Stepping into the Lands Between back in 2022 was a revelation, and even now in 2026, with all the updates and DLC, Elden Ring continues to amaze me with its hidden depths. I remember getting hopelessly lost in pitch-black tombs and caves more times than I'd like to admit. Back then, my trusty standard torch was my only friend in those oppressive depths, its warm fire pushing back the shadows just enough to keep the local horrors at bay. Little did I know there was a much cooler—quite literally—source of light waiting for me: the Ghostflame Torch. It's not just a light; it's a statement, a conversation starter for your left hand, and honestly, one of the most unique items this game has ever offered.

My Hunt for the Eternal City's Glow

I had to go to some serious lengths to get my hands on this beaut. The journey begins, as all good things in The Lands Between do, with a monumental boss fight. You need to defeat Starscourge Radahn, the mighty general holding back the stars. After you finally bring him down, the sky literally changes. A meteor crashes in southern Limgrave, near the Mistwood, ripping open a path to a place I thought was only legend: Nokron, the Eternal City. I fast-traveled to the Fort Haight West Site of Grace (you gotta have that one unlocked first, obviously!) to start the real platforming challenge.

From there, it was all about following a path of floating debris down into the crater. You know, the usual post-meteor sightseeing. I had to hop from one crumbling rock to another, carefully making my way down until I spotted a small cave mouth. That cave opened up into a breathtaking, ruined vista—the massive crater left by the meteor. And there it was: a huge, ornate window beckoning me into the lost city. Stepping through, I found myself on a rooftop high above the ancient, silent streets below. The real treasure hunt was just beginning.

A Platforming Trial Among the Ruins

This next part tested my patience. We're talking precision platforming in a game not exactly known for it. From that first rooftop, I had to:

1. Make a careful jump to a second, lower rooftop.

2. Drop down onto a perilously narrow stone archway.

3. Climb up a specific broken pillar on that arch.

4. Steel my nerves and make a leap of faith onto a small, distant platform. This jump looks impossible, but trust me, it's just right.

5. From that platform, follow another connecting arch and make one final hop back onto a rooftop.

And there, lying peacefully as if waiting just for me, was the body of a noble mage. A quick loot later, and the Ghostflame Torch was finally mine. Phew, talk about earning your gear! Honestly, after that parkour session, holding the torch felt like a well-deserved trophy.

Why This Torch is a Game-Changer

So, what makes this thing so special? Let me break it down for you. We all know the standard torch—reliable, does the job. The Ghostflame Torch is a whole different beast.

First off, it doesn't scale with Strength like a normal torch. Nope. This bad boy scales with Dexterity. That's your first clue it's something else. And instead of dealing fire damage, it deals pure Magic damage with each swing. But here's the kicker—the real sneaky benefit: it causes Frostbite build-up. Yeah, you read that right. A torch that inflicts frost. The irony is not lost on me. It's like holding a frozen flame in your hand, which is just... so cool.

Now, about using it. You can't slap just any Ash of War on it. The only infusion it accepts is 'No Skill,' which is actually a secret strength. This frees up your right-hand weapon to use its skill without having to two-hand it. So you can keep the area lit and be combat-ready. As for using it as a main weapon... look, I've tried it for the memes. It's not optimal, you'll struggle with reach and damage output against tougher foes, but there's something undeniably stylish about defeating a boss with a spectral lantern. It's a flex, plain and simple. For those dark, magic-themed builds, it's not just a tool; it's a core part of the aesthetic.

Since 2024, guides for finding it have gotten even better, but experiencing that rooftop climb for myself, with the eerie blue light of Nokron below, remains one of my most vivid memories from the game. It’s more than just an item; it's a souvenir from one of the most hauntingly beautiful areas in all of gaming. To this day, whenever I delve into a new catacomb, I swap out my standard flame for that icy, ethereal glow. It reminds me that in The Lands Between, even a simple light source can hold a world of secrets and stories.