The characters you meet in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree have their own story arcs and dilemmas. Some want to show their true devotion, while others are out for vengeance. If you're up for it, you can help someone who's out to exact his revenge. Here's our guide on how to complete the Hornsent quest in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. Likewise, please be reminded that this article contains spoilers.

How to complete the Hornsent quest in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

The Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Hornsent quest consists of multiple tasks and steps. It's imperative that you complete each one, as one mistake could lead to abrupt failure without being made aware of it. We've got all the details for you in the next sections.

Map: Hornsent locations

The map above shows where you need to go if you want to tackle objectives for the Hornsent in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. As you can see, you'll travel from the Gravesite Plain region all the way to the Ancient Ruins of Rauh.

First meeting with the Hornsent at Gravesite Plain

You're likely to meet the Hornsent early on when you start the DLC. That's because he's at the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace, which is along the main road in the Gravesite Plain region. Note that he also gives you a map with the locations of the first three Miquella Crosses.

Second meeting with Hornsent and Leda's assassination targets

The next time you encounter Hornsent will be at the Highroad Cross Site of Grace. To reach it, you must defeat Rellana, the major boss at Castle Ensis. At Highroad Cross, Hornsent gives you the second map, which has more Miquella Crosses.

Now, if you proceed north along the main road, you'll arrive at the entrance to Shadow Keep, the foreboding fortress in the middle of the Scadu Altus region. A notification will also tell you that Miquella's Seal has been broken. Don't worry about this, since it just means that you can progress NPC quests further.

Important: Do not advance further into Shadow Keep. Instead, return to Highroad Cross and speak with Hornsent. He tells you that Messmer the Impaler wiped out his people as part of a crusade and that he will have his vengeance soon.

Next, talk to Needle Knight Leda (who's also at Highroad Cross). She asks you if some of the adventurers might turn traitor. By default, you can only choose between Thiollier or Hornsent. Regardless of your decision, Leda will always target Hornsent, since she feels that he'll likely become an enemy down the line.

However, before Leda can eliminate Hornsent, he disappears. Talk to Leda again to find out that Hornsent will be heading to Shadow Keep.

Summon Hornsent against the Golden Hippopotamus boss

Enter Shadow Keep now and tag the Main Gate Site of Grace. In front of you is a sleeping beast. To your left and right, you'll see two summon signs: one for Freyja and one for Hornsent. You must summon Hornsent for this battle. You can summon Freyja, too, if you want, but it's not necessary.

Duel: Leda versus Hornsent

The next part of the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Hornsent quest is quite crucial because of certain ramifications. You'll see several burning boats once you reach the ramparts after the Golden Hippopotamus boss. At the center of this area are steps that lead back down (you can open the doorway back to the hippo boss' arena) and a lift guarded by a Fire Knight.

Check the corner to see two summon signs for a duel that's about to occur. The red sign makes you side with Leda, and the gold sign makes you side with Hornsent. Here's what you need to know:

• If you side with Leda, you have to kill Hornsent, which ends his quest abruptly. You do obtain the Falx sword and his armor set.
• If you side with Hornsent (ideal option since this is a guide about his quest), you have to defeat Leda. This nets you the Ash of War: Swift Slash and Leda's Rune (grants 40,000 runes).

Note: If you decide to help Leda kill Hornsent, she'll return to Highroad Cross and ask if another person might turn into a traitor. She'll attempt to take out Ansbach, and you can choose to side with either of them for that duel. You can learn more about this in our Leda, Ansbach, and Freyja quest guide.

Summon Hornsent during the battle against Messmer

Advance further into Shadow Keep until you reach Messmer's chamber and be ready for a tough battle. Normally, you can call on allies to help by interacting with summon signs outside a boss' chamber. This time, though, the summon sign for the Hornsent is inside Messmer's room. That means you have to summon in the middle of the fight, all while avoiding the boss' attacks.

We recommend dodging Messmer's initial strikes, and then calling on a spirit ash summon. When the coast is clear, interact with the sign to make the Hornsent appear in battle.

After defeating Messmer, the Hornsent will be standing in front of the Impaler's throne. Talk to him to learn of his next goal: the murder of Marika, her offspring, and all denizens of the Erdtree.

Hornsent invasion and rewards

The Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Hornsent quest is about to come to a conclusion. This occurs once you've made your way to the Ancient Ruins of Rauh.

When you enter the northwest temple complex (i.e. the one that's crawling with Caelid Pests), there's a section where you must ascend stone steps. Suddenly, you'll get dismounted, and a notification tells you that you've been invaded by the Hornsent. Watch out for his fast combo sequence that apply bleeding, and take him out.

Defeating the Hornsent nets you the following rewards:

• Falx (curved sword weapon)
• Caterpillar Mask (head armor)
• Braided Cord Robe (chest armor)
• Braided Arm Wraps (hand armor)
• Soiled Loincloth (leg armor)

How to get the Hornsent's weapon and armor set later in the campaign

For those who missed out on the Hornsent's quest, it's still possible to obtain his items later in your run. This occurs once you've gained access to Belurat Tower of Shadow. Past the Cleansing Chamber Anteroom, you'll end up fighting Leda and her allies in a gauntlet-esque battle. The Hornsent will be one of your opponents here, and you can acquire his gear once the fight is over.

That does it for our guide on how to complete the Hornsent quest in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. If you'd like to tackle other objectives, you can take a look at our guides regarding Thiollier, Leda/Ansbach/Freyja, Ymir/Finger Ruins, the Hornsent Grandam, and Fire Knight Queelign.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree takes you to the Realm of Shadow where you have to search for Miquella the Empyrean. If you're looking for more tips and tactics, you can head over to our guides hub.