Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree - A Beginner’s Guide
Introduction: Stepping Back into the Lands Between
Elden Ring redefined the open-world action RPG landscape, blending Hidetaka Miyazaki’s punishing difficulty with George R.R. Martin’s sprawling, mythic lore. For years, fans have awaited the expansion that promises to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Erdtree and the demigods that shaped the Lands Between.
That expansion is here: Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree.
This isn’t just a map extension; it’s an entirely new realm, the Land of Shadow, complete with its own history, brutal challenges, and unique power mechanics. If you’re a beginner returning to the game or planning your first journey into this massive new Elden Ring DLC, you need more than just high stats—you need a roadmap.
This ultimate Elden Ring DLC guide will cut through the noise, providing you with the exact steps for how to start Shadow of the Erdtree, explaining the crucial Scadutree Fragment system, detailing the new threats like Messmer the Impaler, and offering essential Shadow of the Erdtree tips to ensure you survive the unforgiving difficulty spike.
We will cover everything you need to know, from prerequisites and preparation to the new Elden Ring DLC map and the answer to the burning question: is Shadow of the Erdtree worth it?
The Prerequisites: How to Access the Land of Shadow
Before you can set foot in the Land of Shadow, you must meet two very specific, high-level requirements. FromSoftware is notorious for gating its DLC behind late-game bosses, and this expansion is no exception. This hurdle ensures that players entering the new content are prepared for the immense Shadow of the Erdtree difficulty.
The portal to the new world lies through the remnants of Miquella Elden Ring, specifically his withered arm at the Mohgwyn Palace.
Step 1: Defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood
The single most critical step is conquering Mohg, Lord of Blood. This optional yet necessary boss is typically encountered in the late stages of the base game. If you haven’t defeated him, the cocoon you need to access the DLC will remain inactive.
Where to Find Mohg: Mohg is located in the Mohgwyn Palace, a hidden area accessible via two primary methods:
- The White Mask Varre Questline: The easiest and earliest method is completing White Mask Varre’s quest (the first NPC you usually meet in Limgrave). This involves joining the Blood Order, which grants you the Pureblood Knight’s Medal, an item that teleports you directly to the Palace.
- The Consecrated Snowfield Portal: You can also reach the Palace by taking the teleporter in the western part of the Consecrated Snowfield (accessible only after finding both halves of the Haligtree Secret Medallion).
Key Strategy for How to Beat Mohg Lord of Blood: Mohg is a challenging fight requiring careful positioning and knowledge of his Bloodflame attacks. The key items that will drastically simplify the fight are:
- Mohg’s Shackle: An item purchased from Patches that can bind Mohg twice in his first phase, allowing for massive damage output.
- Purifying Crystal Tear: A Physic flask mixing component that negates the damage and status effect build-up from Mohg’s signature “Nihil!” attack during his phase transition.
Ensure your character is around Level 120–150 and your primary weapon is upgraded to +20 or higher before tackling this prerequisite.
Step 2: Interact with Miquella’s Cocoon
Once Mohg is defeated, the area behind his boss arena becomes accessible. Here, you will find the grotesque cocoon of Miquella, the Unalloyed, Mohg’s kidnapped demigod brother.
After the Elden Ring update for the DLC is installed, a spectral hand will emerge from the cocoon. Interacting with this hand is the official way to how to access Elden Ring DLC and begin your journey into the Land of Shadow.
Important Note on System Requirements: The Shadow of the Erdtree system requirements are essentially the same as the base Elden Ring game, but given the visual fidelity and expansive new map, performance stability may require your system to meet or exceed the recommended specs. Ensure you have the latest drivers and the entire game (base game + DLC) is updated before attempting entry.
Navigating the Land of Shadow: The Scadutree System
The Land of Shadow is not the Lands Between. The usual rules of progression and scaling do not apply. If you enter at Level 150 expecting an easy time, you will be swiftly humbled by the Shadow of the Erdtree difficulty.
FromSoftware introduced two new, DLC-specific progression systems to balance the challenge: the Scadutree Fragment and the Revered Spirit Ash upgrade paths. These are essential for survival.
What is the Scadutree Fragment System?
The Scadutree Fragment is the new primary progression resource for your character in the Land of Shadow. Finding these items and using them at Sites of Grace increases your “Shadow Realm Blessing,” which directly provides a stacking buff to your player’s damage output and damage resistance only within the DLC area.
Think of the Scadutree system as a dedicated DLC level-scaling mechanic. Standard Vigor, Endurance, and Strength still matter, but without a high Scadutree Blessing, even high-level characters will hit like a wet noodle and get one-shot by basic enemies.
Why it Matters: This mechanic is designed to level the playing field between characters of vastly different levels while ensuring the DLC remains challenging for everyone. Even a Level 300 character needs to collect these fragments to keep pace.
Finding and Using Scadutree Fragments
Scadutree Fragments are the most important collectible in the new Elden Ring DLC map. They are typically found in or near major historical sites, ruins, or small, non-obvious altars that resemble miniature, pale versions of the Erdtree.
Exploration is key. Unlike regular items, these fragments often emit a subtle glow or are guarded by powerful enemies, signaling their importance. Finding all Scadutree Fragment locations will be crucial for reaching the highest power levels necessary to face the final Shadow of the Erdtree bosses.
Once collected, apply them at any Site of Grace to increase your Shadow Realm Blessing level. Prioritize collecting these fragments over aggressively pursuing main story objectives, especially early on. If you are struggling with a difficult encounter, the answer is often to turn around, explore a new area, and find more fragments.
Understanding Revered Spirit Ash
Complementing the Scadutree Fragment system is the Revered Spirit Ash mechanic. This works identically to the Scadutree Fragment system but applies its scaling buff specifically to your Spirit Ashes (summons) and your spectral steed, Torrent.
If you rely heavily on summoning powerful allies like the Black Knife Tiche or the Mimic Tear, locating and using Revered Spirit Ash items will dramatically increase their survivability, damage, and overall usefulness within the Land of Shadow. This ensures that summon-heavy builds remain viable against the DLC’s monstrous foes.
New Challenges and Terrors: Bosses of the DLC
The Shadow of the Erdtree bosses are designed to be among the most challenging in the entire FromSoftware catalogue. They are cinematic, lore-heavy, and require mastery of dodging, positioning, and, critically, utilizing the Scadutree system effectively.
The primary antagonists are tied directly to the central narrative concerning Miquella and the mysterious past of the Golden Order.
Facing Messmer the Impaler
The most iconic antagonist revealed in the trailers is Messmer the Impaler. Messmer is a key figure in the Elden Ring lore Erdtree history, and his fight serves as a central pillar of the DLC’s narrative and difficulty curve.
Messmer is characterized by his serpentine movements, mastery of flame magic (reminiscent of the Godskin Apostles, but far more brutal), and his imposing appearance.
Tactical Advice for Messmer:
- Flame Resistance: Equip high-resistance armor and use the Flamedrake Talisman. The Black Flame Protection Incantation is also highly recommended.
- Aggression: Messmer often punishes passive play. Look for openings between his large fire sweeps to deal burst damage.
- Scadutree Level: Do not attempt this fight without a high Scadutree Blessing (Level 8-10 or higher). The fight is a strict gear check for the DLC’s progression system.
The Divine Beast Dancing Lion and Other Major Threats
Beyond Messmer, the Land of Shadow is littered with mandatory and optional bosses that test different aspects of your character build. One major early encounter is the Divine Beast Dancing Lion.
This boss fight is known for its intense speed and erratic, almost choreographed movements that require precise timing and discipline. It serves as an early indicator of the DLC’s overall elevated difficulty. Other major threats include various Knights of the Crucible, corrupted spirits, and massive field bosses that utilize new status effects and environmental hazards.
Be prepared for multi-phase encounters, hidden weak points, and enemies that thrive on interrupting your heals and buffing attempts.
Arming Yourself: New Weapons, Spells, and Builds
A major highlight of any FromSoftware new DLC is the introduction of fresh ways to play, and Shadow of the Erdtree delivers. The DLC introduces an array of new weaponry, armor, and spells that can drastically change the meta and allow for creative best build for Shadow of the Erdtree strategies.
The New Weapon Categories
The DLC is reported to introduce at least eight entirely new weapon categories that were not present in the base game. These aren’t just reskins; they offer unique move sets and Ashes of War, encouraging players to experiment beyond their familiar meta builds.
Examples of these new categories include:
- Reverse-Grip Paired Weapons: Focusing on lightning-fast, high-combo attacks similar to duel-wielding daggers, but with a unique stance.
- Throwing Weapons: Finally offering a dedicated build path for ranged physical attacks without relying solely on bows.
- Great Katanas: Larger, slower versions of the iconic katana, offering massive stagger potential but requiring higher Strength and Dexterity.
Finding these new weapons Elden Ring DLC offers can revitalize a character build that felt stagnant or uninspired after hundreds of hours in the base game. Always look for hidden chests, explore caves, and defeat high-level invaders, as they often guard these new armaments.
Optimizing Your Build for the DLC
While a specific best build for Shadow of the Erdtree is subjective, certain statistics and preparation methods are universally beneficial due to the sheer jump in damage enemies deal:
| Statistic | Importance in DLC | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Vigor | Critical (60+) | High health pool is non-negotiable. Enemies can near-one-shot characters with Vigor below 50, regardless of armor. |
| Endurance | High | Crucial for heavy armor (physical defense) and managing the stamina demands of continuous dodging in complex boss fights. |
| Damage Stat (STR/DEX/INT/FTH) | High (80+) | You still need to deal damage, but prioritize hitting soft caps to ensure efficient use of Scadutree scaling. |
| Mind (for Casters) | Moderate | Essential for sustained casting, especially when using the new DLC sorceries and incantations which can be resource-intensive. |
Focus on builds that offer high stagger potential (Colossal Weapons, Great Axes) or incredible burst damage (high-tier Sorceries/Incantations). Status effects like Bleed and Frostbite remain viable, though many DLC enemies exhibit high resistance, making pure physical or elemental damage equally important.
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Lore Deep Dive: Miquella and the Shadow of the Erdtree
The core appeal of the Shadow of the Erdtree gameplay isn’t just the combat; it’s the chance to unearth the hidden history of the Lands Between. The entire premise revolves around Miquella Elden Ring, the twin brother of Malenia and one of the most mysterious and tragic figures in the lore.
The Journey of Miquella
Miquella, cursed with eternal childhood, abandoned the Erdtree to create the Haligtree, hoping to cure his sister and break free from the Golden Order’s constraints. His kidnapping by Mohg, Lord of Blood, led to his current state within the cocoon—a state of slumber and transformation.
The Land of Shadow is the place Miquella went before the events of the base game, or a reflection of his dream state. It is the land where Queen Marika first set foot and where the Greater Will’s power was established, marking a period of time before the Golden Order we know.
The DLC promises to answer critical questions about:
- Marika’s Past: What was her relationship with the shadow realm, and what dark secrets did she hide?
- Messmer’s Identity: Who is this figure, and where does he fit into the lineage of the Demigods and the conflict with the Erdtree?
- The Origin of the Erdtree: The Elden Ring lore Erdtree is expanded upon, revealing the nature of the “Shadow Realm,” and perhaps even the entity that preceded the Erdtree itself.
Engaging with the environmental storytelling and item descriptions is vital to piecing together this massive new chapter of the lore.
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Essential Beginner Tips for the Land of Shadow
Entering the Land of Shadow unprepared is a guaranteed recipe for frustration. Use these Shadow of the Erdtree tips to maximize your chances of success and minimize grinding.
1. Embrace the Scadutree Hunt
This cannot be stressed enough. If you hit a wall—if a boss or even a random patrol is killing you in one hit—stop trying to fight and go explore. Find two or three more Scadutree Fragment locations. The benefit of a single rank in the Shadow Realm Blessing often outweighs five or ten standard levels in Vigor.
2. Prepare for Status Effects
The new enemies and bosses rely heavily on status effects that are not as prevalent in the base game. Expect increased use of:
- Sleep: Miquella’s influence means Sleep buildup is common, paralyzing you instantly. Carry St. Trina’s Lilies or use the ability to craft curative items.
- Frenzy and Madness: Fire-based enemies often inflict high Madness buildup, requiring high Focus (Mind stat) or the use of Clarifying Boluses.
- Rot (Scarlet and Black): Various new Rot strains are present, demanding careful management of Boluses and ensuring you have high Immunity.
3. Use Torrent Aggressively
The Elden Ring DLC map is vast and complex, often featuring open areas punctuated by dense environmental hazards. Torrent, your spectral steed, is not just for travel; he’s often essential for open-world combat, allowing you to quickly reposition, kite enemies, and escape overwhelming ambushes.
4. Optimize Your Talismans for Defense
While offense is necessary, defense dictates survivability in the DLC. Prioritize talismans that boost raw defense, increase specific elemental resistances, or improve your rolling/stamina management:
- Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman (Physical resistance).
- Great-Jar’s Arsenal (Allows for heavier armor for damage mitigation).
- Any Talisman negating the primary damage type of the area/boss you are facing (e.g., Flame, Lightning, or Holy resistance).
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Final Verdict: Is Shadow of the Erdtree Worth It?
For many fans, the answer to “is Shadow of the Erdtree worth it” is an unqualified yes. This is not simply a small expansion; it’s a massive addition that easily matches the size and complexity of a full-scale AAA title.
Shadow of the Erdtree Length and Value
The Shadow of the Erdtree length for a standard playthrough, focusing on main bosses and key side content, is estimated to be between 20 and 40 hours. For completionists aiming for all Scadutree Fragment locations and every optional boss, the playtime can easily exceed 80 hours.
Given the typical Elden Ring DLC price (standard for a major expansion), the sheer amount of content—new areas, lore, weapons, and complex mechanics—offers exceptional value.
The Elden Ring DLC Review Summary
The critical consensus around the Elden Ring DLC review is overwhelmingly positive, focusing on:
- World Design: A masterclass in environmental storytelling, offering a darker, more intimate world than the sprawling Lands Between.
- Mechanics: The Scadutree Fragment system successfully introduces progression unique to the DLC, maintaining challenge for high-level players.
- Challenge: The difficulty is relentless, pushing even veterans to their limits, but remains fair thanks to the new progression systems.
If you enjoyed the base game, this expansion provides everything you loved, amplified and refined. It’s an essential experience that solidifies Elden Ring’s legacy as one of the best action RPGs ever made.
Conclusion
The Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree expansion is a brutal, beautiful journey into the shadows of the past. Success in the Land of Shadow requires more than just high stats; it demands preparation, patience, and a willingness to explore every corner for the vital Scadutree Fragment upgrades.
Ensure you have defeated Mohg and Radahn, stepped through Miquella’s cocoon, and are ready to face the legendary Messmer the Impaler and the unforgiving Shadow of the Erdtree difficulty. By prioritizing exploration and utilizing the unique DLC scaling mechanics, you will be equipped to handle the secrets and dangers that lie beneath the gilded veneer of the Erdtree’s history. Prepare yourself, Tarnished. The greatest challenge awaits.
FAQs: Your Most Pressed Questions About the DLC
Q1. What are the minimum requirements to start Shadow of the Erdtree?
The minimum requirements are to have defeated two specific optional bosses in the base game: Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood. You must then travel to Mohgwyn Palace and interact with Miquella’s arm in the cocoon behind Mohg’s boss arena.
Q2. Is the Elden Ring DLC only accessible after beating the main game?
No. While the required bosses (Radahn and Mohg) are mid-to-late game encounters, you do not need to beat the final boss of Elden Ring or start New Game Plus to access the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. As long as Radahn and Mohg are defeated, you can start the DLC.
Q3. How does the Scadutree Fragment system make the DLC easier or harder?
The Scadutree Fragment system doesn’t necessarily make the content “easier,” but it makes the extreme Shadow of the Erdtree difficulty survivable. It acts as an area-specific power cap; without collecting fragments, you will be too weak to progress. Higher Scadutree levels increase your damage output and damage negation within the Land of Shadow, preventing the bosses from being impossible one-shot challenges.
Q4. Are there new classes or starting options in the DLC?
No, the Elden Ring DLC does not introduce new starting classes. However, it introduces eight entirely new weapon categories and dozens of new spells and Ashes of War, which fundamentally change the available build options and provide new ways to optimize your best build for Shadow of the Erdtree.
Q5. What is the overall tone and setting of the Land of Shadow?
The Land of Shadow is characterized by a darker, more contained environment, often described as melancholic and ominous. The entire Elden Ring DLC map feels like a “shadow” or forgotten reflection of the Lands Between, tied closely to the forbidden history of Queen Marika and the origins of the Golden Order before the Erdtree grew to prominence.
Q6. Will my current maxed-out weapons be enough for the new area?
While your +25 or +10 Somber weapons are still powerful, their effectiveness is greatly diminished until you raise your Shadow Realm Blessing using Scadutree Fragments. Think of the DLC as resetting the power curve temporarily. Your weapon stats matter, but the Scadutree scaling matters more.
Q7. Where is Miquella Elden Ring located for the start of the DLC?
Miquella Elden Ring is found within his cocoon in Mohgwyn Palace, specifically in the back of the boss arena where you fight Mohg, Lord of Blood. Once Mohg is defeated, you can touch Miquella’s spectral hand to enter the Land of Shadow.