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Unlocking Elden Ring’s Secrets: A Guide to the Imbued Sword Keys

So, you’re itching to explore every nook and cranny of the Lands Between using those mysterious Imbued Sword Keys, are you? Well, buckle up, Tarnished, because while these keys are indeed potent tools for uncovering hidden areas, acquiring them involves a bit of exploration, a dash of puzzle-solving, and maybe even facing down a few formidable foes. The bottom line is this: You can obtain three Imbued Sword Keys in a single playthrough of Elden Ring. Let’s break down exactly where to find them and how to use them to unlock the secrets they guard.

Location, Location, Location: The Three Keys

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of each Imbued Sword Key location:

Key #1: The Four Belfries Chest: This is the most straightforward key to acquire. Head to the Four Belfries, located to the northwest of the Liurnia of the Lakes region. Climb the tallest belfry. You’ll find a chest at the top containing an Imbued Sword Key. Simple as that!
Key #2: Raya Lucaria Academy Rooftops: Obtaining this key requires navigating the treacherous rooftops of the Raya Lucaria Academy. You’ll need to progress through the Academy until you reach the Debate Parlor Site of Grace (after the Red Wolf of Radagon boss fight). Exit the Parlor and head left, then onto the rooftops. Carefully traverse the rooftops, fighting off Glintstone Sorcerers and avoiding falling to your death. Eventually, you will find a corpse slumped against a railing on the east side of the rooftops. Loot the corpse to claim your second Imbued Sword Key. This requires a good bit of parkour, so be prepared to practice your jumps.
Key #3: Sellia, Town of Sorcery: This key is hidden within the Sellia, Town of Sorcery, located in the Caelid region. This town is sealed off initially, but you can light the braziers atop the towers to unlock the path. Once inside, navigate to the northeast section of town. Search for a small building that’s often obscured by magic and rubble. The Imbued Sword Key is inside this building.

Using Your Keys: The Four Belfries Portals

Once you have your Imbued Sword Keys, it’s time to put them to use. Return to the Four Belfries. Each belfry (except the one with the chest) has an inactive Waygate. Examine each Waygate, and you’ll see a prompt to use an Imbued Sword Key to activate it. Each portal leads to a different, distinct location:

Chapel of Anticipation: This portal, labelled “Precipice of the Church,” takes you back to the very beginning of the game, the Chapel of Anticipation. Here, you can have a rematch with the Grafted Scion, the boss who likely humbled you at the start. Defeating him now yields the Ornamental Straight Sword and the Golden Beast Crest Shield. You’ll also find the Stormhawk King, a key item for Nepheli Loux’s questline.
Crumbling Farum Azula (Isolated Divine Tower): This portal is labelled “Unending Eclipse.” It transports you to a small, isolated platform in Crumbling Farum Azula. This area provides access to the Stormcaller Church Site of Grace and a unique vantage point. Be cautious, as this area is populated by powerful enemies. It allows you to acquire the Old Lord’s Talisman.
Night Sky Unending (Nokron, Eternal City): This portal takes you to a small, seemingly inaccessible part of Nokron, Eternal City, known as Night Sky Unending. This area allows you to grab the Marika’s Soreseal, a powerful talisman that boosts your stats but also increases the damage you take. This provides access before Ranni the Witch’s questline.

Important Note: Each Imbued Sword Key can only be used once. Choose wisely which portals you want to activate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Imbued Sword Keys

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Imbued Sword Keys and their usage, ensuring you have all the knowledge you need to become a true Elden Ring explorer.

1. Can I get more than three Imbued Sword Keys in a single playthrough?

No. There are only three Imbued Sword Keys available per playthrough. Once you’ve collected them all, you cannot acquire any more until you start New Game Plus.

2. What happens if I use an Imbued Sword Key on the wrong portal?

Unfortunately, there’s no way to undo your choice. Once a key is used, it’s gone. So, be absolutely sure about which portal you want to activate before using a key. Save your game before using the keys to be certain.

3. Is it possible to respec in Elden Ring?

Yes, it is possible to respec your character in Elden Ring. You’ll need to defeat Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, and then you’ll be able to respec your stats using Larval Tears.

4. What is the best order to use the Imbued Sword Keys?

There’s no objectively “best” order, as it depends on your character build and playstyle. However, many players find that accessing the Chapel of Anticipation early is beneficial for obtaining the Ornamental Straight Sword and familiarizing themselves with the opening area again.

5. What is the significance of the Stormhawk King?

The Stormhawk King is a key item in Nepheli Loux’s questline. Giving it to her at the Roundtable Hold will progress her story and can lead to significant rewards.

6. Can I skip the Grafted Scion fight at the beginning of the game?

While it’s technically possible to defeat the Grafted Scion early on, the game is designed for you to lose. Losing triggers the intended storyline. However, you can later return and defeat him using the Imbued Sword Key.

7. What are the best talismans to use in Elden Ring?

The “best” talismans depend on your build, but some highly regarded ones include the Radagon’s Soreseal, Marika’s Soreseal, Erdtree’s Favor, Green Turtle Talisman, and talismans that boost specific damage types.

8. How do I access Nokron, Eternal City, without the Imbued Sword Key?

You can access Nokron, Eternal City, by defeating Starscourge Radahn at Redmane Castle. This unlocks a path to Nokron through a fallen star that creates a massive crater.

9. What is the purpose of Redmane Castle?

Redmane Castle serves as the access point to the boss fight against Starscourge Radahn, a crucial boss for progressing several storylines, including Ranni’s quest.

10. What is the best class to start with in Elden Ring?

The “best” class is subjective and depends on your preferred playstyle. However, the Vagabond and Astrologer are often recommended for beginners due to their balanced stats or strong starting spells, respectively.

11. What happens if I refuse Melina’s accord?

You cannot progress the game if you refuse Melina’s accord. Accepting her offer is necessary to level up and unlock essential game mechanics.

12. Where can I find Larval Tears for respecing?

Larval Tears are found throughout the Lands Between, often in chests, dropped by enemies, or sold by merchants. Search diligently in areas like Liurnia of the Lakes and Nokron, Eternal City.

13. How does New Game Plus work in Elden Ring?

In New Game Plus, you retain your character’s level, equipment, and spells but face increased enemy difficulty. You can also access certain items and areas that were previously unavailable.

14. What is the level cap in Elden Ring?

The level cap in Elden Ring is 713. After reaching this level, all stats will be maxed out at 99.

15. Where can I learn more about the lore and mechanics of Elden Ring?

For in-depth discussions, lore analysis, and collaborative knowledge-building on Elden Ring, consider visiting websites like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. They offer valuable resources and community insights.

Remember, Tarnished, the Lands Between are vast and full of secrets. Experiment, explore, and don’t be afraid to die a few times along the way. With these Imbued Sword Keys and the knowledge you’ve gained, you’re well on your way to becoming a true Elden Lord! Happy exploring!

Where can I get more imbued sword keys?