How to Obtain the Shard of Alexander in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide
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The Shard of Alexander is a highly sought-after talisman in Elden Ring, prized for its substantial boost to skill damage. Acquiring it requires completing a significant portion of Alexander the Iron Fist’s questline, culminating in a duel in Crumbling Farum Azula. This guide details the steps needed to obtain this powerful artifact.
The Path to Alexander’s Shard: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Acquiring the Shard of Alexander involves following Alexander’s journey through the Lands Between and assisting him at several key locations. Missing an encounter doesn’t necessarily derail the questline entirely, but it’s best to meet him at each location to ensure a smooth progression.
Step 1: Stormhill Encounter
Your first encounter with Alexander will be in Stormhill, just north of the Stormgate. You’ll hear his cries for help; he’s stuck in a hole. To free him, you need to strike him from behind with a blunt weapon (like a club or hammer) or use a pot. He will reward you for freeing him and move on.
Step 2: Redmane Castle
Next, Alexander will attend the Radahn Festival at Redmane Castle. You can find him in the courtyard before the fight. Speak to him to exhaust his dialogue, and you’ll be able to summon him as an ally during the fight against Starscourge Radahn. His participation in the fight is necessary for the quest to progress.
Step 3: Liurnia of the Lakes
After defeating Radahn, Alexander will relocate to Liurnia of the Lakes, south of the Artist’s Shack and near Jarburg. He’s once again stuck. This time, you’ll need Oil Pots to lubricate him. Craft or purchase these and throw them at him before striking him with a weapon. He will again reward you for your help and move on.
Step 4: Mt. Gelmir
Alexander will then find himself in a pool of lava on Mt. Gelmir, near the Magma Wyrm Makar boss fight. You can find him in the area which contains a Magma Wyrm. Talk to him while standing on a nearby rock pillar to avoid lava damage. Exhaust his dialogue here; this is a crucial step. He will give you a Jar helmet.
Step 5: Crumbling Farum Azula: The Final Duel
Finally, Alexander arrives at Crumbling Farum Azula. From the Dragon Temple site of grace, take the lift up (requires two Stonesword Keys to unlock the imp-sealed fog gate). Head outside to the rooftops and you’ll find him in a flat arena after crossing the crumbling tower. He will challenge you to a duel. Defeating him will grant you Alexander’s Innards and the Shard of Alexander talisman. Don’t worry if you lose the first time; he’ll let you challenge him again until you emerge victorious.
The Significance of the Shard of Alexander
The Shard of Alexander greatly boosts the attack power of skills by 15%. This makes it an invaluable talisman for builds that heavily rely on weapon skills and Ashes of War, significantly amplifying their damage output. For those who find enjoyment and strategic value in gaming, sites like the GamesLearningSociety.org offer research and insights into the educational aspects of games and learning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Alexander and his Shard
Can I Miss Alexander’s Questline?
While it’s technically possible to miss encounters, skipping too many might prevent you from progressing the quest. Attending the Radahn Festival is vital. If you skipped the first two locations you will still find him at the Radahn Festival.
Can You Get Both the Shard of Alexander and Warrior Jar Shard?
You can get both, but not in the way described by killing him early. You get both during the Crumbling Farum Azula section of the quest line. After defeating Alexander in Crumbling Farum Azula, he will bestow upon you Alexander’s Innards and the Shard of Alexander Talisman as he dies. You can also collect the Warrior Jar Shard Talisman from his body after he is dead.
How Do I Get the Shard of Alexander in Farum Azula?
By progressing Alexander’s questline to its conclusion, you will find him there. If you have found him everywhere else, you will be able to encounter him and his duel in Crumbling Farum Azula. Defeating him will grant you Alexander’s Innards and the Shard of Alexander talisman. Don’t worry if you lose the first time; he’ll let you challenge him again until you emerge victorious.
Can You Miss Iron Fist Alexander Entirely?
No, as long as you attend the Radahn Festival, you can still start his quest. He will be in the courtyard of Redmane Castle before the festival.
What Level Should I Be to Go to Farum Azula?
The recommended level for Crumbling Farum Azula is around 120-150, but skilled players can attempt it at lower levels. Just be prepared for a significant challenge.
Can You Get the Shard of Alexander Without Completing the Questline?
No, the Shard of Alexander is exclusively obtained by completing Alexander’s questline and defeating him in Crumbling Farum Azula.
Does Celestial Dew Revive Alexander?
No, Celestial Dew cannot revive Alexander. Be careful not to accidentally kill him during his quest steps before the final duel, as this will prevent you from completing the quest and obtaining the talisman.
Does the Shard of Alexander Work with Incantations?
The Shard of Alexander boosts skills, not directly incantations. It is important to note that it is not affected by the Axe Talisman.
What Do You Get for Killing Alexander Early?
If you kill Alexander early before Crumbling Farum Azula, you will get the Warrior Jar Shard. However, you will miss out on the more powerful Shard of Alexander. Killing him after Crumbling Farum Azula, will result in the Shard of Alexander, and the Warrior Jar Shard Talisman.
Can You Finish Alexander’s Quest After Killing the Fire Giant?
Yes, killing the Fire Giant does not lock you out of Alexander’s questline. You can still complete his quest even after defeating the Fire Giant.
How Do I Talk to Alexander in Lava?
On Mt. Gelmir, you can find Alexander in a lava pool near the Magma Wyrm Makar boss fight. Stand on a nearby rock pillar to avoid taking damage from the lava and interact with him.
Does Killing Alexander Give You His Talisman Immediately?
You will get the Shard of Alexander as a reward from him when he dies. You will also get the Warrior Jar Shard Talisman from his body after he is dead.
Where is Alexander After Burning the Erdtree?
After burning the Erdtree, Alexander will be in Crumbling Farum Azula, ready for the final duel.
What Talismans Boost Ashes of War?
The Shard of Alexander specifically boosts the attack power of Ashes of War. Other talismans like the Godfrey Icon (for charged skills) can also enhance their effectiveness.
What Happens if I Kill Alexander Early in Elden Ring?
Killing Alexander early will grant you the Warrior Jar Shard, but it will lock you out of the Shard of Alexander, which is the more powerful talisman. It’s generally recommended to complete his questline to obtain the better reward.