How to Unlock the Entire Map in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

In the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring, the map exploration mechanics have remained largely unchanged, but there are a number of significant nuances. In particular, there is now a different system for unlocking the map, which will be useful to know at the beginning of the playthrough. In this small guide, we will explain the main principle of exploring the open world in the DLC.

As in the main game, the map is your main friend and ally. It shows all the points of interest and main paths, as well as highlights NPCs available for dialogue. Without it, exploring the world will be very difficult, so starting the search for the map is the first thing you need to do when opening a new location.

Despite the fog of war, the map always marks a stele where you will find the needed piece. These fragments eventually form the complete world map. There are five parts in total in the expansion, which together create the shadow realm location.

It was somewhat similar in the main game. It may seem the same in the DLC, but it's not quite so. From now on, some new parts of the shadow realm are tied to storyline bosses. You won't be able to reach the stele until you defeat the next important adversary.

The first zone opens in the usual way, but after that, you will have to fight; otherwise, you won't be able to explore the world. This simple method limits the freedom that the original Elden Ring was famous for. You can only go through locations in a specific order designed by the developers, and no other way.

The first location where you will find a fragment is the Gravestone Plain. You can't miss it as you will immediately arrive at the Plain after starting the DLC. The stele with the map is located along the main road almost in front of the Charred Ruins. This will give you access to the first large zone of the expansion, as well as two storyline bosses, one of whom awaits you in Belurate, and the other in Encis Castle. You will need to kill the latter to expand the available territory.

Once you defeat the knightess with two magical swords, you will move into the Shadow Altus location. Move straight to the Miquella's Cross. It is easy to see from afar. A little further will be the stele with the second map fragment, in front of the Messmer Knight camp.

The next fragment awaits you in the Southern Coast location. This is logically the southernmost part of the entire shadow realm. The stele is located on a separate path surrounded by bluish flowers. To reach it, you need to run past an optional boss — a dragon.

The third fragment is located in the Rauch Ruins. The location is to the left of Shadow Altus. To get there, you will have to run past several strong enemies — golems. Use the area called Temple City Ruins as a reference point.

The last piece of the map is in the bottom right corner — the Abyss. You can get there through a secret door in the Shadow Abode. In the Abyss, you will constantly receive the madness debuff and encounter invulnerable enemies. Find the Church Ruins, near which the stele with the map will be located.