Elden Ring: Shadow Keep (Main Gate) Walkthrough

The Shadow Keep (Main Gate) is the first section of the Shadow Keep Legacy Dungeon in Elden Ring's "Shadow of the Erdtree" DLC. This guide will help you navigate the dungeon and defeat the challenging boss that guards the Main Gate.

How to Reach Shadow Keep

Start at the Ensis Moongazing Grounds and head north into Scadu Altus. Follow the path until you reach Shadow Keep, passing by the Map Stele to grab the Map - Scadu Altus on your way. Once you enter the keep, ride the elevator up and activate the Shadow Keep Main Gate Site of Grace at the top. Prepare for the first boss battle in this section.

Golden Hippopotamus Boss Guide

At the Main Gate of Shadow Keep, you'll face off against a massive Golden Hippopotamus. The size of this boss makes the fight tricky, especially in the confined arena. This boss primarily uses bite attacks and head swings, and though its moves are simple, they can be deadly if not handled properly.

Key Tips:

    Phase 1:

        The hippo's main attack is a charge with its mouth open, which results in a powerful grab. Avoid panic rolling and strafe to its side to land a few quick hits.

        Its other moves include head swings and double chin slams. Roll past these attacks and wait for the moment of impact to dodge effectively.

        The most dangerous move in this phase is when the hippo dips its head for an upward horn swing. Roll through it for a great counter opportunity.

    Phase 2:

        At 60% health, the hippo enters phase two, glowing gold as quills shoot out from its back. This attack releases needles into the ground, but if you're positioned close to the hippo, you can avoid most of the damage.

        The new attack in phase two involves a ground slam followed by a blast of needles. Dodge the initial slam and roll again to avoid the needles.

Stick to these tactics, use charged attacks to stagger the hippo, and take advantage of bleed damage to wear it down. Upon defeating the Golden Hippopotamus, you'll receive 200,000 Runes, Aspects of the Crucible - Thorns, and Scadutree Fragment x2. Activate the Main Gate Plaza Site of Grace to continue your journey.

Exploring Shadow Keep (Main Gate)

After defeating the boss, proceed through the open door on the left of the Main Gate Plaza. You'll enter an armory and ascend a set of stairs. On the first platform, you'll encounter several Messmer Soldiers. These enemies are distracted, making it easy to backstab or push them off the ledges.

Notable Elden Ring Items to Find:

    Festive Grease: Found near the stairs after clearing out the soldiers.

    Smithing Stone: Looted in a lookout room halfway up the stairs.

Black Knights and Messmer Soldiers

At the top of the stairs, you'll face a dangerous Black Knight who wields a twin blade but lacks a shield. This makes him susceptible to stagger, though his fast combos can deal significant damage if you're not careful. Use charge attacks to stunlock the knight and finish him quickly. Defeating him will reward you with the Main-Gauche weapon, a powerful dagger.

Proceeding up another set of stairs will bring you to a dining room where two more Black Knights await. To handle them:

    Bait the shield knight to draw him out for a one-on-one fight.

    Take down the archer knight by attacking while he switches weapons. Loot the room for the Shadow Realm Rune [6] and the Golden Vow item, which grants the same buff as the incantation without using a spell slot.

Burning Ships and Shadow Militiamen

Exit the dining room to reach a rampart where burning ships and Shadow Militiamen await. These enemies are quick but can be easily staggered. Be cautious, as they can ambush in groups. Loot the Holyproof Pickled Liver and Messmerfire Grease as you clear the area.

At the bottom of a giant staircase, you'll find a patrolling militiaman and three more enemies. After defeating them, grab the Drawstring Golden Grease and open a shortcut back to the Main Gate Site of Grace.

Further Exploration

Instead of returning to the Site of Grace, go back up the stairs and look for a platform below with an item on it. Drop down to collect Smithing Stone x5. Further along, another Black Knight guards a treasure. Take him down from above and claim Golden Vow x3 as your reward.

Behind the knight lies an armory containing more Messmer soldiers and another Twinblade Black Knight. Take out the soldiers first to avoid being overwhelmed. Inside, you'll find Smithing Stone x4 and a doorway leading to a ladder that takes you back to the dining room. Ignore the ladder for now, as there's more to explore.

Golden Tree and Final Steps

Exit the armory and head toward a large golden tree surrounded by shadow enemies. These enemies are passive and won't attack unless provoked, allowing you to explore freely. However, it's best to eliminate them quickly to avoid potential threats later. By the tree, you can collect several Elden Ring Items like the Messmerfire Grease.

After clearing the area and collecting your spoils, return to the Main Gate and prepare for the next section of the dungeon. This concludes the Shadow Keep (Main Gate) walkthrough. With your newly acquired Elden Ring Runes and items, you're well-equipped to handle the challenges ahead.