroom, head west to make your way to the Specimen Storeroom. From the first site of grace in the area, head west to find an elevator. This will lead you to a long chamber with multiple warrior jars. Continue until you reach the West Rampart site of grace. From there, you just need to cross the bridge, and continue on the main path to reach the Ancient Ruins of Rauh.
Follow the grace of gold until you reach the Rauh Ancient Ruins, West site of grace. From here, you'll see a large structure with two massive, arched entrances. Go inside and up the stairs, make a right, then go up the next to the set. Stick to the right side of the room and continue north out of the exit. You'll end up in a large garden area, but just continue heading north. Watch out for extremely deadly enemies in the water area.
Where To Find The Tooth Whip In Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree
Here's where to find Elden Ring's only poison whip and what its unique Ash of War does in Shadow of the Erdtree.
You can ride Torrent through this entire section, making it much faster, and far easier. The enemies in this region are very powerful, so proceed with caution.
Head past the stone gazebo and into the next opening. You'll encounter a rotted area guarded by pest-type enemies. Head to the end of the hall, then turn right. You'll see an exit at the end of the chamber. Make your way through to the small outside area. You'll see the remnants of a broken bridge - ride straight across it to the large structure you can see in the distance. The Light altar is found here.
Remember, you can switch between the Sword of Light and the Sword of Darkness at anytime. You simply need to return to the opposite altar and interact with it. All upgrades will carry over.
- It is currently unknown what happens if you collect the Stone-Sheathed Sword at an altar other than the Fog Rift Catacombs. It is possible that the Light and Dark Altars are slightly different. However, any differences would simply mean you may have to visit the Fog Rift and whichever altar you didn't collect the sword from to transform the sword. In any case, knowing where all three altars are should make it much easier.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Released
- June 21, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Base Game
- Elden Ring
- Developer(s)
- FromSoftware
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
