TL;DR
- The Stone-Sheathed Sword appears at your first visited altar among three specific locations
- Each transformation requires visiting a different unused altar – you cannot reuse locations
- Strategic planning saves time – visit the most accessible location first based on your progress
- The invisible bridge in Ancient Ruins of Rauh requires confidence and careful positioning
- Master both swords to adapt to different combat scenarios and enemy types
Within the expansive realm of Elden Ring: Shadow of The Erdtree, the Sword of Light and Sword of Darkness represent a revolutionary weapon mechanic, allowing seamless transformation between two distinct combat forms. Both legendary blades derive from a singular foundation weapon called the Stone-Sheathed Sword, creating a dynamic system that adapts to various battle situations.
To acquire the Stone-Sheathed Sword and unlock its transformative capabilities into both the formidable Sword of Light and Sword of Darkness, adventurers must locate three distinct Altars of Light and Dark positioned strategically across the Land of Shadow. This detailed walkthrough delivers comprehensive guidance for securing the Stone-Sheathed Sword and mastering its conversion into these exceptionally powerful weapons.

the Sword of Darkness (left) and the Sword of Light (right)
The Stone-Sheathed Sword serves as an essential acquisition prerequisite before obtaining either the Sword of Light or Sword of Darkness in Elden Ring. The weapon materializes at one of three predetermined spots, consistently appearing at whichever location you investigate initially.

the three Stone-Sheathed Sword locations
Securing the Stone-Sheathed Sword demands visitation to one of these three sacred altar sites:
1. Within the Fog Rift Catacombs situated in Gravesite Plain.
2. Inside the Ruins of Unte located in Scadu Altus.
3. Positioned at the terminus of the concealed bridge within Ancient Ruins of Rauh.
The initial altar placement resides within Fog Rift Catacombs, reachable by traversing Ensis Greatbridge and progressing northwest from Castle Front Site of Grace. Following the pathway to its northern extremity reveals the entrance to Fog Rift Catacombs.
Inside these catacombs, explorers confront an elongated chamber decorated with three separate spike trap arrays descending from above. Navigating this hazardous environment requires advancement to the platform at the room’s conclusion where a spellcaster positions itself. Upon arrival, positioning yourself precisely at the platform’s edge triggers the traps’ reactivation. During their descent, a compact recess becomes visible, granting access to an upper platform as the trap mechanism retracts ceilingward.
After attaining this raised position, seize the chance to collect the Blinkbolt Ash of War. Subsequently, perform the identical baiting technique to vault onto the spike platform. Once positioned atop this structure, rapidly cross to the chamber’s far right corner, where an ultimate platform materializes. This final platform becomes accessible exclusively after the spike traps have fully retracted.
Within this hidden compartment rests an Altar of Light and Dark, presenting the opportunity to acquire the sought-after Stone-Sheathed Sword.
The Stone-Sheathed Sword manifests at the secondary altar inside Ruins of Unte, positioned within Scadu Altus. Gaining entry to Ruins of Unte necessitates passage through Shadow Keep’s primary gate, situated past the Golden Hippopotamus encounter. Upon achieving the exterior ramparts, halt at the staircase foundation, defended by the Fire Knight and ascending toward Specimen Storehouse.
Investigating the vicinity surrounding the staircase, neighboring the boats monitored by Vulgar Militiamen, uncovers a ladder descending to a modest waterfall. Proceeding through the waterfall and tracking the route guides travelers to a chamber containing the revered “Domain of Dragons” artwork.
Inside this room, attacking the right-side wall discloses a hidden corridor. This passage directs adventurers toward a stone coffin, enabling interaction that teleports participants to Castle Watering Hole in Scadu Altus, positioned beneath Shadow Keep. Directly opposite Castle Watering Hole Site of Grace stands Ruins of Unte.
Entering Ruins of Unte involves launching a Hefty Furnace Pot into the basket of the deceased Furnace Golem blocking entry. Within the Ruins, marginally rightward, an Altar of Light and Dark anticipates, providing the chance to secure the distinguished Stone-Sheathed Sword.
The ultimate altar location containing the Stone-Sheathed Sword resides in Ancient Ruins of Rauh, a subsection inside Rauh Base. Admission to this territory occurs solely via Shadow Keep. To reach this destination, navigate through the Living Jar zone below Specimen Storehouse and traverse the extensive bridge leading westward from Shadow Keep to access Ancient Ruins of Rauh.
Following traversal through the ruins and conquering the Furnace Golem, arrivals occur at “Rauh Ancient Ruins, West” Site of Grace. Advancing southwest into neighboring ruins and climbing staircases results in an exit into the northern garden, subsequently permitting entry to the decayed ruin section, patrolled by Kindred of Rot.
Crossing through the rot-infested territory and executing a right turn, progression continues onto an external ledge. From this perspective, one extremity of a fractured bridge becomes visible beneath, while the opposite end links to a remote tower. Nevertheless, observation reveals the bridge isn’t genuinely damaged, but instead obscured from vision. By assuredly riding across the invisible bridge, adventurers eventually achieve the third and concluding Altar of Light And Dark, where the prized Stone-Sheathed Sword awaits retrieval.
After securing the Stone-Sheathed Sword, conversion into the Sword of Light becomes possible, representing an enhanced iteration featuring an area-effect Holy damage ability designated “Light”.
To acquire the Sword of Light, transport the Stone-Sheathed Sword to an unutilized Altar of Light and Dark and engage with it. The original altar where the Stone-Sheathed Sword initially appeared remains unusable; utilization of one alternative altar becomes mandatory. For instance, if discovery occurred within Fog Rift Catacombs, Sword of Light acquisition exclusively derives from Ruins of Unte or Ancient Ruins of Rauh.
Once an unused Altar of Light and Dark gets identified, approach and interact while holding the Stone-Sheathed Sword. A dialogue emerges, inquiring “Raise the Stone-Sheathed Sword to the light?” Selecting “Yes” converts the Stone-Sheathed Sword into the Sword of Light.
Following Sword of Light acquisition, additional transformation into the Sword of Darkness becomes feasible. Comparable to Sword of Light regarding scaling, offensive capabilities, and Holy Damage, the Sword of Darkness features a distinctive skill named “Darkness” that emits damaging darkness clouds rather than holy damage beams generated by “Light”.
To obtain the Sword of Darkness, convey the Sword of Light to the last remaining unused Altar of Light and Dark within the Land of Shadow. By finding this final altar and interacting, elevation of the Sword of Light to Darkness becomes achievable, transforming it into the mighty Sword of Darkness.
Ultimately, seamless switching between these swords’ potent variations optimally suits your requirements through revisitation of particular altars. The expedition to obtain and command these mythical armaments introduces supplementary complexity to Elden Ring: Shadow of The Erdtree.
That concludes the methodology for acquiring and transforming the Stone-Sheathed Sword into its powerful counterparts. For additional beneficial content, please remain attentive.
Action Checklist
- Select your first altar location strategically based on current game progress
- Navigate spike traps in Fog Rift Catacombs using precise timing
- Use Hefty Furnace Pot to activate Ruins of Unte entrance
- Confidently ride the invisible bridge in Ancient Ruins of Rauh
- Transform Stone-Sheathed Sword at unused altars following specific sequence
No reproduction without permission:OnLineGames Guides » Where to Get the Sword of Light or Darkness in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Master the transformation mechanics and strategic locations to obtain Elden Ring's legendary Sword of Light and Sword of Darkness
