Let’s be honest, Elden Ring: Nightreign doesn’t just hide its coolest stuff behind bushes; it locks them behind three doors, a riddle, and a boss that probably hates you personally. And if you’ve been running expeditions with Wylder, you might’ve already had that gut feeling that he’s got some spicy hidden tech. You’re absolutely right. Turns out, there’s a secret move that turns Wylder from “pretty strong guy with big sword” into “walking natural disaster with extra seasoning.” I’m talking about a hidden Claw Shot follow-up, a flaming greatsword strike that looks like it was ripped straight from an anime finale. But it’s not something the game just hands to you. Nope. You’ve gotta earn it through Wylder’s Remembrance questline and a relic called the Slate Whetstone. So buckle up, I’ll walk you through every step, from unlocking the Duchess to collecting shiny rocks in dark mines, to finally letting Wylder go full Super Saiyan. Let’s get into it.
How to Unlock Wylder’s Hidden Ability
So what’s all this for? Well, once you slap the Slate Whetstone to Wylder’s Chalice, you unlock a unique Claw Shot follow-up, a flashy, flame-infused greatsword strike that not only looks sick, but melts enemies in its wake. It adds temporary fire damage to your greatsword too, making it a monster in AoE situations and helping you stagger the absolute soul out of bosses.
But before you go flaming everything in sight, you’ll need to complete Wylder’s Remembrance questline, which is basically a playable flashback where lore and combat hold hands awkwardly. If you’re curious about how Remembrances work in general, I’ve got a separate guide you can check out for the full breakdown. But for now, let’s dive into unlocking this ability.
Step 1: Defeat Gladius and Unlock the Duchess
First thing’s first, take down Gladius, Beast of Night in a Tricephalos Expedition. This boss hits like a truck and roars like one too, so don’t be afraid to summon a co-op buddy with frost or bleed (or moral support).
Once he’s down, you’ll get the Old Pocket Watch. Bring that to the Priestess at the Roundtable Hold, and boom, you unlock the Duchess class. She’s the key to progressing Wylder’s Chapter 3.
Pro tip: If Gladius is steamrolling you, that’s normal. Just scream internally, dodge like your rent depends on it, and bring a tanky friend.
Step 2: Start Wylder’s Chapter 3 Remembrance
Once the Duchess is unlocked, head to the Journal at the Roundtable Hold and start Chapter 3 of Wylder’s Remembrance. You’ll then speak to Iron Menial in the next room. He’ll give you a Personal Objective, just say “Understood” to begin.
This part has you running a Remembrance expedition as Wylder. If you’re in co-op, each player needs to complete it on their own, because, you know, the grind is eternal.
Step 3: Find the Slate Whetstone in the Mines
Once your objective’s active, you’ll see a red flag on your map. That’s the mine you need. Dive deep and look for glowing rocks in the walls, that’s your Slate Whetstone. But of course, guarding it is a Tunnel Crystalian, because this is still Elden Ring and nothing good comes easy.
Smack the crystal boy down, grab your sparkly loot, and bounce. You don’t need to win the expedition, just don’t forget the relic.
Step 4: Finish Chapter 3 and Get the Mended Earring
Return to Iron Menial and give him the Whetstone. You’ll get the Mended Earring as a reward, because apparently, personal growth involves jewelry now.
Take it into the light in the study room, then offer it to the Duchess at the Relic Rites altar. A portal appears (because Elden Ring), and once you go through it, Chapter 3 wraps up.
Congrats! You now own the Slate Whetstone. You still can’t use it, though. Because of course not.
Step 5: Begin Chapter 5 to Get Wylder’s Chalice
Next, flip to Chapter 5 in Wylder’s Journal to unlock a new puzzle section in the west wing of Roundtable Hold. Read three glowing books in the Visual Codex, and you’ll hear, “You hear a heavy door open…” You’re basically in Hogwarts now.
Go through the now-open crypt, interact with three sarcophagi, then return to Iron Menial and ask about the Priestess again. Then it’s off to the beach outside the crypt (because plot), speak to the Duchess one last time, and finish the Remembrance via the portal.
You’ll receive Wylder’s Chalice, which gives you 1 Red, 1 Yellow, and 1 Universal relic slot. This is the final piece of the puzzle.
Step 6: Equip the Slate Whetstone and Unleash Wylder’s Hidden Power
Finally! Go to the Relic Rites station, equip Wylder’s Chalice, and slot in the Slate Whetstone into the gray slot. Now, when you use Wylder’s Claw Shot, you’ll unlock a glorious, flaming greatsword finisher that just radiates main-character energy. It’s stylish, powerful, and honestly feels illegal in the best way.
Bonus Effect: The Slate Whetstone also gives Wylder a physical attack boost, so it’s not just for show.
Wrap-Up
And that’s the full ride to unlocking Wylder’s hidden ability in Elden Ring: Nightreign, flaming sword and all. You mined shiny rocks, handed earrings to royalty, dodged tunnel bosses, and read ghost books. If that’s not peak Elden Ring content, I don’t know what is. Wylder now swings like he’s been possessed by a fire god, and you? You just became the MVP of any expedition squad. So go ahead, equip that greatsword, light it up, and show Nightreign what real DPS looks like.
