Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree - Complete Guide

FromSoftware's highly anticipated expansion to Elden Ring has finally arrived, and it's even more massive than expected. Shadow of the Erdtree introduces a whole new land to explore, dozens of challenging bosses, and hundreds of items to discover. Whether you're a veteran Tarnished or returning to the Lands Between after a break, this guide will help you navigate all the secrets and challenges of this expansive DLC.

How to Access the DLC

To enter the Land of Shadow, you'll first need to defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood in the base game and interact with the cocoon of Miquella in his arena. Once you've completed this prerequisite, a new interaction point will appear in the Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum that will transport you to the new area.

New Region: The Land of Shadow

The Land of Shadow is divided into several distinct areas, each with its own challenges and aesthetic:

• Scadutree Ruins

  The starting area where you'll face your first new enemies and gain a foothold in this strange land.

• Belurat, Castle of the High Peak

  A massive fortress that rivals Stormveil in size and complexity, guarded by the fearsome Knight Commander Gaius.

• Ravensmoor

  A poisonous swamp area (of course) with hidden caverns and powerful spirit enemies.

• The Obsidian Peaks

  A volcanic region with dangerous terrain and some of the most challenging enemies in the game.

• Ethereal City

  The mysterious final area where you'll face the ultimate challenge of the DLC.

Major Boss Strategies

Hidden Areas and Secrets

The Land of Shadow is filled with optional areas that contain some of the best rewards in the DLC. Here are some easily missed locations:

• The Forgotten Catacombs: Accessible via a hidden illusory wall in Ravensmoor, this dungeon contains the powerful "Dusk's Embrace" talisman.
• Ethereal Library: Located in the upper sections of Belurat Castle, accessible only by solving the clocktower puzzle. Contains several unique spells.
• The Abyss of Memory: A challenging optional area beneath the Obsidian Peaks, containing one of the hardest bosses in the game and the legendary "Shadows' Lament" greatsword.

New Weapons and Equipment

Shadow of the Erdtree introduces dozens of new weapons, spells, and armor sets. Here are our top picks:

Conclusion

Shadow of the Erdtree is a massive expansion that offers dozens of hours of challenging content. This guide only scratches the surface of what's available to discover. The DLC rewards exploration and experimentation, so don't be afraid to try different approaches when you get stuck.

For more detailed boss guides, equipment locations, and NPC quest walkthroughs, be sure to check our dedicated sections in the GameForge forums. And remember, in true FromSoftware fashion, death is not the end—it's a learning opportunity. Happy hunting, Tarnished!