Stonesword Keys are essential consumable items in Elden Ring used to break the seals of Imp Statues found throughout the Lands Between. These statues typically block the entrance to hidden rooms, optional dungeons, or valuable shortcuts, marked by a shimmering white fog wall. When you interact with an Imp Statue, it consumes the required number of keys—usually one or two—to dissipate the fog permanently.

In your journey as a Tarnished, you will find that Stonesword Keys are a limited but relatively abundant resource. While there are over 80 keys scattered across the world and available for purchase, you only need 47 to unlock every single seal in the base game. This means you do not need to stress about finding every single one, but knowing where to get them early can significantly boost your power by granting access to high-tier equipment, talismans, and Spirit Ashes.

How the Imp Statue Mechanic Works

Imp Statues are small, stone pedestals topped with two small imp figures. If a fog wall is active, one or both of the imps will be missing their heads. By inserting a Stonesword Key into the statue, you "restore" the imp, which clears the path.

It is important to note that these keys are single-use. Once inserted, they stay in the statue and are removed from your inventory. Before spending a key, you should consider the difficulty of the area behind the fog. For example, the very first Imp Statue you encounter in the "Fringefolk Hero's Grave" (at the start of the game) leads to a high-level dungeon that can easily kill a low-level player.

Should You Choose Stonesword Keys as a Starting Keepsake

When creating a new character, you are given the option to choose a "Keepsake." One of the available choices is a pair of Stonesword Keys.

In our experience, choosing the Stonesword Keys is one of the best moves for players who want to jumpstart their build. While the Golden Seed is often cited as the top choice for extra heals, the two keys allow you to unlock the Fringefolk Hero's Grave immediately. Even if you cannot beat the boss yet, you can sprint through to grab the Erdtree's Favor talisman, which boosts HP, stamina, and equipment load—stats that are invaluable for any starting class.

However, if you are a first-time player who prefers a smoother difficulty curve, you might find more value in the Golden Seed, as you will naturally find enough keys in Limgrave and the Weeping Peninsula within the first few hours of play.

Where to Find Stonesword Keys in Limgrave and Weeping Peninsula

The early game areas are rich with keys if you know where to look. Since these areas are generally safer for low-level exploration, we recommend scouring them before heading to Stormveil Castle.

West Limgrave

  • Dragon-Burnt Ruins: Located in the Agheel Lake, there is a stone room guarded by a giant rat. You will find a key on a corpse there. Be careful not to open the trapped chest nearby, which teleports you to a high-level mine in Caelid.
  • Stormhill Shack: Right next to the Site of Grace where you first meet Roderika, a corpse sits against a wooden structure holding a key.
  • Fringefolk Hero's Grave: Inside the dungeon itself, there is a key on a high platform overlooking the chariot path. Reaching it requires some careful platforming and avoiding a spectral knight.

Weeping Peninsula

  • Bridge of Sacrifice: As you cross from Limgrave into the peninsula, check the southern end of the bridge. A corpse behind a barricade holds a key.
  • Castle Morne Rampart: Near the "Behind the Castle" Site of Grace, look for a wooden platform hanging over the cliffs. A corpse is draped over it with a key.
  • Isolated Merchant’s Shack: This merchant on the western coast sells three keys for 2,000 runes each. This is the most cost-effective way to stock up early.

Stonesword Keys in Stormveil Castle and Liurnia

As you progress into the first Legacy Dungeon and the marshlands of Liurnia, the seals become more frequent and the rewards more specialized.

Stormveil Castle Locations

  • Rampart Tower: From the top of the tower, jump across to the adjacent building's broken roof to find a corpse with a key.
  • Grafted Scion Room: In the mess hall where the Grafted Scion patrols, look for a corpse on a ledge above the main floor.
  • The Depths: At the very bottom of the castle, near the Ulcerated Tree Spirit boss (and the giant face), a key can be found in the corner of the pit.

Liurnia of the Lakes Locations

  • Academy Crystal Cave: Inside this optional dungeon beneath the Academy, a key is located inside a cage guarded by sages.
  • Raya Lucaria Academy: In the center of the courtyard (where the fountain is), a key is tucked away among the debris.
  • South Raya Lucaria Gate: Check the area beneath the bridge leading to the main gate; a sitting corpse holds a key.
  • Caria Manor: On the upper ramparts guarded by a giant crab, you will find a key near the edge of the wall.

Mid-Game Expansion in Caelid and Altus Plateau

Caelid and Altus Plateau are home to some of the most difficult optional areas, but also provide a steady supply of keys for those brave enough to explore the red wastes and golden fields.

Caelid and Dragonbarrow

  • Sellia, Town of Sorcery: On a ledge connecting two buildings in the northern part of the town.
  • Gaol Cave: This dungeon requires a key to enter but also contains one inside, essentially refunding your entry fee if you explore thoroughly.
  • Fort Faroth: West of the fort, on top of a large rock formation where several bodies are sitting in chairs, a key can be looted.

Altus Plateau and Leyndell

  • Sealed Tunnel: At the bottom of the elevator chamber, you must dispel several illusory walls. A key is found on a corpse near the overgrown roots.
  • Leyndell, Royal Capital: Near the "Avenue Balcony" Site of Grace, there is a side room with five lightning pot-throwing enemies. A chest inside contains a key.
  • Auriza Hero's Grave: In the chariot hall, you can drop down through openings to reach a secret lower area where a key rests on a corpse between two ramps.

Late-Game Scarcity in Mountaintops and Beyond

By the time you reach the Mountaintops of the Giants and Crumbling Farum Azula, you likely have more keys than you know what to do with. However, if you are still short, these areas offer high-concentration spots.

  • Mountaintops of the Giants: The Nomadic Merchant near the Stargazer Ruins sells three keys.
  • Mohgwyn Palace: The Imprisoned Merchant inside the mausoleum sells five keys, though they are expensive at 5,000 runes each.
  • Crumbling Farum Azula: Keys are often found on the remains of the Beastmen in the floating ruins, typically near the Dragon-Temple rooftops.

Buying Stonesword Keys: Merchant Inventory and Prices

If you find yourself stuck at a fog wall without a key, visiting a merchant is the fastest solution. Prices vary based on the merchant's location, with early-game merchants offering lower prices.

Merchant Location Quantity Available Price per Key
Twin Maiden Husks (Roundtable Hold) 3 4,000 Runes
Isolated Merchant (Weeping Peninsula) 3 2,000 Runes
Nomadic Merchant (Weeping Peninsula) 1 2,000 Runes
Abandoned Merchant (Siofra River) 3 2,000 Runes
Patches (Murkwater Cave) 1 5,000 Runes
Isolated Merchant (Raya Lucaria) 3 3,000 Runes
Nomadic Merchant (Caelid) 1 4,000 Runes
Nomadic Merchant (Altus Plateau) 3 4,000 Runes
Nomadic Merchant (Mt. Gelmir) 1 5,000 Runes

Stonesword Keys vs. Imbued Sword Keys

A common point of confusion for new players is the difference between a standard Stonesword Key and an Imbued Sword Key.

  • Stonesword Keys: These are the common, consumable keys described above. They are used at almost every Imp Statue in the game.
  • Imbued Sword Keys: These are extremely rare (only three exist in the game). They are used exclusively at The Four Belfries in Liurnia. These keys activate waygates that teleport you to isolated locations like Farum Azula (early access), Nokron, or the Chapel of Anticipation (where you started the game).

You cannot use a standard Stonesword Key on the Belfry statues, and you cannot use an Imbued Key on standard dungeon seals.

Strategic Tips for Using Your Keys Wisely

Since keys are consumed upon use, you should prioritize seals that align with your character's build. In our testing, certain seals provide a significantly higher return on investment than others.

  1. Roundtable Hold (Heavens): Using two keys here gives you access to the Crepus’s Black Key Crossbow and the Assassin’s Prayerbook. This is a must for Faith or Dexterity builds.
  2. Stormveil Castle (Cellar): This seal hides the Godslayer’s Seal and the Godskin Prayerbook. If you are playing a Faith-based character, this should be your first priority after reaching the castle.
  3. Siofra River Well: Some seals here lead to elevators that act as vital shortcuts between the underground and the surface, saving you minutes of tedious travel.
  4. Save them for Legacy Dungeons: It is usually better to have 2-3 keys in your pocket when entering a major area like Volcano Manor or Leyndell than to spend them all on minor caves in the open world.

Summary of Stonesword Key Management

Managing your Stonesword Keys in Elden Ring is a matter of balance. In the early game, they feel scarce, tempting you to buy them at high prices. By the mid-to-late game, you will likely find more than you could ever spend. Always prioritize merchants with the 2,000-rune price tag first, and don't feel obligated to open every seal you see unless you are aiming for a 100% completionist run. The most important thing is to read the prompt carefully; if a statue requires two keys and you only have one, wait until you have both before interacting to ensure you don't waste your inventory on a seal that remains closed.

FAQ

How many Stonesword Keys do I need to unlock everything?

To unlock every Imp Statue seal in Elden Ring, you will need 47 Stonesword Keys. Since there are over 80 available in the game, you can afford to miss many of them.

Do Stonesword Keys carry over to New Game Plus (NG+)?

Yes, any unused Stonesword Keys in your inventory will carry over to your next playthrough. However, all Imp Statue seals will reset, meaning you will need to unlock them again.

Can I get a Stonesword Key back after using it?

No. Once a key is inserted into an Imp Statue, it is consumed and cannot be retrieved.

Is the Stonesword Key the best starting gift?

It is a top-tier choice alongside the Golden Seed. It is particularly good for experienced players who want to tackle the Fringefolk Hero's Grave dungeon immediately for its powerful talismans.

Where is the cheapest place to buy Stonesword Keys?

The Isolated Merchant in the western part of the Weeping Peninsula and the Abandoned Merchant in Siofra River sell them for 2,000 runes each, which is the lowest price in the game.