Elden Ring: Fast access to Shadow of the Erdtree NG+
This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for reaching the DLC area as efficiently as possible from New Game+. While it contains spoilers for the base game, it remains completely spoiler-free for the DLC content.
This method can technically be used when starting from a fresh game, though it is important to note that you will be significantly underleveled for the battle against Mohg, Lord of Blood.
Step 1: Obtain a Great Rune
To begin, obtaining a Great Rune is essential, and the one I recommend is Rennala’s. This choice is particularly beneficial if you are considering respeccing later in the game. The most efficient route involves bypassing Castle Stormveil.
From there, proceed to the dragon in Liurnia of the Lakes, where you can acquire the Glintstone Key located behind him (defeating the dragon is unnecessary).
Afterward, enter the Raya Lucaria Academy through either of the two main gates. Progress through the dungeon as usual and defeat Rennala to secure her Great Rune.
Step 2: Initiate Varré’s Quest (First Part)
The next objective is to prepare for a shortcut to Mohg, Lord of Blood. Begin by visiting the Roundtable Hold and speaking with Enia near the Two Fingers.
Subsequently, return to Liurnia of the Lakes and locate Varré in front of the Rose Church. Engage in dialogue with him, expressing suspicion, and exhaust all conversation options.
If you are playing online, you can proceed with invasions at this point. However, if you are offline, we will address the second part of his quest later, as it becomes mandatory under these circumstances.
Step 3: Reach the Altus Plateau
The next target is the Altus Plateau, which unlocks Radahn’s fight and allows access to the offline portion of Varré’s quest. The quickest route is via the Ruin-Strewn Precipice, although you can opt to take the longer route and obtain the medallion pieces from Caelid if preferred.
Regardless of the chosen path, activating a Site of Grace on the plateau is sufficient to unlock the Radahn fight.
Step 4: Defeat Radahn
Travel to Caelid and head to the great bridge outside Redmane Castle. The teleporter should now be active, allowing entry into the castle.
Your sole objective here is to defeat Radahn; there is no need to venture into Nokron or pursue additional objectives.
Step 5: Complete Varré’s Quest (Second Part)
Having gained access to the Altus Plateau, proceed to the Writheblood Ruins, where you will encounter a red invasion sign on the ground.
This step is crucial if you are playing offline, but optional if you can invade another player’s world online. Engage in battle with Magnus the Beast Claw through his red invasion sign.
Upon completion of this step, return to Varré at the Rose Church and agree to his terms and services to receive the Lord of Blood’s Favor.
Step 6: Complete Varré’s Quest (Final Part)
To obtain the Lord of Blood’s Favor, you must acquire the blood of a maiden, and there are several options available for this task. One option is to kill Hyetta for her blood or possibly Irina if she remains in her location.
Alternatively, if you possess an Imbued Swordkey, you can retrieve the Maiden’s Blood from the second Belfry, which transports you to the Chapel of Anticipation.
If none of these options are viable for any reason, I recommend proceeding through the Frenzied Flame Village in Liurnia of the Lakes and reaching the Church of Inhibition. You will encounter an invasion by Vyke, whom you must defeat to progress.
Once you have acquired the Maiden’s Blood, return to Varré at the Rose Church and exhaust his dialogue options. He will provide you with the Pureblood Knight’s Medal, which serves as a key to accessing Mohgwyn Palace.
Step 7: Defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood
With the Pureblood Knight’s Medal in hand, proceed to traverse Mohgwyn Palace. Navigate through the palace, employing strategic approaches to confront and ultimately defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood.
If necessary, consider acquiring Mohg’s Shackle and the Purifying Crystal Tear to aid you in this battle. After defeating Mohg, rest at the Site of Grace, where Leda should appear beside Miquella’s cocoon.
Congratulations, you are now prepared to embark on the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.