Shadow of the Erdtree: How to get to the lower Scadu Altus? Elden Ring guide, walkthrough
The lower parts of Scadu Altus in Shadow of the Erdtree are full of interesting places and enemies. This page will tell you how to find the secret passage to the region where you will find, among other things, the Darklight and the passage to the Abyss Woods.
Last update: 08 July 2024
The lower part of Scadu Altus is a large, flooded area located below the Shadow Keep.Apart from a few points of interest, it serves as a passage to a larger area - Abyssal Woods. On this page, you will learn how to find the secret passage in the sewers under the keep.
Fighting the Golden Hippopotamus
The first step on the way to the lower parts of Scadu will, of course, be unlocking the region. You will gain access to it after defeating Rellana, Twin Moon Knight, who resides at the end of Castle Ensis. More information about fighting her can be found on the guide page: Rellana, Twin Moon Knight.
Mount Torrent and run through the open space of Scadu. Head towards the castle visible on the horizon - the Shadow Keep. Along the way, you'll pass many armed horsemen, a soldier camp, and even a flaming golem, so be careful.
After entering the keep, use the elevator and then activate the Site of Grace in the upper room. Get ready for a boss fight.
Golden Hippopotamus is a rather peculiar, but relatively easy to defeat boss. If you are interested in more information about it, visit the guide page: Golden Hippopotamus.
How to get through the Shadow Keep?
After defeating the Hippopotamus, activate the Site of Grace that will appear in the center of the arena. Then exit through the newly opened door on the left.
Walk through the armories and you will reach the outer part of the castle complex. In this section, you will encounter many lesser enemies, usually patrolling the area in pairs. However, you will be able to eliminate some of them quite easily by simply throwing them into the abyss. When you notice opponents resting near the edge, sneak up on them and then push them with a quick series of attacks. This strategy will allow you to avoid many unnecessary problems.
Keep heading up the wooden stairs. Be careful, because this space is very narrow and it is easy to fall down. With this in mind, we recommend that you aggro individual opponents, escape to one of the wider balconies and eliminate them one by one. A fight with a group of enemies over a dangerous abyss can easily end with you falling and dying.
After reaching the top floor, you will stand in front of the entrance to the feast hall. Be careful, however, because at the other end of the room there will be an enemy waiting with a bow aimed straight at the entrance. What's worse, right behind the door there is a strong opponent with a large hammer. Lure the hammer-wielding enemy out of the room and defeat him on one of the stone balconies below. Then, sprint into the feast hall and deal with the archer as quickly as possible.
Leave the room through the exit to the left of the fireplace. This way you will get to the wide castle walls. While traveling through them, you will certainly be attacked by little men throwing poisonous bombs. They are not very dangerous on their own, but in a group they can easily corner you.
About halfway through the wall you will reach an intersection. It is worth turning right and going down the stairs. At the bottom you will find a gate. After opening it, you will permanently unlock a shortcut leading from the Hippopotamus arena to the castle walls.
How to pass the sewers?
Related map marker: Ladders to lower Scadu Altus - Shadow Keep @ Shadow of the Erdtree
Standing on the walls (with your back to the stairs), turn right. On the left wall (the one facing north) you will find a small notch with a ladder leading down. Go down.
At the bottom, to the right of the ladder, you will find a passage under the waterfall. After going inside and climbing another ladder, you will reach a room with lots of chests and a mysterious painting in the corner.
Interact with the painting depicting dragons and then approach the empty part of wall opposite the easel with the painting. A secret passage will open for you.
Walk through a short section of sewers until you reach a coffin standing over a cliff. After interacting with it, your character will lie down inside.
After a short cut-scene showing the sarcophagus floating down, you will wake up in another part of the sewers.
After leaving the dark room, you will finally find yourself in the lower part of Scadu Altus. Activate the Site of Grace located right next to the exit so that you can return to this place at any time.
After reaching the lower part of Scadu, you can move south towards the Darklight Catacombs and the Abyssal Woods. More information on how to get there can be found on the How to get to the Abyssal Woods guide.