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As many players likely suspected,Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtreefeatures 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,SotEcontinues FromSoftware’s long tradition of telling players very little about what is possible in their games. In theElden RingDLC, one of the best secrets involves theSword of LightandSword of Darkness.
TheSword of Lightand theSword of Darknessare powerful, but they cannot be acquired without first finding theStone-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
There are three altars inShadow of the Erdtreewhere 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 Altar:
TheFog Rift Catacombsare 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 theScadutree Fragments in Gravesite Plainbefore 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 whereAsh 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.
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:
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.
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 theAncient 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.
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’re able to 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.
