Shadow of the Erdtree: Hornsent quest walkthrough Elden Ring guide, walkthrough
Hornsent is an NPC from the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC that you will encounter early on in your adventure. On this page, we will give you tips on how to complete missions related to this character.
Last update: 11 July 2024
Hornsent is a mysterious character you'll occasionally encounter while exploring the Land of Shadow in Shadow of the Erdtree. This NPC is also associated with a series of interactions spanning several regions, at the end of which you will be rewarded with special treasures. On this page you will learn how to complete Horsent's quests.
- Where will you first encounter Hornsent?
- Encounter with Hornsent in Scadu Altus
- Somewhere a Great Rune has broken
- Should you choose to fight Leda or Hornsent?
- Fighting Messmer
- Final battle with Hornsent
Where will you first encounter Hornsent?
Related map marker: Hornsent - Gravesite Plain @ Shadow of the Erdtree
You will meet Hornsent for the first time in the Gravesite Plain area next to the Site of Grace: Tree-Path Cross. You can talk to him to receive a useful tip - a map of the area with the locations of the three closest Miquella's Crosses, which you can learn more about on this page of our guide.
Encounter with Hornsent in Scadu Altus
Related map marker: Hornsent - Highroad Cross @ Shadow of the Erdtree
After getting through Castle Ensis and defeating the main boss of this location (more about fighting this enemy can be found on the page How to defeat the boss Rellana, Twin Moon Knight?), you will enter a new region - Scadu Altus. You will, again, come face to face with an old friend shortly after entering the new region.
Hornsent will be waiting for you at the Site of Grace Highroad Cross. He'll be accompanied by Needle Knight Leda, who will prove to be very important later in this quest.
After a short conversation with Hornsent, he will give you another map of the nearby Miquella's Crosses.
Hornsent is connected with a short quest of Hornsent Grandam in Belurat. More about this interaction can be found on the page Hornsent Grandam - walkthrough.
Breaking of the Great Rune
Related map marker: Message - Somewhere a great rune has broken @ Shadow of the Erdtree
As you approach the Shadow Keep (the large castle visible on the horizon), your game will be interrupted by a loud sound and a pop-up will appear saying that "somewhere the great rune has been broken". This event is automatic and significantly affects the behavior of many NPCs in the game. It is no different in the case of Hornsent.
Return to the Highroad Cross again and talk to Hornsent. He will comment on recent events and his desire to punish Messmer. After exhausting the dialogue options, Hornsent will leave shortly after that.
Then approach Leda. Talk to the warrior. When she asks you for a suggestion on who she should get rid of, point to Hornsent. The knight will ask for some time to think about this option. Approach the Site of Grace and select the option to speed up time.
Talk to Leda again. After weighing the pros and cons, she will agree with you and consider killing Hornsent to be the right option.
Should you choose to fight Leda or Hornsent?
Related map marker: Ash of War: Swift Slash @ Shadow of the Erdtree
Before you make a decision about Hornsent, you will meet him once again as a summon in front of the arena to fight the Golden Hippopotamus. More information about the fight against this boss can be found on the How to defeat the Golden Hippopotamus boss?.
After getting through the first wave of enemies in the Shadow Keep, you will finally reach the walls of the castle. At the intersection of two paths, you will find two summoning signs. Choosing one of them will determine whether you support Hornsent or Leda.
IF YOU DECIDE TO ALLY WITH LEDA:
You will be summoned to fight against Hornsent. Two-on-one combat definitely makes the fight easier, but don't let your guard down during the fight. For defeating Hornsent, you will receive a set of equipment he wears, which includes:
- Caterpillar Mask;
- Braided Cord Robe;
- Braided Arm Wraps;
- Soiled Loincloth;
- Falx.
Additionally, if you talk to Leda after the fight, she will give you a special talisman - Lacerating Crossed-Tree.
Remember, however, that Hornsent's death marks the end of his storyline, which you will not be able to return to later.
IF YOU DECIDE TO ALLY WITH HORNSENT:
You will stand shoulder to shoulder against the Needle Knight. For defeating her, you will receive:
- Ash of War: Swift Slash;
- Leda's Rune (worth 40,000 runes).
Leda will then disappear from her usual post next to the Highroad Cross, but you will be able to continue Hornsent's quest.
The third, alternative option is to ignore the fight completely. This option will allow you to keep both characters alive while continuing their storylines.
Fighting Messmer
At the end of your Shadow Keep exploration, you will face Messmer the Impaler. Hornsent may be summoned during this fight. What is important though is that his summoning sign is located in a rather inconvenient place, right in the arena.
If you manage to defeat the Impaler together, Hornsent will appear in the empty boss arena (after you rest at the Site of Grace). When approached, he will share his thoughts with you.
Final battle with Hornsent
Related map marker: Hornsent - Church of the Bud @ Shadow of the Erdtree
The final fight with Hornsent will take place some time later, shortly before the fight with Romina, Saint of the Bud in the Church of the Bud in the western part of the Ancient Ruins of Rauh.
The fight takes the form of an invasion. As a reward for defeating Hornsent, you will receive exactly the same loot as the one described above when fighting alongside Leda. This way you will also finish the story of the mysterious Hornsent.