Weaponminor

Steel-Wire Torch

Steel-Wire Torch is a Shadow of the Erdtree torch found in Castle Ensis. Its reinforced cage serves as both illumination and a fire sidearm, while Firebreather projects flame directly ahead at the cost of FP.

Importance

minor

Elden Ring · weapon

Key Takeaways

Steel-Wire Torch is a Shadow of the Erdtree torch whose identity comes from its spark-producing weapon skill rather than from broad weapon-class flexibility.

DLC torch with a specialized skill

The Steel-Wire Torch is a Shadow of the Erdtree weapon equipped with Wall of Sparks, which scatters sparks around the user and creates a close-range fire effect.

A close-range utility weapon

Its torch classification gives it a situational role: it can contribute fire-based pressure and utility, but it is not a general replacement for a dedicated primary melee weapon.

Availability is DLC-gated

The weapon requires access to Shadow of the Erdtree content; its acquisition route should therefore be considered separately from base-game torch options.

Less flexible than ordinary torches

Its value is tied to its distinctive weapon skill, so comparisons should focus on skill behavior and torch utility rather than treating it as a straightforward alternative to every standard torch.

Overview

Steel-Wire Torch is a torch-class melee weapon in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, distinguished by its coiled metal construction and fire-focused weapon skill.

Unlike ordinary torches, the Steel-Wire Torch is designed around projecting flame as part of its weapon handling rather than serving only as a light source. Its identity is therefore tied to a more active, aggressive torch role.

The weapon’s defining feature is its unique Firebreather skill, which uses the torch to produce a forward flame attack. This gives it a situational ranged option while preserving its classification as a close-range melee weapon.

As a Shadow of the Erdtree weapon, it belongs to the expansion’s additional equipment rather than the base-game torch roster. Its value is primarily mechanical and stylistic: it offers torch utility with a distinctive fire attack instead of competing directly with conventional damage-focused weapons.

The Steel-Wire Torch is best understood as a specialized sidearm for players who want a torch with an unusual attack option. It does not replace a dedicated main weapon, but its skill gives it a clearer combat identity than a purely utility-oriented torch.

Statistics

Elden Ring publishes no 0–100 stat bars, so this page lists the verified requirements, scaling and handling figures instead. Taken from the project's verified weapons database, not from generated text.

Category
Torches
Damage Type
Fire
Primary Scaling
Dex D
Weight
3
Skill
No Skill (Guard Counter)
Str Req
8
Dex Req
12
How to Obtain
Loot

Figures verified against Consolidated Game Weapons Database.

Compared to similar torches

Weapon	Str Req	Dex Req	Weight	Primary Scaling
Steel-Wire Torch	8	12	3	Dex D
St. Trina's Torch	8	—	3	Str E
Sentry's Torch	8	10	3	Fai D
Nanaya's Torch	8	—	3	Str E
Ghostflame Torch	8	10	3	Int D

Requirements, scaling grades and weight are the game’s own published figures. From Consolidated Game Weapons Database.

How to Obtain

Before you start

Shadow of the Erdtree DLC access.

01In the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, travel to Belurat, Tower Settlement and search the settlement for a corpse pickup containing the Steel-Wire Torch. The pickup is guaranteed; no boss reward, vendor purchase, or quest completion is required.

Availability

Base gameUnavailable

Requires Shadow of the Erdtree required

Steel-Wire Torch is not available in the base game.

Shadow of the ErdtreeAvailable

Requires Access to the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion

No separate vendor price, difficulty, or NG+ restriction is established here.

Mechanics and Handling

Steel-Wire Torch follows the close-range handling expected of a torch: its ordinary attacks have limited reach and require deliberate spacing against enemies with longer weapons. It can be used in the off hand while another weapon remains equipped, allowing its light source and torch-specific utility without committing the main-hand slot.

Firebreather weapon skill

Its defining feature is the Firebreather skill. Activating it makes the character project a short-lived stream of flame from the torch, giving the weapon a ranged option that its normal strikes lack. The flame is most useful for creating brief pressure at close to medium distance or punishing an enemy during a recovery window; it should not be treated as a replacement for a dedicated ranged weapon. The skill consumes FP, so repeated use is limited by the character's available resource.

Spacing and commitment

The torch's normal attacks remain close-range tools, and the weapon does not compensate for their limited reach with a broad defensive function. Firebreather also requires the character to remain committed during its activation, making timing important against fast enemies or attacks that can interrupt the action. Its handling therefore rewards opportunistic use: keep the torch available for its flame and utility, then rely on a stronger main-hand weapon when sustained melee pressure or reach matters.

Strengths, Weaknesses and Best Uses

Strengths

Its Firebreather skill adds a short-range flame attack, giving the torch a way to pressure targets without relying solely on its ordinary melee swings.
As a torch, it provides exploration utility while occupying a weapon slot, allowing light and combat access without carrying a separate torch.

Weaknesses

Its torch-class melee moveset has limited reach and commitment compared with dedicated close-range weapon classes.
The flame attack is a specialized option rather than a complete replacement for a primary weapon, so its usefulness depends on the encounter and the player's overall loadout.

Best uses

Exploring dark areas when the player wants a weapon slot that also supplies illumination.
Adding short-range fire pressure to a utility-focused or themed loadout, particularly when a conventional primary weapon remains available for sustained melee combat.

Compared With Similar Weapons

Compared With Similar Weapons
Weapon	Class / role	Distinctive mechanic	Choose it over Steel-Wire Torch when…
Torch	Standard torch attacks without Steel-Wire Torch’s distinctive weapon skill	You want the straightforward baseline torch rather than a skill-focused variant.	—
Sentry's Torch	Its torchlight can reveal certain invisible enemies and objects	Detection utility matters more than Steel-Wire Torch’s offensive skill.	—
Beast-Repellent Torch	Its presence discourages many beast enemies from attacking	You are navigating areas populated by beasts and want defensive utility.	—
Ghostflame Torch	Uses ghostflame-themed attacks and frost buildup rather than Steel-Wire Torch’s fire emphasis	Your build or encounter benefits from magic damage and frost buildup.	—

Lore and Design

The Steel-Wire Torch’s item description identifies it as a Land of Shadow torch made by winding steel wire around a furnace stone. Its design emphasizes the heated wire rather than the flame itself, giving the weapon a distinct mechanical and visual identity without establishing a documented connection to a named character, faction, or historical event.