Skip to content
HUNDOPATH
Sign in
0%, 0 of 2517

All areas

Run 1 of 3 · Grouped by category

Current area: Shadow Keep and Specimen Storehouse

Run 1 of 3 · 0 of 32 in this area

On this device

Elden Ring: Elden Ring 100% Completion Guide

Next up

Shadow Keep and Specimen Storehouse

From the Main Gate Plaza up through the Specimen Storehouse: the signs at the burning boats, Ansbach and Freyja, then Messmer last.

This section climbs the Shadow Keep in Scadu Altus, from the Main Gate Plaza grace through the Specimen Storehouse to the top. The order matters: the signs at the burning boats first, then Ansbach and Freyja, and Messmer's room last of all. Ansbach, Freyja and Hornsent only come here once you've spoken to each of them after the great rune broke, so finish those talks first.

Shadow Militiaman SetArmorDLC: Shadow Of The Erdtree
Location
Shadow Keep · Main Gate Plaza – Open the southeast door of the Main Gate Plaza: four Shadow Militiamen wait just outside it. The grace is a few steps back, so kill them, rest and repeat.
Summary
Random drop, so farm it only if you want it.
Sources
Report an issue
Answer the signs before Messmer's room

Messmer's room is at the top of the Storehouse, and the first time you walk in the signs at the burning boats are gone. That loses the step with Hornsent, the Swift Slash Ash of War and Leda's Rune for this run. No fog marks that doorway, so do the next row now, while you're here.

Help Hornsent at the battlementsHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnDLC: Shadow Of The ErdtreeMinor spoiler
Location
Shadow Keep · Burning boats – From the Main Gate Plaza grace go out the southeast door and up the ramp to the burning boats. A red sign and a gold sign lie by the stairs on the south side, before the way up to the lift. Touch the gold one, leave the red one for NG+, and beat Leda before she kills Hornsent.
Why you can lose it
The signs at the burning boats vanish the first time you walk into Messmer's room.
Point of no return
You walk through the double doors beside the Dark Chamber Entrance grace into Messmer's room. No fog marks it the first time.
Requires
Summary
This run takes Hornsent's side. No signs here means Hornsent hasn't arrived or Leda hasn't chosen: talk to both at Highroad Cross, name Hornsent to her, rest, and talk to her again.
Sources
Report an issue
Ash of War: Swift SlashHidden spoiler – activate to revealSkillMissablePoint of no returnDLC: Shadow Of The ErdtreeMinor spoiler
Location
Shadow Keep · Burning boats – Yours for winning that fight on Hornsent's side.
Why you can lose it
The signs at the burning boats vanish the first time you walk into Messmer's room.
Point of no return
You walk through the double doors beside the Dark Chamber Entrance grace into Messmer's room. No fog marks it the first time.
Requires
Summary
Ash of War. This side of the signs is the only way to get it.
Sources
Report an issue
Leda's RuneHidden spoiler – activate to revealConsumableMissablePoint of no returnDLC: Shadow Of The ErdtreeMinor spoiler
Location
Shadow Keep · Burning boats – Leda drops it in the same fight.
Why you can lose it
The signs at the burning boats vanish the first time you walk into Messmer's room.
Point of no return
You walk through the double doors beside the Dark Chamber Entrance grace into Messmer's room. No fog marks it the first time.
Requires
Summary
A rune to spend or keep.
Sources
Report an issue
Grace: Storehouse, First FloorAreaDLC: Shadow Of The Erdtree
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – From the burning boats climb the stairs north-northeast and cross the bridge to the Fire Knight in front of the big archway. Behind him a large lift goes up, and stairs at its top lead into the Storehouse, where the grace is.
Sources
Report an issue
Ash of War: Wall of SparksSkillDLC: Shadow Of The Erdtree
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – From the Storehouse, First Floor grace go west into the room of stone tablets and ride its lift down. Step off, take the hallway on your right and then its first left, watching for a jar that jumps out of the doorway: the corpse sits at the railing of that balcony.
Summary
Ash of War.
Sources
Report an issue
Battlefield Priest's Cookbook [4]Key itemDLC: Shadow Of The Erdtree
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – Back in the hallway carry on north into the next room. Left of the stairs the wall ends the way: hit it to open a hidden room with the cookbook on a corpse.
Summary
Crafting recipes.
Sources
Report an issue
Grace: West RampartAreaDLC: Shadow Of The Erdtree
Location
Shadow Keep · Rampart – Leave the ward by its west doorway, where a jar waits to grab you, take either staircase down and walk out onto the rampart. The bridge past the grace leads to the Ancient Ruins of Rauh: leave it for now and fast travel to the Storehouse, First Floor grace.
Sources
Report an issue
Fire Knight's GreatswordWeaponDLC: Shadow Of The Erdtree
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – Take the lift southwest of the Storehouse, First Floor grace down and look for the one Fire Knight carrying it. It's a drop of about 4%.
Summary
Random drop.
Sources
Report an issue
Revered Spirit Ash (specimen back)UpgradeDLC: Shadow Of The Erdtree
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – From the Storehouse, First Floor grace climb the stone tablets onto the low bookshelf ahead and sprint-jump the gap to the foot of the great fossil. Go round its tail, up the wooden bookcase and the stacks of tablets, and walk up its back to the Ash. It can also be reached by dropping from the feet of the hanging specimen at the third-floor bridge.
Summary
Raises your Revered Spirit Ash Blessing.
Sources
Report an issue
Find Ansbach at Storehouse, First FloorHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnDLC: Shadow Of The ErdtreeMinor spoiler
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – From the Storehouse, First Floor grace go north round the great fossil and up the stairs, past a ghostly scholar throwing fire. Along the north wall a short flight drops into a side room, and he's reading in its back corner. Talk until his lines repeat, but hand him nothing yet.
Why you can lose it
His steps in the keep end when the Sealing Tree burns.
Point of no return
You use Messmer's Kindling on the Sealing Tree behind the Church of the Bud.
Requires
Summary
He only reaches this room once you've exhausted him at Main Gate Cross after the great rune broke.
Sources
Report an issue
Boltdrake Talisman +3CollectibleDLC: Shadow Of The Erdtree
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – Leave Ansbach's room and keep northwest to the stairs on your right, with two militiamen in the dark beside them, and climb to the second floor. Take the walkway east past the next stairs and keep right where it forks; near the end, drop over the railing to the corpse. The lever on the northwest wall there opens a way back to the first floor.
Summary
Talisman.
Sources
Report an issue
Dueling ShieldWeaponDLC: Shadow Of The Erdtree
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – Climb back to the second floor and take the stairs up to the third. Pass the Fire Knight southwest of them and follow the walkway south onto the bridge, where four militiamen come round the corner. Near its far end jump from the railing to the narrow support beam on the east side: the corpse is by the wall.
Summary
Shield.
Sources
Report an issue
Grace: Storehouse, Fourth FloorAreaDLC: Shadow Of The Erdtree
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – Where the third-floor walkway turns, by the Dueling Shield's bridge, jump onto the feet of the huge specimen hanging there. Climb its body to the horns and jump across to the balcony: the grace is in that room.
Sources
Report an issue
Don't hand over the scroll yet

The next row is Ansbach's Secret Rite Scroll, and the order you use it in matters. Talk to Freyja on the seventh floor, then tell Ansbach about her, and only then give him the scroll. Give it to him early and he leaves at your next rest or fast travel, and the Letter for Freyja goes with him.

Secret Rite ScrollHidden spoiler – activate to revealKey itemMissablePoint of no returnDLC: Shadow Of The ErdtreeMinor spoiler
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – From the Storehouse, Fourth Floor grace go west onto the balcony, south up the stairs and across the wide platform to the Fire Knight casting from the next flight. Past him, before the bats, a stair on your left leads down to a doorway on the right. It waits on a table behind the tall bookshelves, by the drop.
Why you can lose it
It must reach Ansbach before the Sealing Tree burns.
Point of no return
You use Messmer's Kindling on the Sealing Tree behind the Church of the Bud.
Summary
Ansbach needs it, but not yet.
Sources
Report an issue
Grace: Storehouse, Seventh FloorAreaDLC: Shadow Of The Erdtree
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – Back outside, climb the stairs, go east round the corner and take the doorway on your left into the fifth floor. Head northeast past the deer specimen to the stairs and climb to the sixth floor, where Fire Knights patrol. Go on up the next two flights: the grace is straight ahead in the southwest room.
Sources
Report an issue
Talk to Freyja at Seventh FloorHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnDLC: Shadow Of The ErdtreeMinor spoiler
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – She crouches over a stone tablet by the fireplace, in the same room as the Storehouse, Seventh Floor grace. Talk until her lines repeat: she can't read it and wishes she'd asked Ansbach.
Why you can lose it
Her steps in the keep end when the Sealing Tree burns.
Point of no return
You use Messmer's Kindling on the Sealing Tree behind the Church of the Bud.
Requires
Summary
This talk is what lets you tell Ansbach about her.
Sources
Report an issue
Fire Knight SetArmorDLC: Shadow Of The Erdtree
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – Fire Knights drop each piece at about 3%, and the ones around the Storehouse, Seventh Floor grace are the handiest to farm.
Summary
Random drop, so farm it only if you want it.
Sources
Report an issue
Fire Knight's ShortswordWeaponDLC: Shadow Of The Erdtree
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – One carries it close by, east of the Storehouse, Seventh Floor grace. It's a drop of about 4%.
Summary
Random drop.
Sources
Report an issue
Tell Ansbach of Freyja, then give the scrollHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnDLC: Shadow Of The ErdtreeMinor spoiler
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – Fast travel to the Storehouse, First Floor grace and go back to his side room off the north wall. Pick the option about Freyja's decision first and talk until he repeats; only then hand over the Secret Rite Scroll.
Why you can lose it
He must have the scroll before the Sealing Tree burns.
Point of no return
You use Messmer's Kindling on the Sealing Tree behind the Church of the Bud.
Requires
Summary
Without the scroll he never leaves this room, and he can't be called on in the last fights of the expansion.
Sources
Report an issue
Letter for FreyjaHidden spoiler – activate to revealKey itemMissablePoint of no returnDLC: Shadow Of The ErdtreeMinor spoiler
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – Rest at the Storehouse, First Floor grace, walk back to his room and talk to him: he hands it over. If he gave it to you before you rested, you're already done here.
Why you can lose it
Give him the scroll before telling him of Freyja and he leaves at your next rest, with the letter.
Point of no return
You give Ansbach the Secret Rite Scroll before telling him of Freyja's decision, then rest or travel away.
Requires
Summary
Take it to Freyja.
Sources
Report an issue
Golden Lion ShieldHidden spoiler – activate to revealWeaponDLC: Shadow Of The ErdtreeMinor spoiler
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – Fast travel to the Storehouse, Seventh Floor grace and give Freyja the letter by the fireplace. Talk until her lines run out: she hands you the shield.
Requires
Summary
Medium shield. Giving her the letter also brings her to a later fight, where the rest of her gear comes from.
Sources
Report an issue
One more word for Ansbach

Next time you pass his side room on the first floor, pass on Freyja's message. It's talk only, so if he's gone, nothing is lost.

Pearldrake Talisman +3CollectibleDLC: Shadow Of The Erdtree
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – From the Storehouse, Seventh Floor grace go northeast over the wooden bridge, take the stairs east down to the sixth floor's east room and pull the lever on its south side, which shifts the hanging specimens. Fast travel to the Storehouse, First Floor grace and climb to the third floor, where a Fire Knight faces the middle of the hall. Past him, west-southwest at the railing, take it from the raised specimen's hair.
Summary
Talisman. It can't be reached until the lever is pulled.
Sources
Report an issue
Kood, Captain of the Fire KnightsBossDLC: Shadow Of The Erdtree
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – From the Storehouse, Seventh Floor grace return to the lever room and jump from the balcony by its doorway onto the narrow beam. Cross to the central pillar, climb the specimens to the horned one on the west side, and jump from its horns down to the balcony. Go out through that room and turn right up the steps: at the far end of the bridge a Fire Knight holds the double doors.
Summary
A tougher Fire Knight guarding the way to the top of the keep.
Sources
Report an issue
Grace: Dark Chamber EntranceHidden spoiler – activate to revealAreaDLC: Shadow Of The ErdtreeMinor spoiler
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – Go through the double doors Kood guarded and climb the stairs: the grace is at the top. The doors next to it lead straight into Messmer's room, so leave them shut for now.
Sources
Report an issue
Impenetrable ThornsSpellDLC: Shadow Of The Erdtree
Location
Shadow Keep · Specimen Storehouse – From the Dark Chamber Entrance grace go down the stairs, back over Kood's bridge and down the next flight to the doorway. Below the ledge where a scholar gazes out there's a platform: step down, kill the bat, and loot the corpse against the east wall. Fast travel back to the grace.
Summary
Sorcery.
Sources
Report an issue
Before you open Messmer's doors

The double doors beside the Dark Chamber Entrance grace open straight into his room, with no fog the first time. Walking in removes the signs at the burning boats for this run, so check you hold the Swift Slash Ash of War and Leda's Rune. If not, go back to the boats now. Killing him also ends Hornsent Grandam's first talks in Belurat, so make sure you've met her and have Watchful Spirit.

Summon Hornsent against MessmerHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnDLC: Shadow Of The ErdtreeMinor spoiler
Location
Shadow Keep · Messmer's Dark Chamber – Once the fight has started, a gold sign appears inside the room on your right: touch it to bring Hornsent in. He doesn't need to survive.
Why you can lose it
His sign is only there during the fight, so this step ends when Messmer dies.
Point of no return
Messmer the Impaler dies.
Requires
Summary
This is what sends him to his invasion on the way to Romina, and his gear with it.
Sources
Report an issue
Messmer the ImpalerHidden spoiler – activate to revealBossDLC: Shadow Of The ErdtreeMinor spoiler
Location
Shadow Keep · Messmer's Dark Chamber – Go through the double doors beside the Dark Chamber Entrance grace and the fight begins inside.
Requires
Summary
The lord of the Shadow Keep, and the Kindling he carries opens the way on. Bring fire resistance.
Sources
Report an issue
Talk to Hornsent in Messmer's arenaHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnDLC: Shadow Of The ErdtreeMinor spoiler
Location
Shadow Keep · Messmer's Dark Chamber – Rest once at the Messmer's Dark Chamber grace and he appears beside it. Talk until his lines repeat. If you miss him here, the same talk waits for you at Highroad Cross.
Why you can lose it
His last steps need this talk, and they end when the Sealing Tree burns.
Point of no return
You use Messmer's Kindling on the Sealing Tree behind the Church of the Bud.
Requires
Summary
Finish this talk or his invasion won't happen.
Sources
Report an issue
Gourmet Scorpion Stew x2Hidden spoiler – activate to revealConsumableMissablePoint of no returnDLC: Shadow Of The ErdtreeMinor spoiler
Location
Belurat, Tower Settlement · Storeroom – Fast travel to the Small Private Altar grace in Belurat and cross the bridge to the storeroom. Put on the Divine Beast Head and speak to Hornsent Grandam for the first stew. Rest at the grace and come back: she's asleep, with a second stew beside her.
Why you can lose it
Take both stews before the Sealing Tree burns.
Point of no return
You use Messmer's Kindling on the Sealing Tree behind the Church of the Bud.
Requires
Summary
Her last gifts, and the only source of this stew.
Sources
Report an issue

The Shadow Keep is finished. The way on is the West Rampart grace: the bridge beyond it crosses to the Ancient Ruins of Rauh, where the next section starts.

About this guide

Expect about 230 hours over three runs, in a game where bosses take practice. This route uses no save backups. Run 1 collects everything in the base game and Shadow of the Erdtree, and takes about 170 of those hours. NG+ (about 40) and NG++ (about 20) are shorter runs for the other two endings and the other quest branches, with tougher enemies and some bosses to beat again for remembrance trades. Random drops and free-choice NPC kills never count toward 100%.

Last verified: Nov 5, 2026 · Patch 1.17.2 (PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series, PC Steam, Switch 2) · 0 community corrections shipped

Unofficial fan guide. Not affiliated with the publisher.