How to start the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC in Elden Ring

To embark on the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC in Elden Ring, players must navigate to Mohg’s arena in the underground section of the game and interact with the withered arm protruding from a cocoon. This action will initiate your journey into the expansion.

However, there are specific prerequisites and formidable bosses that players need to conquer before gaining access to this new content. Below is a detailed guide to help you prepare and enter the Shadow of the Erdtree.

Preparations for entering the Shadow of the Erdtree

Before players can access the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, there are a series of challenges and conditions that must be met. The journey begins with defeating two major bosses: Radahn and Mohg.

Each of these encounters presents unique challenges that require strategic preparation and skillful execution.

Required bosses to defeat

1. Radahn, the Starscourge

   • Location: Caelid
   • Role: Key storyline boss
   • Significance: Radahn is a pivotal character in the main narrative of Elden Ring. Defeating him is crucial as he controls the stars, unlocking further areas within the game. This encounter is part of the core storyline, and players must overcome this formidable foe to progress.

2. Mohg, lord of blood

   • Location: Mohgwyn Palace
   • Role: Optional boss
   • Access: To confront Mohg, players must complete the NPC Varre’s questline, which provides an expedited path to Mohg’s domain. While Mohg is technically optional, his defeat is mandatory for accessing the DLC.

Steps to access the Shadow of the Erdtree

• Defeat Radahn: Engage in the epic battle against Radahn in Caelid. His defeat is required as part of the main storyline and is crucial for progressing towards the DLC.
• Complete Varre’s Questline: Follow the questline of NPC Varre to gain entry into Mohgwyn Palace efficiently. This questline provides critical access without the need for the more arduous path.
• Conquer Mohg: Upon entering Mohgwyn Palace, defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood. This encounter is essential for unlocking the path to the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.
• Interact with the Withered Arm: After Mohg’s defeat, locate the large white cocoon in his arena. Interact with the arm protruding from it, choosing to “touch the withered arm,” which will trigger an automatic teleportation to the Realm of Shadow, the starting point of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.

Entering the Realm of Shadow

Once you have successfully defeated both Radahn and Mohg and interacted with the cocoon arm, you will be transported to the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC expansion area.

Upon arrival, you will encounter a Site of Grace marked by a symbol of Miquella’s Cross. This serves as a pivotal location, providing a permanent fast-travel point back to the area, eliminating the need to navigate through Mohg’s arena again.

Preparing for the challenges ahead

The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is renowned for its challenging gameplay and requires careful preparation. While the expansion introduces its own leveling system using unique items known as Scadutree Fragments, it is imperative that players adequately prepare for the demanding challenges that lie ahead.

Ensure your character is in optimal condition before embarking on this difficult journey, as the battles and trials within are designed to test your skills to their limits.

Preparing for the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC

Embarking on the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion in Elden Ring is a formidable challenge that demands thorough preparation. As an endgame test of skill, it requires players to masterfully apply everything they’ve learned throughout the core game.

From powerful weapons to honed abilities, ensuring that your character is at peak performance is essential for tackling this new adventure. Below is a comprehensive checklist designed to guide you in readying yourself for the treacherous Realm of Shadow.

Key preparations for the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion

Before delving into the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, it is crucial to address several important tasks that will enhance your understanding and capability.

The expansion is not merely an extension of the game but a culmination of the player’s journey and expertise, providing both a narrative and gameplay challenge. Here are essential steps to undertake before venturing into the DLC:

Dive into Miquella’s lore

Miquella is a pivotal figure in Elden Ring’s narrative, yet remains an enigmatic presence that players never encounter directly. His story is intricately woven into the game’s lore, often in subtle ways characteristic of the Souls series.

Exploring Miquella’s background will provide critical insights that are likely to be expanded upon in the DLC.

Familiarize yourself with references to Miquella to fully appreciate the narrative depth and connections within Shadow of the Erdtree.

Investigate Volcano Manor

Volcano Manor is emblematic of themes that are likely to reemerge in Shadow of the Erdtree, particularly those related to blasphemy and opposition to the Erdtree’s ideals.

As a site associated with Ryckard, a demigod who betrayed the Golden Order through his pact with a powerful snake, Volcano Manor offers valuable context.

Considering the DLC’s antagonistic elements linked to serpents and faith, exploring this area will enhance your understanding of the upcoming expansion’s thematic undercurrents.

Additionally, Volcano Manor features a series of unique quests involving the assassination of other Tarnished, offering a fresh perspective and pacing change from the rest of the game.

This exploration will set the stage for the challenges you will face in Shadow of the Erdtree.

Complete optional dungeons

Tackling optional dungeons, such as Castle Sol, is crucial for gaining deeper insights into the world of Elden Ring and preparing for the upcoming challenges.

Castle Sol, for instance, is deeply intertwined with the themes of the eclipse and Miquella’s attempted resurrection, both of which are expected to be prominent in the DLC.

While Castle Sol is notorious for its difficulty, defeating its enemies and uncovering its secrets will enrich your understanding of the game’s lore and prepare you for the formidable tasks ahead.

Defeat Malenia

Defeating Malenia, Miquella’s twin sister, is a significant objective before embarking on the DLC. Known for her incredible difficulty, Malenia embodies the intricate lore tied to Miquella’s hidden kingdom.

Her connection to the story, along with hints seen in the DLC trailer, makes her an essential encounter for players seeking to fully grasp the unfolding narrative of Shadow of the Erdtree.

Level up vital stats

Combat readiness in Shadow of the Erdtree demands high levels of Vigor and primary stats. Given the formidable foes within the Realm of Shadow, boosting your Vigor to at least level 50 for increased health is advisable.

Likewise, elevating your primary stat (such as Intelligence for sorcerers or Dexterity for katana users) will ensure your character can withstand the upcoming trials.

Although highly skilled players may find the difficulty manageable, reaching these stat benchmarks is generally recommended for a smoother experience.

Acquire buffs and equipment enhancements

Strengthening your character involves more than just leveling up. Obtaining various collectibles, such as Elden Ring Bell Bearings, allows you to acquire Smithing Stones for upgrading your weapons, enhancing your battle capabilities.

Additionally, gathering Golden Seeds will improve your healing flasks, while securing Great Runes will further bolster your abilities. These enhancements are pivotal in ensuring your character is equipped to face the challenges within the expansion.

Craft consumables

The early bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree are known for their diverse elemental attacks, requiring players to have adequate protection. Crafting consumables with elemental resistance is essential to mitigate damage from these formidable foes.

Prioritize crafting single-use consumables that provide insulation against magic and fire for one boss and lightning and frostbite for another. This preparation will enhance your survival odds in the Realm of Shadow.

Choose a heavy, slow weapon

Engaging with the bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree often benefits from wielding massive, heavy weapons. These weapons maximize damage output during the limited opportunities to strike, akin to tactics used against the Elden Beast in the base game.

While Strength builds naturally complement this approach, every build has access to weapons or gear that fit this strategy. Selecting a weapon that you’re comfortable with is crucial for achieving success against these mobile adversaries.

Conclusion

Accessing the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC in Elden Ring is an exhilarating experience that requires strategic preparation and mastery over the game’s mechanics.

By following the steps outlined above, players can navigate through the intricacies of the game and unlock the secrets of the new expansion.

Engage with the world of Elden Ring in its entirety, and prepare to explore the rich and immersive content that the Shadow of the Erdtree has to offer.