Mastering the Questline of Needle Knight Leda in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC

In the expansive realm of Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, players encounter myriad characters that enhance the richness of the narrative. Among these is the enigmatic Needle Knight Leda, a pivotal non-playable character (NPC) that connects various questlines throughout the expansion. For players embarking on the journey of discovering Leda’s questline, it's essential to understand her story's progression, how to navigate pivotal encounters, and the implications of choices made during NPC interactions. This manual will enable you to grasp the intricacies of Leda's storyline, guaranteeing the successful completion of all related challenges.

The First Encounter

Your initial meeting with Needle Knight Leda occurs within the depths of the Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum. To access this area, you'll need to have progressed through key battles in the base game, defeating both Starscourge Radahn and Mogh, Lord of Blood. Once in the mausoleum, seek out the Site of Grace known as 'Cocoon of the Empyrean'.

Upon finding Leda standing nearby, a conversation ensues where she describes herself as a devotee, drawn by faith to accompany Miquella on his sacred path. At this point, she urges you to touch a withered arm hanging from the cocoon. This act serves as a portal, transporting you to the Shadow Realm, thereby launching you into the vibrant beginnings of the DLC.

Upon your arrival in the Gravesite Plain, you have the opportunity to unfold the story at your pace. While the next meeting with Leda is some time away, the surrounding areas are rich with exploration possibilities, leading you to other characters such as Redmane Freyja, Hornsent, Ansbach, and Moore, each of whom has their own intricate quests to uncover.

The Second Encounter in Scadu Altus

Your journey will naturally take you toward Castle Ensis, where, after a victorious battle against Rellana, Twin Moon Knight, you will find Leda at the 'Highroad Cross' Site of Grace in Scadu Altus.

Converse with Leda once more, and she will reveal a critical detail: her companions have been bound by a charm crafted by Miquella to ensure their cooperation. Intriguingly, this bond raises questions about loyalty and trust within the ranks. Leda also speaks of Hornsent, who can be found at the same Site of Grace, further intertwining their destinies.

After this exchange, your path diverges. Leda will have no further guidance for you at this moment, allowing you to either proceed with your exploration of Scadu Altus or advance toward the mysterious Shadow Keep looming in the distance.

Inside the Shadow Keep

Upon reaching the Shadow Keep, the atmosphere shifts dramatically as numerous NPCs take refuge here, including Leda, albeit in a less tangible form through summoning tablets. Players encounter the first summoning tablet on the southern ramparts after defeating the Golden Hippopotamus boss.

At this point, you have critical decisions to make regarding which NPC to support in a confrontation: assist Leda against Hornsent or vice versa. Unlike earlier stages, Leda's questline will advance irrespective of your decision. Yet, the ramifications will cascade into Hornsent's storyline, forging a more extensive narrative tapestry.

If the focus transitions to Ansbach, you will notice additional summoning tablets in Ansbach's vicinity within the Specimen Storehouse. Again, your choice here will influence the trajectory of Ansbach's questline and its potential conclusion. Interestingly, players may find parallels in their experiences, such as defeating Messmer alongside Hornsent prior to engaging in the summoning fights, which still permits completion of both Hornsent and Ansbach’s quests.

The Final Showdown

Regardless of previous confrontations in the Shadow Keep, Leda will once more await your presence in Enir-Ilim, situated right before the climactic battle of the expansion. After resting at the 'Cleansing Chamber Anteroom', step into the expansive sandy arena where Leda makes her final appearance.

During this pivotal encounter, she articulates a disillusionment with your motivations for entering the Shadow Realm, suggesting you were driven not by Miquella, but by an aspiration to ascend to the title of Elden Lord. In an act of retribution for what she views as selfish ambition, Leda engages you in a duel. Just as she concludes her opening remarks, she dissipates, leaving behind a summoning stone for the upcoming battle.

This confrontation serves as the culmination of your NPC decisions throughout the game, as the allies you summoned and the foes you chose will dictate the dynamics of the upcoming battle. Successful completion of this duel earns you Leda's Sword as well as the opportunity to loot treasures that await beyond her fallen body. With this, Needle Knight Leda's questline reaches its conclusion, paving the way for you to face the ultimate boss awaiting your challenge.

As players gear up for the final showdown, remember to reflect on the lessons learned from Leda’s questline, as each choice contributes significantly to the overarching narrative experience. May your adventure through the Shadow of the Erdtree be both thrilling and rewarding!