Elden Ring: Fort of Reprimand Walkthrough
The Fort of Reprimand is located east of Castle Ensis, on the southeastern edge of Scadu Altus. To reach it:
Start at the Altus Plateau Grace and head south along the path leading toward Castle Ensis.
Look for a fork in the road southeast of the castle. A narrow path will lead you to the fort's entrance.
Be prepared for ambushes from patrolling enemies as you approach. These foes can drop small amounts of Elden Ring Runes, so clearing them out is worth your time.
Exploring the Fort
Once inside, you'll find the Fort of Reprimand's layout relatively linear, but a few hidden areas and secrets await those willing to explore thoroughly.
1. Entrance Hallway
The dungeon begins with a narrow hallway guarded by spear-wielding knights and a crossbowman stationed above. Use ranged attacks or spells to take out the crossbowman before engaging the knights in melee combat. These enemies drop minor Elden Ring Items, such as Bolts and Golden Runes.
Secret: To the left of the hallway is a hidden alcove. Strike the wall to reveal a small room containing a Golden Rune (8) and crafting materials like Smoldering Butterflies.
2. The Watchtower Room
Proceeding further, you'll encounter a circular room with a spiral staircase leading upward.
Enemies: Beware of a shielded knight at the base of the stairs and a flame-spewing trap near the first landing. Use throwable Elden Ring Items like Fire Pots to deal damage from a safe distance.
Loot: Midway up the staircase, look for a glowing item. This is the Ash of War: Flaming Reprimand, which imbues your weapon with fire-based power.
3. The Hidden Basement
Before heading to the top of the fort, look for a trapdoor beneath a wooden platform in the tower's second level. Open it to descend into a hidden basement area.
Enemies: This area contains spectral soldiers with strong magic attacks. Equip talismans like the Pearldrake Talisman to increase elemental resistance.
Quest Item: At the end of the basement is a chest containing the Reprimand Sigil, a key item required for completing the questline of the NPC Eryth of the Shadows, who can be found outside the fort later.
Boss Fight: Shadow Knight Haldrex
At the fort's peak, you'll face Shadow Knight Haldrex, the dungeon's main boss.
Boss Overview
Haldrex wields a massive shadow-infused greatsword and uses both physical and shadow-based magic attacks. His movements are deliberate but powerful, making timing crucial in this fight.
Strategy
Preparation: Use Elden Ring Runes to level up your health and stamina stats before the fight. Equip items that mitigate shadow damage, such as the Shadewrought Pendant if obtained earlier in the game.
Phase One: During the first phase, focus on dodging Haldrex's slow, sweeping strikes. After each attack, punish him with one or two hits before retreating.
Phase Two: When Haldrex's health drops below 50%, he summons shadow clones that mimic his attacks. Use AoE spells like Glintstone Arc or items like Explosive Pots to deal damage to both the clones and Haldrex simultaneously.
Rewards
Defeating Shadow Knight Haldrex earns you:
Talisman of Reprimand: Increases resistance to shadow and fire damage.
A large amount of Elden Ring Runes, perfect for leveling up or upgrading weapons.
Access to a treasure chest containing the Eclipsed Dragon Medallion, a unique talisman that boosts elemental resistance.
Post-Boss Exploration
After defeating Haldrex, don't leave the fort just yet. A secret passage opens behind the boss arena, leading to an open-air balcony.
Loot: On the balcony, you'll find a chest containing the Elden Ring Item: Reprimand Blade, a curved sword with shadow damage scaling.
Quest Progression: Speak to Eryth of the Shadows, who will appear on the balcony after the boss's defeat if you have the Reprimand Sigil from the basement. She will reveal lore about the fort's history and offer additional quests related to the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.
Farming Runes and Items
The Fort of Reprimand is an excellent spot to farm Elden Ring Runes and useful items.
Rune Farm: The spear knights and spectral soldiers respawn when resting at the Grace, providing a steady source of runes. Equip the Gold Scarab Talisman to maximize rune acquisition.
Item Drops: Enemies in the fort have a chance to drop crafting materials, weapon upgrade stones, and consumable runes.
Tips for Success
Rune Investment: Use the Elden Ring Runes you earn in the dungeon to level up before attempting the boss. Focus on stats that increase survivability, such as Vigor and Endurance.
Item Preparation: Keep plenty of healing flasks and status-curing items like Preserving Boluses to counter the bleed and poison effects present in the fort.
Exploration: Thoroughly comb the dungeon for hidden passages and optional loot to ensure you don't miss valuable Elden Ring Items.
Conclusion
The Fort of Reprimand offers a thrilling combination of challenging combat, hidden secrets, and meaningful rewards. By following this walkthrough, you'll uncover rare Elden Ring Items, gather significant Elden Ring Runes, and progress in the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. With careful preparation and exploration, you'll emerge victorious and well-equipped for the challenges that lie ahead in the Lands Between.