The Hornsent Set in Elden Ring is a coveted armor set introduced in the “Shadow of the Erdtree” DLC. This guide will walk you through the steps to acquire this unique set, which comprises the Caterpillar Mask, Braided Cord Robe, Braided Arm Wraps, and Soiled Loincloth.
Step 1: Initiating the Quest
To begin the journey to obtaining the Hornsent Set, you first need to start Hornsent’s questline. Hornsent is found at various locations throughout the DLC, starting at the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace. This site is just north of the first Gravesite Plain, where you’ll meet Hornsent near a massive stone archway and one of Miquella’s glowing crosses. He will provide you with a Cross Map, marking the location of Miquella crosses in the Gravesite Plains area​.
Step 2: Progressing the Quest
After your initial meeting, you need to proceed to the Castle Front Site of Grace and take the eastern path to avoid direct confrontations. Follow this route until you reach the backside of the Fort of Reprimand, break the stone formation to activate the Spiritspring, and jump up the cliff to Sacdu Altus. From here, ride Torrent to the Highroad Cross Site of Grace​​.
At the Highroad Cross Site of Grace, Hornsent will give you another Cross Map revealing the locations of three more crosses. Interacting with these will further progress his questline.
Step 3: Shadow Keep and Breaking the Charm
The next critical location is Shadow Keep. As you approach Shadow Keep from the Highroad Cross Site of Grace, you’ll trigger a message indicating that a great rune has been broken. This event will alter your interactions with all NPCs involved in the quest. Return to Highroad Cross to talk to Hornsent and Needle Knight Leda. Exhaust their dialogues to continue the quest.
Step 4: The Golden Hippopotamus Boss Fight
Head back to the Main Gate Plaza Site of Grace in Shadow Keep. Here, you will find a summon sign to call Hornsent for assistance against the Golden Hippopotamus boss. Defeat this boss to continue the questline​​.
Step 5: Choosing Sides – Leda or Hornsent
After defeating the Golden Hippopotamus, return to the Highroad Cross Site of Grace. Here, Leda will reveal her intention to eliminate Hornsent, and you’ll have a crucial choice: support Leda or Hornsent.
- If you support Leda: You’ll end up killing Hornsent, earning his Falx curved sword and the armor pieces: Caterpillar Mask, Braided Cord Robe, Braided Arm Wraps, and Soiled Loincloth. Additionally, Leda will reward you with the Lacerating Crossed-Tree talisman​​.
- If you support Hornsent: You’ll need to fight Leda. Successfully aiding Hornsent results in receiving the Ash of War: Swift Slash and Leda’s Rune​.
Step 6: Final Steps
If you sided with Hornsent, you can summon him during the fight with Messmer the Impaler. After defeating Messmer, Hornsent will appear at various key points, aiding you until the end of the game​​.
The Hornsent Set is a reward for completing Hornsent’s questline in Elden Ring’s “Shadow of the Erdtree” DLC. By following the steps outlined—meeting Hornsent at the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace, progressing through Shadow Keep, and making critical choices—you can acquire this unique set and additional rewards depending on your decisions. Whether you choose to side with Leda or Hornsent will significantly impact the outcome and the items you receive.
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