UPDATE: We have updated some of the steps in this guide with additional, streamlined information so you can complete Hornsent’s quest with ease.
Guide to Hornsent’s Quest in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree introduces an array of vibrant characters, many of whom are more friendly than hostile. Among them is Hornsent, who aids players in their pursuit of Miquella by offering valuable maps and insights about the mysterious Realm of Shadow. However, as is typical in Elden Ring, you must tread carefully. Your interactions with Hornsent and other NPCs can influence future events, making it essential to strategize your decisions throughout the quest.
This guide provides essential information on how to successfully navigate Hornsent’s quest while minimizing potential pitfalls along the way. Be warned: spoilers lie ahead regarding Hornsent’s journey and its implications!
Steps to Complete Hornsent’s Quest
- Commence your quest by speaking with Hornsent at Three Path Cross.
- After defeating the Castle Ensis boss, Rellana, visit Hornsent again at Highroad Cross.
- Explore Scadu Altus; post-shattering, return to confer with Leda and Hornsent at Highroad Cross.
- Decide whether to advise Leda to align with Thiollier or Hornsent—your choice will not affect the outcome.
- Travel to Shadow Keep and defeat the boss guarding the Main Gate.
- Proceed through the Keep to the main plaza of burning boats and lend your assistance to Hornsent.
- During the battle against Messmer, summon Hornsent for support and converse with him afterwards.
- Prepare for an invasion from Hornsent in the Ancient Ruins of Rauh, concluding his quest.
- You may retain Hornsent’s life by visiting Rauh before facing Messmer, though this remains unconfirmed.
Hornsent Encounter: Three Path Cross
Your introduction to Hornsent occurs at Three Path Cross. Alongside Freyja, he is positioned near Ansbach and Moore, slightly west at Main Gate Cross. Hornsent offers you a crucial map detailing Miquella’s Crosses, which will assist you in your upcoming adventures.
Interacting with Hornsent at Highroad Cross
Once you’ve gleaned what you can from Three Path Cross, your next engagement with Hornsent occurs at Highroad Cross, following your victory over Rellana at Castle Ensis. Here, Hornsent will provide you with another version of the Miquella’s Crosses map. It’s wise to explore further until encountering the significant event known as ‘the shattering’.
During this segment, feel free to trade Hornsent some Scorpion Stew, which can be sourced from Hornsent’s Grandam, in exchange for the valuable crafting material known as Furnace Visage. After ‘the shattering’, re-engage with Hornsent and other NPCs, including Leda, who expresses her desire to identify those who mean harm to Miquella. Here, you’ll make a choice between supporting either Hornsent or Thiollier, but your choice won’t influence the narrative significantly.
Helping Hornsent in Shadow Keep
Your next task directs you to the main plaza within Shadow Keep, known for its burning boats. After defeating the Main Gate boss, you can access this area via the Specimen Storehouse. Within the plaza, two summon signs await you: one for aiding Leda in her invasion of Hornsent, and another for assisting Hornsent against Leda.
To complete Hornsent’s quest, choose to help him invade Leda. Fortunately, this does not lead to Leda’s demise, allowing for future encounters with her.
Confrontation with Messmer the Impaler
After the invasion, continue your exploration in Shadow Keep until you reach Messmer the Impaler in the Dark Chamber area. You’ll find him guarded by a Fire Knight across a bridge to the northwest of the Keep. Once inside the boss arena, summon Hornsent to assist you during the fight. Post-battle, make sure to speak with him by the Grace, as his insights can be crucial.
However, be prepared for a surprise when Hornsent expresses his intention to turn against the Erdtree’s denizens.
The Final Encounter: Ancient Ruins of Rauh
After concluding your dialogue with Hornsent, revisit other NPCs to gather further information. Next, travel to the Ancient Ruins of Rauh, where a letter from Dryleaf Dane indicates the presence of a sealing tree nearby. Delve into the ruins, and you will eventually encounter Romina, Saint of the Bud. However, as you near her arena, Hornsent will ambush you.
Defeat Hornsent during this encounter to acquire his gear and Falx, marking the completion of his quest. However, should you wish to spare Hornsent, he can return as a foe in subsequent battles. To achieve this, avoid summoning him during your confrontation with Messmer and instead choose to invade Leda at Shadow Keep, or bypass the invasions altogether.
Following this path will lead Leda to shift her focus away from Hornsent and turn her sights on Ansbach instead. In my experience, this strategy allows for a later encounter with Hornsent after your battle with Romina, which can provide a more manageable challenge during the late game.
With this guide, you are well-equipped to navigate Hornsent’s quest. If you’re interested in additional quests in Shadow of the Erdtree, consider exploring how to complete both Thiollier’s and Igon’s quests, which also present intriguing challenges and visually stunning environments.
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