9 Tips for Beginners in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Kill Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood, to access the DLC.
- Install the 16GB Shadow of the Erdtree DLC separately.
- Look for Miquella's Crosses for guidance and stat-enhancing items.
- Be at level 120+; enemies hit harder.
- Hunt for Scadutree Blessings and Revered Spirit Ash Blessings.
9 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Welcome back, Tarnished! Here's how to die slightly less often when you get to the Realm of Shadow.
There's nothing that truly prepares you for jumping into a Souls game. Even FromSoftware knows a fair warning can go a long way. So, from one who has traversed the Realm of Shadow and lived to tell the tale, here are a few things I wish I had known before starting Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.
1. You Did Kill Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood, Already, Right?
As FromSoftware mentioned, if you haven't, you're not going anywhere just yet. While optional for the base game's ending, these boss fights are required to access the DLC.
For returning Tarnished, the entrance to the DLC is in Mohg's boss room, southeast on the Underground map. The Site of Grace is called Cocoon of the Empyrean.
2. Did You Actually Install the DLC?
Shadow of the Erdtree is a separate install from the main game. Make sure to download the extra data, which is about 16GB.
3. Look Out for Miquella's Crosses
You'll notice a new symbol on the road—a golden cross with a crescent moon. These are Miquella's Crosses. They often have a Scadutree Fragment, Shadow of the Erdtree's new stat-enhancing items.
These markers also serve a passive purpose. Interact with them to read the words carved by Miquella, which will guide you through the story.
4. The Enemies Are Gonna Hit a Whole Lot Harder
Be at around level 120 before jumping in. Even high-level characters will find the new enemies' attack stats challenging.
Shadow of the Erdtree is less about how much you can get hit and keep getting back up, but rather avoiding getting hit as much as possible.
5. Hunt Down All the New Enhancement Items
Shadow of the Erdtree has its own special enhancement items. Scadutree Blessings boost your attack and defense stats. Revered Spirit Ash Blessings power up your Spirit Ashes.
These items are only effective in the Realm of Shadow. So, don't expect to one-shot Malenia after collecting them.
6. Know What You're Fighting For
Different types of minor dungeons offer different rewards:
- Catacombs: Glovewort and a new Spirit Ash
- Ruined Forges: Weaponry and upgrade resources
- Gaols: Hefty Pot
7. Go West, Life Is Slightly Less Terrifyingly Violent There
At the start of the DLC, take the road west to Belurat first. It's an easier task in the early going and loaded with useful items for any class.
The boss, Dancing Lion, is tough but rewarding. The Divine Beast Head is a versatile piece of armor you can get early on.
8. Look Up and Down More
The Realm of Shadow is more vertical than the Lands Between. Objectives are often higher or lower than you think. Pump a few more points into Dexterity to manage fall damage better.
9. You Don't Need to Just March Right Into Shadow Keep
Shadow Keep is a massive ruined kingdom. Instead of walking up to the front door, explore side entrances and exits. You'll find switches, secrets, and some tough boss fights.
Remember, circling around and finding another way in can make your journey easier.
Continue exploring and enjoy your adventure in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree!
