The Reaper has sent many souls to the Kingdom of the Dead, but the dark realm’s customs are not well known to him. Having arrived at the Dead King’s doorstep, the Horseman is surprised to learn that ruler of the realm will not grant him an audience until a special challenge has been met. With no other alternative, the Pale Rider makes ready to decide his fate within the Gilded Arena...

Gilded Arena

This ancient battleground must be braved, and its champion slain, before one can be granted an audience with the Lord of Bones.

Area 1: Exterior Pier

Cross the pier to find the merchant Ostegoth waiting at the opposite end. Trade with Ostegoth if you wish, and collect the nearby page of the Book of the Dead. Enter the door to the north to begin your exploration of the Gilded Arena.

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Area 2: Stairwell

Shoot the Stonebite on the statue that stands just beyond the Gilded Arena’s entry door before descending the spiral stairwell that follows. Enter the first door you encounter—there’s nothing of interest farther downstairs.

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Area 3: Arena Entry

This small chamber houses an unusual statue. Grab one of handles on its side and rotate the fixture so that the beam of light from the statue strikes the crystal above the barred north door. The door then unbars, allowing you to advance.

Area 4: Broken Corridor

This hallway has fallen to ruin. Drop into the central pit, raid a pair of chests, and scale the wall growth to climb back out. Then, wall-run along the left wall and Deathgrip the hoop to clear the pit. Proceed through the door that follows to enter the arena proper.

Area 5: Arena

Voices call out to Death as he enters this spacious arena. The mysterious speakers inform the Rider that their champion awaits battle—but before the great fiend can be summoned, Death must seek out three special objects within the Gilded Arena known as Animus Stones. Only the power of these ancient artifacts can bring forth the champion.

Balcony Spoils

Run around the balcony, ignoring the side passages on the right for now. Look for the hand hold on the outside wall and use it to reach the second level. Go right and climb another hand hold, and then go left and scale a third to reach the highest balcony. Deathgrip the north hoop and wall-run to a hidden Relic.

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Drop down two levels from the Relic ledge, and then go north and use another hand hold to scale the northeast wall, reaching a chest.

Drop down two levels to return to the lowest balcony. Continue circling around the arena, optionally entering the side passages on your right to destroy the downstairs clutter (mainly coffins) . Work your way around and climb the rubble in the southwest corner to reach the second balcony. Climb the outside wall to reach the highest balcony and open another chest.

Drop down to the second (middle) balcony and run north. Keep going to locate the Arena area’s third and final chest.

Drop down to the lowest balcony and circle back around the arena. Climb the east wall again to reach the second (middle) balcony. You’ve plundered the Arena, so pass through the east door here to begin your search for the first Animus Stone.