Shadow Keep stands as a formidable Legacy Dungeon within the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, sprawling across multiple levels and brimming with valuable items. At the summit of this imposing structure awaits a crucial Legend Boss, Messmer the Impaler, whose defeat is essential to advance the narrative and unlock previously inaccessible regions. Navigating to this encounter requires traversing the labyrinthine corridors of Shadow Keep, manipulating levers to unveil pathways to the upper echelons. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough detailing how players can pinpoint Where Is Messmer and reach Messmer the Impaler in Shadow of the Erdtree.
Reaching Shadow Keep and the First Grace
To find Messmer the Impaler, your journey begins in Scadu Altus, specifically at the Legacy Dungeon Shadow Keep. This area becomes accessible after triumphing over Rellana, Twin Moon Knight. Starting from the Shadow Keep Main Gate Site of Grace, proceed directly forward, confronting the Golden Hippopotamus boss. After defeating this foe, turn left and pass through the doorway to enter Shadow Keep proper.
Within the lower levels of Shadow Keep, be vigilant as you’ll encounter numerous Messmer Soldiers and Black Knights patrolling the area. Exercise caution around corners, as these enemies are often positioned to ambush unsuspecting players. Ascend the staircase on the right, followed by another staircase, to arrive at the dining hall. Evade or defeat the knight within and proceed through the doorway on the left to reach the courtyard. Head left again to locate a Red Knight guarding an elevator. Take this elevator to ascend to the next Site of Grace, the First Floor Storehouse.
Navigating the Library and Activating the Lever
From the First Floor Storehouse Grace, turn left and enter the library directly ahead. Ascend the staircase within, take the first left, and then the second right to ascend another set of stairs. You should see one more staircase directly in front of you, guarded by a Red Knight. Ignore this enemy for the moment and instead, head left to cross the bridge. Jump onto the hanging statue to reach the other side. Here, you’ll discover another Lost Grace and several Scadutree Fragments.
Continue straight ahead, then turn left towards the staircase leading up to the Red Knight you previously ignored. Pass by the Red Knight; you may encounter some bats which can be bypassed. Turn left, then right to continue along this floor. Ascend the staircase at the end of this path, but do not go all the way to the top. Instead, look to the right of the stairs to find a lever at the end of a short path.
Interact with this lever. This action will raise a beam to the southwest. Jump onto this beam and cross it. Follow the statue to reach a room containing a Statue of Marika.
Reaching Messmer’s Boss Gate
From the Statue of Marika, proceed to the right and ascend the staircase. You will encounter a Red Knight on the bridge to your left. You can choose to defeat him to obtain the Ash of War: Flame Spear. After dealing with the Red Knight, open the door directly ahead. This door leads to a Site of Grace situated immediately before the boss gate for Messmer the Impaler. You have now successfully navigated Shadow Keep and found where is Messmer the Impaler awaits.
