Shackled and Ready: A Guide to Finding and Using Shackles in Elden Ring
The Lands Between can be a brutal place, and sometimes, a little magical assistance can go a long way. Two crucial items can make some of the toughest early and mid-game bosses significantly easier: Margit’s Shackle and Mohg’s Shackle. Let’s dive into where you can find these essential tools and how to use them to your advantage.
Where to Find the Shackles in Elden Ring
The answer to where to find the shackles in Elden Ring, simplified into two key locations:
- Margit’s Shackle: This helpful item is purchased from the infamous Patches. You’ll initially encounter him in Murkwater Cave, located in the ravine that splits Limgrave in two. After fighting him and choosing to spare his life, he’ll open shop, and you can purchase Margit’s Shackle from him. Note that Patches’ location changes throughout the game, but as long as he’s alive and friendly, he will sell the shackle to you.
- Mohg’s Shackle: This shackle is found in the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds beneath Leyndell, Royal Capital. You’ll need to navigate the treacherous depths, ultimately finding it guarded by two formidable Giant Crayfish.
A Deeper Dive: Acquiring Margit’s Shackle
Encountering Patches in Murkwater Cave
To get Margit’s Shackle, you first need to find and “befriend” Patches. Head to the ravine in Limgrave and enter Murkwater Cave. Be prepared for a bandit ambush! Fight your way through the cave until you encounter Patches himself. He’ll engage you in a boss fight.
Sparing Patches and Unlocking His Shop
Patches isn’t a particularly difficult boss. The key is to get him to half-health; once he reaches this point, he will yield. Do not kill him! Choose to spare his life. After sparing him, rest at the Site of Grace within the cave, then return to Patches. He’ll now be open for business, offering various items, including the invaluable Margit’s Shackle.
Patches’ Subsequent Locations
While you initially purchase Margit’s Shackle in Murkwater Cave, Patches doesn’t stay there forever. He moves locations throughout the game, eventually appearing in areas such as Liurnia of the Lakes and even Volcano Manor. However, regardless of his location, if he is still alive and friendly towards you, he will always sell the Margit’s Shackle.
A Journey Beneath the Capital: Obtaining Mohg’s Shackle
Navigating the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds
Finding Mohg’s Shackle requires a significantly more perilous journey. You’ll need to delve into the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds beneath Leyndell, Royal Capital. This area is filled with challenging enemies, confusing pathways, and treacherous platforming sections.
Facing the Giant Crayfish
As you explore the depths of the Shunning-Grounds, you’ll eventually come across an area guarded by two Giant Crayfish. These enemies are tough, dealing significant damage with their powerful attacks. Defeat or evade them to reach the location where Mohg’s Shackle is hidden. Search the surrounding area carefully; the shackle is usually found on a corpse or within a small structure nearby.
Using the Shackles Effectively
Maximizing Margit’s Shackle
Margit’s Shackle is designed specifically for the Margit, the Fell Omen boss fight. It can temporarily bind him to the ground, creating openings for attack. Remember these key points:
- The shackle can only be used twice during the fight.
- It only works during Margit’s first phase.
- Time your uses strategically to maximize their impact.
Exploiting Mohg’s Shackle
Mohg’s Shackle serves a similar purpose for the Mohg, Lord of Blood boss fight. It can be used to briefly immobilize him, allowing for easy damage. Keep these factors in mind:
- Like Margit’s Shackle, it can only be used twice during the fight.
- It’s effective only during Mohg’s first phase.
- Use it to interrupt his most dangerous attacks or to create opportunities for healing.
The Broader Strategy
Finding and utilizing Margit’s and Mohg’s Shackles is just one piece of the puzzle in Elden Ring. Don’t forget to explore, level up, upgrade your weapons, and experiment with different builds. These shackles can provide a significant advantage in specific fights, but they are not a substitute for skill and preparation.
The Value of Community and Research
Remember that the Elden Ring community is a fantastic resource. Don’t hesitate to consult online guides, watch videos, and ask questions. There’s a wealth of information available to help you navigate the challenges of the game. Also, consider how games like Elden Ring can be used as learning tools. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explores the intersection of games and education, offering insights into how games can foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Shackles: Your Strategic Advantage
Margit’s Shackle and Mohg’s Shackle are powerful tools that can significantly ease some of Elden Ring’s most challenging encounters. By knowing where to find them and how to use them effectively, you can increase your chances of success and claim victory in the Lands Between. So go forth, Tarnished, and claim your rightful place as Elden Lord!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I still get Margit’s Shackle if I’ve progressed far in the game?
Yes, as long as Patches is alive and friendly, he will sell Margit’s Shackle, regardless of your progress in the game. You can find him in the Murkwater Cave. Be warned, though, that Patches moves.
2. What happens if I kill Patches? Can I still get Margit’s Shackle?
If you kill Patches, he will drop Patches’ Bell Bearing. You can give this to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold, who will then sell all the items Patches would have, including Margit’s Shackle.
3. Is Margit’s Shackle worth buying?
Absolutely! If you’re struggling with Margit, the Fell Omen, Margit’s Shackle can make the fight much easier by giving you brief windows to attack.
4. Can I use Margit’s Shackle in other boss fights?
No, Margit’s Shackle is specifically designed for the Margit, the Fell Omen boss fight. It won’t work on other bosses.
5. What level should I be when fighting Margit?
A recommended level for fighting Margit is at least 20, ideally 25+. You should also have a weapon of +3 or higher.
6. Where exactly in the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds is Mohg’s Shackle located?
The Subterranean Shunning-Grounds are a maze, but focus on exploring downwards. The shackle is found guarded by two Giant Crayfish. Look for it near the area with the crayfish, typically on a corpse or inside a small structure.
7. Can Mohg’s Shackle be used on other Mohg fights?
No, Mohg’s Shackle is specifically designed for the Mohg, Lord of Blood boss fight. It will not work on other variations of Mohg.
8. Are there any alternatives to using shackles in these boss fights?
Yes, you can beat both Margit and Mohg without using their respective shackles. It requires mastering their attack patterns, leveling up appropriately, and having a well-upgraded weapon.
9. Does Mohg’s Shackle work in Mohg’s second phase?
No, like Margit’s Shackle, Mohg’s Shackle only works during the first phase of the Mohg, Lord of Blood boss fight.
10. What are some good strategies for fighting the Giant Crayfish guarding Mohg’s Shackle?
Giant Crayfish are weak to strike damage, so weapons like hammers and flails are effective. You can also use ranged attacks or try to backstab them. Pay attention to their attacks, as they can inflict significant damage.
11. If Patches moves locations, does he still sell Margit’s Shackle?
Yes, as long as you spared his life and he’s friendly towards you, Patches will continue to sell Margit’s Shackle regardless of his current location in the game.
12. What happens if I open Patches’ second chest in Murkwater Cave?
Opening the second chest in Murkwater Cave triggers a trap that teleports you to Mistwood in Limgrave. This is a non-lethal trap and part of Patches’ trickery.
13. Can I use Mohg’s Shackle to interrupt Mohg’s Nihil attack?
While you can’t directly interrupt the Nihil attack, using Mohg’s Shackle can give you a brief window to heal or reposition before he begins the incantation. However, you must use the shackle before the Nihil countdown begins.
14. What’s the best weapon type to use against Margit?
Weapons that deal rapid slashes or heavy attacks, such as scimitars, twinblades, and greatswords, are effective against Margit because they can break his posture quickly.
15. What are some good summons to use against Margit?
The Jellyfish summon, obtained by speaking to Roderika at Stormhill Shack, and the Lone Wolf Ashes are excellent choices for the Margit fight. Also, be sure to summon Sorcerer Rogier outside the fog wall before entering the fight.