Overview

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree's Shadow Keep is a massive and intricate legacy dungeon with four distinct regions. While only two of these regions are required to progress the main story leading to Messmer the Impaler, the other two require discovery through a secret path beginning at the Moorth Ruins. Fully exploring this dungeon will grant access to the Ancient Ruins of Rauh and Scaduview/Hinterlands.

Shadow Keep Regions:

Main Gate Plaza

Specimen Storehouse

Church District

Back Gate

How to Reach the Shadow Keep

Shadow Keep is accessible by following the main road north from Castle Ensis. Players must defeat Rellana to enter Scadu Altus. While a shortcut exists to bypass Castle Ensis, exploring it is highly recommended for valuable Elden Ring items and experience. Once inside Scadu Altus, obtaining the map piece will reveal Shadow Keep's location.

Shadow Keep NPC Quests

Two major NPC quests unfold within Shadow Keep:

Hornsent Summon Signs: Found on the bridge with fire pits resembling boats, players must choose between aiding Hornsent or Needle Knight Leda.

Sir Ansbach & Redmane Knight Freyja: Their intertwined questlines take place in the Specimen Storehouse.

Shadow Keep Walkthrough: Part 1 – Main Gate Plaza

Defeating the Golden Hippopotamus

Upon entering Shadow Keep, take the elevator up and face the Golden Hippopotamus boss. You can summon Hornsent for assistance. This boss hits extremely hard, even with Scadutree Blessing 10+. If struggling, consider upgrading further or referencing specialized strategies.

Rewards:

Aspect of the Crucible: Thorns

Two Scadutree Fragments

150,000 Elden Ring Runes

Talisman of Lord's Bestowal & Shortcut 1

From the boss arena, proceed forward and past a kneeling specter.

You'll face Messmer Soldiers, including an ambush from behind on the stairs.

Inside a chamber, collect Smithing Stone [1] x6.

Continue up to a large chamber with two Black Knights.

First Knight: Black Steel Greathammer & Greatshield (Patrols room)

Second Knight: Black Steel Twinblade & Greatbow (Stands at far end)

Loot the following:

Shadow Realm Rune [6] (from stage)

Golden Vow (Consumable) (from body in western wall opening)

Reaching the Golden Tree

Exit and cross a small bridge.

Drop down to retrieve Smithing Stone [5] x5.

Drop again into a courtyard filled with Shadow Undead.

Watch out for the Black Knight (Greathammer & Shield).

Loot Golden Vow (Consumable) x3 from a body behind the knight.

At the golden tree, acquire the Talisman of Lord's Bestowal.

Navigating the Courtyard

Exit 1: Head south and take a wooden path over a chamber.

Drop down and retrieve Smithing Stone [8] x2.

Exit 2: Head northeast to fight another Messmer Soldier and Twinblade Black Knight.

Behind a weapon rack, loot Smithing Stone [1] x4.

Take a ladder leading to a door that opens to the Black Knight chamber.

Cross the bridge again to continue the main path.

Unlocking the First Shortcut

At the end of the bridge, take a left to find Holyproof Pickled Liver.

Proceed onto a large bridge with fire pits resembling boats.

Shadow Militia lurk behind the boats, waiting to ambush.

Near the large staircase on the left, look for a ramp leading to a shortcut.

Descend and eliminate more Shadow Militia.

Find Drawstring Golden Grease on a body.

Open the Main Gate Plaza shortcut door.

Hornsent Summon, Domain of Dragons Painting & Hidden Path

Choosing Sides in the Hornsent vs. Leda Fight

Summon locations: Top of the shortcut ramp.

Golden Sign: Help Hornsent defeat Leda.

Reward: Ash of War: Swift Slash & Leda's Rune.

Red Sign: Help Leda defeat Hornsent.

Reward: Lacerating Crossed-Tree Talisman (collect from Leda later at Highroad Cross).

Finding the Domain of Dragons Painting

Return to the fire-pit bridge and reach the far end.

Collect Smithing Stone [8] x3.

Find a ladder on the northeast side, descending to a hidden path.

Follow along the water, then turn beneath a small waterfall.

Descend another ladder to a chamber.

Painting Location: Domain of Dragons.

Uncovering the Hidden Path to Abyssal Woods

Facing the painting, turn right and interact with the illusory wall.

Proceed through the hidden passage.

At the end, interact with the coffin.

This transports you to Scadu Altus' lower section, unlocking the Abyssal Woods.