How to Unlock and Use the Sword of Night and Flame in Elden Ring
This guide covers how to find, unlock, and maximize the Sword of Night and Flame in Elden Ring, along with detailed tips on how to wield it effectively in both PvE and PvP.
Why the Sword of Night and Flame Is Special
Unlike most weapons, the Sword of Night and Flame stands out for its unique Weapon Skill, Night-and-Flame Stance. This skill lets you alternate between two powerful magical attacks:
Night Comet (Magic Beam) – A sorcery-like beam that pierces enemies at long range.
Flame Sweep – A fiery AOE swing that incinerates groups of enemies.
This dual functionality makes the sword versatile—capable of handling both single-target bosses and large groups of mobs. It also scales with Intelligence, Faith, Strength, and Dexterity, which means hybrid casters can benefit from its scaling.
Stat Requirements
Before you hunt down the weapon, note its requirements:
Strength: 12
Dexterity: 12
Intelligence: 24
Faith: 24
These requirements make it clear that the weapon is designed for Int/Faith hybrid builds, not pure melee or caster setups. If you haven’t invested in both attributes, you’ll need to respec at Rennala later in the game.
How to Unlock the Sword of Night and Flame
You can obtain the sword relatively early if you know where to look. Here’s the full route:
Step 1: Reach Caria Manor
Head to the northwest region of Liurnia of the Lakes.
Make your way to Caria Manor, a castle filled with spectral knights and magic traps.
Defeat Royal Knight Loretta, the boss at the top of the manor, to unlock access to the Three Sisters area.
Step 2: Locate the Manor Lower Level Site of Grace
From the Manor Lower Level grace, move along the rooftop paths.
Hug the left-hand side and cross the narrow bridges. Be careful—enemies lurk around corners.
Step 3: Drop into the Secret Tower Path
After crossing the third rooftop bridge, look down to your left.
You’ll see a ladder leading to a hidden lower section. Drop carefully and descend.
Step 4: Open the Treasure Room
Follow the path until you reach a locked door that requires no key. Inside, you’ll find a chest containing the Sword of Night and Flame.
Congratulations—you’ve now unlocked one of Elden Ring’s most devastating weapons.
How to Use the Sword of Night and Flame
Once obtained, the challenge shifts to using the sword effectively. Its unique stance and stat requirements demand strategy.
1. Night-and-Flame Stance
Activate the stance by pressing L2/LT.
Then:
Press R1/RB for the Night Comet beam.
Press R2/RT for the Flame Sweep.
This allows you to choose between ranged or AOE attacks, giving flexibility in combat.
2. PvE Strategies
Against bosses: Use Night Comet for long-range punishment, especially if the boss is weak to magic (like dragons).
Against groups: Use Flame Sweep to clear mobs in dungeons and open-world skirmishes.
Against resistant enemies: Switch to melee attacks—the sword’s physical damage is serviceable, though weaker than pure strength weapons.
3. PvP Strategies
The Night Comet beam can catch opponents off-guard at mid-range, but it’s telegraphed.
Use Flame Sweep when invaders crowd you—it can zone them out and create openings.
Mix normal melee strikes with stance skills to avoid becoming predictable.
Best Builds for the Sword of Night and Flame
To maximize this weapon, you’ll want a hybrid caster build that balances Intelligence and Faith. Here are a few recommended paths:
Build 1: Balanced Hybrid
Stats: Int 30, Faith 30, Vigor 25, Mind 20
Playstyle: Versatile—switch between sorceries, incantations, and weapon stance.
Why: Lets you use the sword alongside a wide variety of spells.
Build 2: Magic Beam Specialist
Stats: Int 40+, Faith 25
Playstyle: Focuses on Night Comet for heavy ranged damage.
Why: Works great against bosses weak to magic.
Build 3: Pyro Hybrid
Stats: Faith 40+, Int 25
Playstyle: Leans into Flame Sweep and fire incantations.
Why: Dominates against mobs and enemies weak to fire.
Tips for Mastery
Mind (FP Pool) Matters: Both Night Comet and Flame Sweep consume FP, so you’ll need a strong FP pool. Don’t neglect Mind.
Mix Attacks: Don’t spam one stance skill—alternate to keep enemies guessing.
Upgrade Early: The sword scales well when upgraded with Somber Smithing Stones. Prioritize this to increase both melee and skill power.
Know Resistances: Some bosses resist magic, others resist fire. Adjust your stance usage accordingly.
Pair with Spirit Ashes: Summons can distract enemies while you charge up stance attacks.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
Extremely versatile (ranged + AOE + melee).
High damage scaling with hybrid builds.
Can be obtained earlier than most legendary weapons.
Weaknesses
High stat requirements (Int/Faith hybrid mandatory).
Skills consume lots of FP.
Beam attack is slow and punishable in PvP.
Final Thoughts
The Sword of Night and Flame remains one of the most iconic weapons in Elden Ring thanks to its flashy stance, flexible damage options, and buy Elden Ring Runes hybrid scaling. Unlocking it early can change the way you approach the game, letting you dominate both bosses and hordes of enemies. However, it rewards patience, resource management, and clever build design—making it most effective in the hands of strategic players.
If you’re looking for a weapon that embodies both style and power, the Sword of Night and Flame deserves a place in your arsenal.
