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

The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring promises to be an exciting continuation of the game, providing gamers with new challenges and opportunities. It will introduce a unique location comparable in size to Limgrave, as well as special enemies, weapon types, and other innovations. In this guide, we will explain in detail how to start the DLC and what steps need to be taken to immerse yourself in the world of Shadow of the Erdtree.

The most important novelty, without a doubt, is the independent development mechanic introduced in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, which is active only in the new DLC area. For defeating bosses, you will receive powerful bonuses that will make you significantly stronger, allowing you to tackle the game's most difficult challenges.

The system somewhat resembles Covenants from Dark Souls and deactivates as soon as you return from the Shadowlands to the regular world of Elden Ring. The bonuses are divided into Scadu Tree Shards (providing a bonus to attack and defense) and Ash Blessings of the Revered Spirit (a bonus to the attack and defense of the spirit you summon). Both enhancements can be exchanged for consumables at mercy locations. The bonuses they give you remain active permanently but only in the DLC areas.

To activate the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, you first need to defeat two main enemies in the game: Starscourge Radahn and Mogh, Lord of Blood. Then head to Mohgwyn Palace and find the special item «Withered Hand in Cocoon». Touching it will allow you to enter the unique map «Shadowlands,» where the DLC storyline will unfold. From this point on, players are free to move between the two worlds.

Key steps required to unlock the Shadow Of The Erdtree expansion:

Starscourge Radahn is the main opponent in the Caelid region, which is afflicted by rot and located east of Limgrave. To defeat him, players will need to wait for the start of the Radahn Festival, then head to Redmane Castle, located in the southeastern part of Caelid, to activate the portal on the beach.

There are three ways to activate the «Radahn Festival» event:

Caelid is a challenging area, and before heading there, it's better to complete Limgrave and Liurnia. If you need more detailed information, refer to our other guides.

Another opponent you need to face and defeat to activate the expansion is Mogh, Lord of Blood. He resides in Mohgwyn Palace, underground, which can be accessed in two ways:

The second method will get you to Mohgwyn Palace faster. However, keep in mind that this location is extremely dangerous. Using the Pureblood Knight's Medal for quick access might mean your level is not suitable for the monsters, and you will be unprepared for the battle with Mogh.

Once you defeat Mogh on the improvised arena in the throne room, all that remains is to touch the withered hand emerging from the bloodied cocoon on Mogh's throne. This hand belongs to the demigod Miquella, brother of the famous boss Malenia, Blade of Miquella.

Miquella is an extremely mysterious character who plays a special role in the Shadow Of The Erdtree expansion, so it makes sense that this character will be your guide to the Shadowlands.

The necessary steps to start Shadow Of The Erdtree are described above. Let's take a closer look at the fastest way to launch the DLC:

To achieve your goal, you will have to fight four mandatory bosses, each of which can pose a serious threat if your character's level is not high enough. Therefore, it is highly recommended to spend some time farming runes to improve your stats.

One of the best places to farm runes in the game becomes available once you reach Mohgwyn Palace before the battle with Mogh. Head to the Palace Approach Ledge-Road Site of Grace in the southeast of the region and follow these steps to earn a large number of runes:

This method will allow you to quickly and efficiently gain enough runes to level up your character, making the further progression of the game easier.