Are There a Limited Amount of Stonesword Keys in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, there is a limited amount of Stonesword Keys available in Elden Ring. However, while their quantity is finite, the game provides ample opportunities to acquire them through exploration, purchases, and even as a starting keepsake. You don’t need to worry about running out before you’ve unlocked all the important Imp Statues and fog doors if you’re strategic with their use.
Understanding Stonesword Keys: Your Gateway to Secrets
Stonesword Keys are crucial items in Elden Ring that allow you to unlock Imp Statues and fog doors, which conceal valuable items, optional dungeons, and shortcuts. These keys are consumed upon use, emphasizing the need for players to be discerning about where they choose to use them.
Key Acquisition: A Multi-Faceted Approach
Exploration: Unearthing Hidden Treasures
The Lands Between are littered with Stonesword Keys waiting to be discovered. Thorough exploration is key. Keep your eyes peeled for corpses, hidden ledges, and out-of-the-way areas. In Limgrave alone, you can potentially find twelve keys. Remember to explore areas like Nokron, Eternal City, where a key can be found near the Hallowhorn Grounds.
Merchant Purchases: An Investment in Adventure
Several merchants scattered throughout the Lands Between offer Stonesword Keys for sale. One can be purchased from the Nomadic Merchant at Castle Morne Rampart for 2,000 Runes. The Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold sell three keys for 4,000 Runes each. Purchasing these keys represents a worthwhile investment, granting access to content that can significantly enhance your character’s progression.
Character Creation: A Strategic Start
Choosing a pair of Stonesword Keys as your Keepsake during character creation provides an immediate advantage, allowing you to unlock a valuable area early in the game. This is particularly useful for accessing powerful items or shortcuts that can aid in the initial stages of your journey.
Key Quantities: The Numbers Game
While the exact number can vary depending on patches, the general consensus is that there are more keys available than necessary to unlock every Imp Statue. The total number of keys found in the world, plus those available for purchase, significantly outweighs the number required. Based on community estimates, you can find roughly 34 Stonesword keys in the world, and around 18 Stonesword keys can be bought from merchants. In total, you may need only 17 keys to open every fog door. This margin of surplus ensures that you have ample opportunities to explore hidden areas without fear of permanently locking yourself out of content.
Strategic Usage: Maximize Your Gains
Prioritize Valuable Rewards
Not all Imp Statue locations are created equal. Some offer significantly more valuable rewards than others. Before using a key, consider researching the potential contents of the locked area. Certain rewards, such as powerful weapons, talismans, or crafting materials, can provide a substantial boost to your character’s power and are worth prioritizing.
Consider the Cost-Benefit Analysis
Many Imp Statues require more than one key to unlock. For example, one door in Roundtable Hold requires one key, while another behind it requires two, totaling three keys. Evaluate whether the potential rewards justify the investment of multiple keys.
Avoid Unnecessary Use
While there are enough keys to unlock everything, it’s still wise to avoid using them on areas that offer minimal rewards. Resist the urge to unlock every door you come across and instead focus on those that offer clear benefits to your character.
The Illusion of Scarcity
While Stonesword Keys are finite, the abundance of available keys relative to the number of required uses creates an illusion of scarcity. By exploring thoroughly, making smart purchases, and prioritizing valuable locations, you can effectively manage your key supply and unlock the vast majority of hidden content in Elden Ring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many Stonesword Keys can I hold at once?
You can hold up to 99 Stonesword Keys in your inventory. You can also store a large quantity, up to 600, in your storage.
2. Can I trade Stonesword Keys with other players?
No, Stonesword Keys cannot be dropped or traded with other players.
3. Where can I find Stonesword Keys in Limgrave?
Limgrave offers at least twelve potential Stonesword Keys, including those found near the Stormhill Shack Site of Grace and those sold by merchants in the region.
4. How many Stonesword Keys do I need for Roundtable Hold?
You need a total of three Stonesword Keys to fully explore the locked areas in Roundtable Hold. One key opens the first door, and two keys are required for the door behind it.
5. Are Stonesword Keys one-time use items?
Yes, Stonesword Keys are consumed upon use. Once used to unlock an Imp Statue, the key remains embedded in the statue and cannot be retrieved.
6. Is there a Stonesword Key in Nokron, Eternal City?
Yes, there is a Stonesword Key in Nokron, located on a corpse on a ledge behind the Hallowhorn Grounds, near the spirit jellyfish.
7. What is the difference between Stonesword Keys and Imbued Sword Keys?
Stonesword Keys unlock Imp Statues and fog doors, while Imbued Sword Keys activate waygates, specifically the teleporters at the Four Belfries.
8. How many Imbued Sword Keys are there in Elden Ring?
There are only three Imbued Sword Keys in Elden Ring, corresponding to the three functional waygates at the Four Belfries.
9. Can I get multiple Glintstone Keys?
Yes, there are two Glintstone Keys in the game.
10. Is it worth using a Stonesword Key at the Weeping Evergaol?
Using a Stonesword Key at the Weeping Evergaol allows you to fight a boss, but it is an optional encounter and not necessary for story progression. The decision depends on whether you want to face the challenge and obtain the reward.
11. What is the best Keepsake to choose at the start of Elden Ring?
While personal preference varies, the Golden Seed or the Crimson Amber Medallion are often considered strong choices. However, selecting Stonesword Keys as your keepsake can provide a valuable early-game advantage.
12. Are there enough Stonesword Keys to open every Imp Door?
Yes, there are generally enough Stonesword Keys available to unlock every Imp Door in the game, especially if you include those purchased from merchants.
13. What are the best Imp Stone Statues to unlock?
Some notable Imp Stone Statues include those east of the Rampart Tower, in the Fringefolk Hero’s Grave, the Auriza Hero’s Grave, and the cavern in Summonwater Village.
14. Should I save my Stonesword Keys?
It’s advisable to save your Stonesword Keys for locations that offer substantial rewards, such as powerful weapons, talismans, or access to important areas.
15. Where are the Four Belfries located? Which one should I open first?
The Four Belfries are located in Liurnia of the Lakes. If you only have one Imbued Sword Key, the Chapel of Anticipation Belfry is the best choice, as it allows you to revisit the game’s starting area and fight the Grafted Scion boss again.
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