Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Guide: Completing Needle Knight Leda’s Questline

First Encounter: Where to Find Leda

Your initial encounter with Leda takes place in the main game, after specific, pivotal moments like defeating Starscourge Radahn and Mogh, Lord of Blood. Locate the Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum, near the Site of Grace ‘Cocoon of the Empyrean’. Leda stands there. Interact with the cocoon’s withered arm to be transported into the Shadow Realm and begin your journey within the DLC.

Second Encounter: Scadu Altus

Upon entering the Scadu Altus region, the second area of the DLC, you’ll find Leda again. She’s situated at the ‘Highroad Cross’ Site of Grace, after clearing Castle Ensis. Here, she explains how Miquella has bound her companions using a special charm, enabling coordinated action.

Third Encounter: The Breaking of the Charm

A crucial event occurs where a rune is reported broken. Return to Leda. She reveals the charm has shattered, disrupting the harmony within her group. Leda’s loyalty to Miquella remains unshaken, yet a tinge of suspicion toward others develops. You’ll be presented with a choice: to suggest she targets Thiollier or Hornsent. Whichever NPC you choose, Leda will eventually focus her suspicions on Hornsent.

Fourth Encounter: Shadow Keep

Inside Shadow Keep, Leda isn’t directly accessible. Instead, summoning tablets are your conduit to interact. A critical choice awaits: aid Leda in confronting Hornsent, or choose to support Hornsent. Helping Leda eliminates Hornsent’s questline. Assisting Hornsent saves his quest and grants unique rewards. Afterward, Leda will turn her attention to Ansbach.

Fifth and Final Encounter: Enir-Ilim

Near the final boss of the DLC, at Enir-Ilim, Leda will be waiting. She understands your objective to become Elden Lord, distinct from her devotion to Miquella. Leda challenges you to a duel. Your past choices within the DLC impact the outcome. This clash determines the allies that accompany Leda into battle.

Leda’s Allies:

• Dryleaf Dane: Always opposes you.
• Moore: Opposes you if you advised him to “Put it behind you” in his quest.
• Redmane Freyja: Opposes you if you provided Ansbach’s letter in Shadow Keep.
• Hornsent: Opposes you if you didn’t summon him for Messmer and kill him in the Ancient Ruins of Rauh.

Your Allies:

• Ansbach: Summonable if you gave him the Secret Rite Scroll and didn’t side with Leda in Shadow Keep.
• Thiollier: Summonable if you completed his questline by delivering St. Trina’s words.

Leda’s Armor

• Oathseeker Knight Helm
• Oathseeker Knight Gauntlets
• Oathseeker Knight Greaves

Defeating Leda and her allies grants you Leda’s Sword and access to her loot. Loot can be found just beyond the battle area.

Conclusion

Completing Leda’s questline involves a series of encounters, choices, and challenging battles. The outcome of these interactions, especially within Shadow Keep, significantly shapes your final confrontation with Leda. Understanding the impact of past decisions empowers strategic gameplay. Remember, Leda’s fight is just one part of the extensive Shadow of the Erdtree DLC; use online resources to guide you further through the intricate quests within the expansion.