Needle Knight Leda Questline Walkthrough - Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC

Needle Knight Leda's questline is one of the most involved in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, spanning the majority of the DLC's content. The choices you make during this quest line will shape your journey and determine important battles and alliances. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate Leda's story and key decisions:

1. First Meeting at Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum

Leda is the first NPC you'll meet when starting the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. After defeating Mohg, Lord of Blood, head to the Cocoon of the Empyrean Site of Grace, where Leda will appear. She introduces you to the Shadow Realm, signaling the start of the DLC's storyline.

2. Notes from Leda-Belurat and Castle Ensis

Leda will leave notes after her initial appearance. Look for the Tower Shadow Message after defeating the Divine Beast Dancing Lion in Belurat, Tower Settlement, and the Message from Leda at the Castle Ensis Checkpoint Site of Grace. These messages guide you through key locations and her evolving story.

3. Second Meeting at Highroad Cross Site of Grace

You'll encounter Leda again after progressing through the Castle Ensis area. After defeating Rellana, Twin Moon Knight, head to Highroad Cross Site of Grace in Scadu Altus. Here, you'll meet Leda and Hornsent. Although there isn't much to discuss at this point, the dialogue here will set the stage for important choices ahead.

4. Leda's Charm - Unlocking Further Progress

Before proceeding with Leda's story, you must deal with the Shadow Keep. As you approach the front door, two messages will appear:

"Somewhere, a great rune has broken…"

"And so too has a powerful charm…"

These relate to Miquella and events involving Leda and other NPCs. You can proceed to the Shadow Keep Main Gate Site of Grace but do not engage the Golden Hippopotamus boss just yet. Instead, warp back to Main Gate Cross and speak with Moore, then return to Highroad Cross to check in with Leda.

5. The Hornsent or Leda Decision

Once the charm is broken, Leda becomes more bloodthirsty and begins questioning the trustworthiness of other NPCs. She will ask you to help decide whether to kill Thiollier or Hornsent. While this choice doesn't drastically alter the story, it will determine which ally you'll have for certain battles.

In Shadow Keep, you'll face another key decision—whether to ally with Leda or Hornsent on the Main Gate Plaza rampart. Choosing Hornsent is the safer option, as he will fight alongside you during the Messmer the Impaler boss fight. If you side with Leda, you will earn the Swift Slash Ash of War.

6. Ansbach vs. Leda

After progressing further in the Shadow Keep, you will meet Sir Ansbach and Redmane Freyja. To continue their storylines, you'll need to:

Talk to Ansbach, then Freyja, and talk to Ansbach again.

Find the Secret Rite Scroll and give it to Ansbach.

Rest at a Site of Grace and deliver Ansbach's Letter for Freyja.

Afterward, return to Shadow Keep, defeat Messmer the Impaler (with or without Hornsent), and check in with Leda at Highroad Cross.

7. The Final Decision: Leda vs. Ansbach

When you return to Ansbach's room in the Specimen Storehouse, he will be gone, but you will find two summon signs: a red sign for Leda and a gold sign for Ansbach. Once again, you must decide whether to assist Leda or Ansbach. The safest choice is to ally with Ansbach, defeating Leda to earn the Ansbach's Longbow.

8. Burning the Sealing Tree

To progress further in Leda's questline, you must cross the Rauh Ruins and defeat Romina, Saint of the Bud at the Church of the Bud. Use Messmer's Kindling to burn the Sealing Tree, which will open the Tower of Shadow and teleport you to Enir-Ilim.

9. Final Showdown - Leda and Her Allies

Once inside Enir-Ilim, you will face a large arena where you must fight Needle Knight Leda and her allies. Depending on your choices throughout the questline, this fight may include Redmane Freyja, Dryleaf Dane, and Sir Moore, leading up to Leda herself.

10. Aftermath: Leda's Sword and Armor

After defeating Leda and her allies, you will obtain Leda's Sword. You will also find her body in a nearby hallway, where you can loot Leda's Armor.

Conclusion

Needle Knight Leda's questline is filled with choices that shape your journey in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. From early decisions to pivotal fights, the questline offers both challenging combat and deep character interactions. Whether you choose to side with Leda or other NPCs like Hornsent or Ansbach, your choices will influence your progress and rewards, including valuable weapons and armor.

Whether you're hunting for specific Elden Ring items or Elden Ring runes to power up your character, remember that the choices you make in Leda's questline can greatly affect the rewards you unlock, like rare weapons and armor.