As a Tarnished exploring the vast and dangerous lands of the Lands Between, I have always been fascinated by the legends of the ancient dragons. One of the most iconic relics of their power is the Bolt of Gransax, a legendary armament said to be the very spear that wounded the Erdtree itself. I remember the thrill of finally setting my sights on this weapon, a massive spear of crackling lightning embedded in the walls of Leyndell, the Royal Capital. In 2026, with the game's legacy firmly cemented, the journey to claim this weapon remains a rite of passage for any aspiring Elden Lord.
The Bolt of Gransax is a spear-type weapon imbued with the ancient dragon's lightning. It's not just a tool for combat; it's a piece of history. Primarily scaling with Strength and Dexterity, it's a weapon that rewards a balanced, quality build. Its true power, however, is revealed against specific foes: it deals devastating extra damage to dragons and ancient dragons. For any player looking to specialize in hunting these majestic but deadly creatures, this spear is an essential part of the arsenal.
The Journey to Leyndell, Royal Capital
My quest began long before I ever saw the golden spires of the capital. To even reach the Altus Plateau where Leyndell sits, I had to make a crucial choice.
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The Grand Lift of Dectus: The most straightforward path. This required me to scour the lands for the two halves of the Dectus Medallion—one in Fort Haight in Limgrave and the other in Fort Faroth in Caelid. Assembling the medallion felt like a true adventure, uncovering fragments of a lost kingdom's logistics.
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The Ruin-Strewn Precipice: For the more combat-inclined (or those who missed a medallion piece), this treacherous path through the cliffs of Liurnia presents a daunting challenge. It culminates in a fierce battle against the Magma Wyrm Makar, a fiery beast guarding the way forward. Defeating it grants access to a lift that ascends to the plateau, a victory hard-earned.
Once on the windswept Altus Plateau, the path is clear: head east. The imposing, golden-walled city of Leyndell eventually rises on the horizon, a testament to the Golden Order's former glory.
The Primary Path: From the Erdtree Sanctuary
Upon entering Leyndell and navigating its guarded streets and rooftops, my first major checkpoint was the Erdtree Sanctuary Site of Grace. This grace point is located high within the city, near the base of the immense Erdtree itself.
From here, the route to the legendary bolt is a test of platforming skill:
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From the grace, head west and descend a long staircase.
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You'll find an elevator. Take it down to a lower level.
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Sprint north from the elevator. Soon, you'll see the shimmering, swirling trail marks of an invisible treasure scarab darting about—a sure sign you're on the right path.
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Look to the west. There it is: the colossal Bolt of Gransax, driven like a nail into the side of a great stone bridge or tower.
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This is the tricky part. You need to jump from the bridge you're on onto the giant bolt itself. Alignment is key. I carefully positioned myself, aimed for the thickest part of the spear shaft, and took a leap of faith.
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Success! Landing on the bolt, I could see a bright, glowing item pickup near the top. A slow, careful climb up the ancient weapon, and the legendary Bolt of Gransax was finally mine.
An Alternate Route: Avoiding the Shade
I later discovered a different approach, perfect for those who want to grab the weapon early or wish to bypass a significant boss encounter in the capital. This method starts from the Avenue Balcony Site of Grace.
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From Avenue Balcony, head east onto a long, straight road.
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This road ends at a large staircase guarded by three Leyndell Knights. Do not go up these stairs.
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Instead, look for a path to the left of this main staircase. It leads to another, smaller set of stairs facing east.
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Climb these and exit onto a balcony. You'll face two enemies, and to your left, you'll have a clear, close-up view of the Bolt of Gransax.
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Look along the left-side railing for a broken section. From here, jump down onto a large, golden dome structure below.
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From the dome, while facing east, you need to make a precise jump onto a small architectural protrusion on the wall.
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From this ledge, you can easily scramble up onto the Bolt of Gransax and claim your prize. This route cleverly circumvents the need to defeat Godfrey's Golden Shade in the Erdtree Sanctuary.
Mastering the Ancient Lightning Spear
Holding the Bolt of Gransax is one thing; wielding its power is another. This is a unique legendary armament with specific rules and immense potential.
Here’s what every new owner needs to know:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weapon Skill | Comes with the unique Ancient Lightning Spear. This allows you to hurl a massive bolt of red lightning, perfect for long-range engagements or sniping foes from a distance. 🎯 |
| Ash of War | Cannot be infused or changed. Its skill is permanently locked, which is typical for legendary weapons. |
| Buffing | You cannot enhance it with consumable weapon greases or spells. Its power comes purely from upgrades and your stats. |
| Upgrade Material | Requires Somber Smithing Stones. This makes upgrading it relatively straightforward, as Somber Stones follow a clear path from +1 to +10. |
| Special Damage | Deals +20% damage to Dragons and +10% damage to Ancient Dragons. This makes it arguably the best dragon-slaying tool in the game. ⚡🐉 |
In practice, the weapon excels in hybrid combat. Its standard spear attacks are solid for melee, but the true joy comes from using Ancient Lightning Spear. Charging the skill increases its range and power, letting you obliterate enemies from across a battlefield or knock flying creatures out of the sky. It’s a weapon that demands a strategic mind, knowing when to close the distance and when to obliterate from afar.
Finding the Bolt of Gransax was more than just acquiring a powerful item; it was connecting with the mythos of the world. It serves as a permanent reminder of the war against the ancient dragons and the sheer scale of power that once clashed over the Lands Between. As one of the nine legendary armaments, it remains a cornerstone of many playthroughs, a trophy earned through exploration and daring, and a devastating force to be reckoned with in the right hands.