Unraveling Hornsent's Journey and Questline in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring introduces players to a host of new characters and storylines, one of which is the intriguing tale of Hornsent. Filled with vengeance and redemption, Hornsent's quest line takes players on an adventurous path filled with choices and encounters. This guide will help you navigate his journey and understand the consequences of your decisions, ensuring you experience every nuance of Hornsent's storyline.

First Meeting with Hornsent - Gravesite Plain

Your initial encounter with Hornsent occurs at the Site of Grace named 'Three-Path Cross' in Gravesite Plain. This location is hard to miss as it's marked by the peculiar Miquella's Cross, drawing a notable silhouette on the horizon. Upon speaking with Hornsent, players learn about his people's betrayal and his subsequent vendetta against Messmer, along with his tentative alliance with Miquella.

He provides you with his Cross Map, pointing toward significant locations related to Miquella. This map sets players on the main path of the DLC, leaving Hornsent with no more information to offer at the moment. You're encouraged to explore the Gravesite Plain or pursue the path to Belurat, Tower Settlement.

Second Meeting - Scadu Altus

Hornsent's journey leads him to the Site of Grace 'Highroad Cross' in Scadu Altus after players conquer Castle Ensis and its boss, Rellana, Twin Moon Knight. By engaging with Hornsent here, you'll receive the New Cross Map, an expanded guide offering new directions on your adventures.

Your conversations reveal Hornsent's belief in Miquella's cleansing act on the Erdtree's sins, fueling his resolute faith. These exchanges conclude with Hornsent urging you toward the distant Erdtree, hinting at the Shadow Keep as your next significant destination.

Confrontation before Shadow Keep

Approaching the Shadow Keep triggers a crucial event across the NPC-driven storyline, signaled by a distant bell toll and an onscreen message announcing a broken great rune. Return to the Site of Grace 'Highroad Cross' to converse with Hornsent, who emphasizes avenging past wrongs, specifically targeting the Impaler, Messmer.

This interaction introduces suspicion among other characters, notably with Needle Knight Leda, who questions you about potential threats. The choices here impact the storyline profoundly, allowing players to steer Leda's focus towards a particular target, impacting Hornsent's progression.

Assisting Hornsent in Shadow Keep

Hornsent reappears as a summonable ally during two pivotal confrontations at Shadow Keep. Players must strategically choose whether to summon him during these intense boss battles, as your decisions affect the unfolding of Hornsent's quest.

The first major fight occurs near the Main Gate with the formidable Golden Hippopotamus. Here, summoning Hornsent offers aid without affecting the progression of his storyline. Your next choice comes directly after this, with Needle Knight Leda presenting a more nuanced decision - assisting Hornsent or Leda or opting to remain neutral.

The Golden Hippopotamus Encounter

The confrontation at the Shadow Keep's Main Gate introduces players to the monstrous Golden Hippopotamus. During this intense encounter, summoning Hornsent provides crucial assistance, offering a taste of teamwork without impacting his overall quest path.

Whether you summon Hornsent or tackle the beast independently, his storyline remains unchanged, giving you leeway in choosing how to approach this formidable beast. Completing this face-off prepares players for the next critical decision involving Leda and Hornsent's intertwined stories.

The Leda and Hornsent Decision

Continuing along the Shadow Keep ramparts, players face a dramatic choice involving Needle Knight Leda. Encountering two summoning tablets, players can choose to align with either Leda or Hornsent or bypass the scenario altogether.

Choosing Leda prematurely concludes Hornsent’s storyline, with players receiving his unique items as rewards. Alternatively, siding with Hornsent preserves his quest line, offering different rewards and continuing his journey of vengeance and redemption.

Facing Messmer the Impaler

Venturing further into the Shadow Keep, players face another pivotal moment against Messmer the Impaler. Here, Hornsent becomes a potential ally if Leda's challenge is evaded, allowing him to confront his longstanding nemesis.

Summoning Hornsent reinforces his resolve, granting him personal closure and reinforcing his role within the overarching narrative. The outcome shifts Leda's focus away from Hornsent, enabling her to seek new targets and alter subsequent interactions.

Aftermath of Messmer's Defeat

Triumphing over Messmer provides Hornsent with a brief moment of celebration yet also reveals his unyielding thirst for retribution. Interacting with him at the Site of Grace within Messmer’s arena exposes Hornsent’s deepening desire for vengeance despite his momentary gratefulness toward you.

This scene underlines the complexity of Hornsent’s character arc, highlighting the paradox of seeking redemption while being ensnared by the allure of revenge. Players are encouraged to reflect on these dual themes as they proceed through the DLC story.

Final Encounter - Ancient Ruins of Rauh

Reaching the Ancient Ruins of Rauh marks the culmination of Hornsent's journey. Here, amidst a haunting and rotting landscape, Hornsent presents one final challenge, turning on you with little explanation or the dialogue players have come to expect.

This unexpected confrontation provides a melancholic close to Hornsent's long narrative, leaving players to grapple with the abrupt shift. The implications for the DLC’s overarching themes of redemption and vengeance remain open-ended, echoing long after the encounter's conclusion.

Understanding Hornsent's Arc

Hornsent's questline within Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion offers a captivating exploration of vengeance and redemption, interwoven with player choices that shape the narrative. Each interaction and decision contributes to a tapestry of intrigue that defines the complicated nature of his journey.

By navigating this multifaceted questline, players not only influence Hornsent's fate but also engage deeply with Elden Ring's richly detailed world, amplifying the expansion’s emotive impact. Understanding his arc invites reflection on the nuanced portrayal of characters and the prevalence of choice-driven storytelling within the game.