Beat Hornsent to Get the Handy Falx Curved Sword in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

The Shadow of Erdtree DLC introduces various new items and weapons in the game including the Falx curved swords, a set of dual-wielding and rather dull-looking swords.

However, don’t judge this beast just by its looks, because it has great base damage and bleed build-up. Additionally, it provides an unbelievably quick battle-movement speed, which is always great in a tough game like Elden Ring.

1. How to get Falx sword in Elden Ring DLC?

The Falx sword can be acquired as a drop from its previous NPC owner, Hornsent. There are two times when players can get this weapon:

1. By beating Hornsent when he invades players at the Rauh Ancient Ruins during the Hornsent quest: or
2. By invading Needle Knight Leda’s world in the Cleansing Chamber Anteroom in Enir-Illim and defeating Hornsent there.

It is recommended that you follow the Hornsent quest and wait for him to invade you if you want to get the Falx sword a bit early on in the game compared to the latter option.

However, if you take the second option, you will have to face Leda and Dryleaf Dane as well along with Hornsent. Moreover, this battle takes place just before the final fight, where you won’t get the chance to test your newly acquired sword.

2. How to start Hornsent quest in Elden Ring?

The Hornsent questline begins when players meet him for the first time in the Gravesite Plains near Three-Path Cross Site of Grace. To complete the quest follow the given steps:

1. Exhaust his dialogue near the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace.
2. Defeat the Divine Beast Dancing Lion, and speak to Hornsent Grandam wearing its head.  
3. Take the Scorpion Stew from Hornsent Grandam and give it to Hornsent.
4. Defeat Rellana, Twin Moon Knight and meet Hornsent near Highroad Cross Site of Grace.
5. Exhaust all Hornsent’s dialogue for this meeting.
6. Make your way to the Shadow Keep, and a message about the “breaking of a great rune” will appear.
7. Head back to Hornsent and exhaust his dialogue, after which he will move to a new location.
8. Now, head deep into the Shadow Keep until you reach Storehouse Front. 
9. At this location, find two summoning signs in the south.
10. Select the red summoning sign and get summoned to help Needle Night Leda.
11. Defeat Hornsent in this fight and claim the Falx sword from his body.

If you skip this fight and summon Hornsent to fight against Messmer, then he will later ambush you at the top of the stairs in the Ancient Ruins of Rauh. Here, you will get another chance to claim the weapon for your own.

3. Is Falx curved sword any good in Elden Ring?

Falx Sword is one of the best dual-wielding weapons in Elden Ring because of its high base damage, ability to provide high mobility to the player while slicing and dicing the enemies, and for Hemorrhage passive status effect.

Overall, it is a good choice for players who prefer a strength and dexterity-based build. Unfortunately, it won’t be a good match for the great wizards and marksmen out there.

4. About Elden Ring

Elden Ring is a major title released by FromSoftware in 2022, the developers of Demon’s Souls, Bloodborne, and the Dark Souls franchise. Set in the ‘Lands Between’,  players are on a quest to repair the Elden Ring and become the new Elden Lord.

Shadow of the Erdtree is a full-fledged expansion for Elden Ring added in June 2024. It is a whole new map with new Weapons, Sorceries, Ashes, and Craftables. It is a challenging DLC and as players continue to explore the map, they find surprises and easter eggs left by the developers every day.