Elden Ring: How to Start Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
To start the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC in Elden Ring, there are a few important requirements and steps you'll need to follow, including defeating key bosses and accessing specific areas. This DLC continues the story of Miquella and introduces new characters, lore, and challenges for players to explore.
Key Requirements to Start the DLC
Defeat Starscourge Radahn
Defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood
Talk to Leda at the Cocoon of the Empyrean Site of Grace
Defeat Starscourge Radahn
Location: Wailing Dunes of Caelid, Redmane Castle
Importance: Radahn is one of the main shard bearer bosses and is necessary to progress to the DLC.
Radahn's battle takes place during the Festival at Redmane Castle and is an iconic boss fight where you summon NPC allies to help you.
The battle against Radahn is unique because of his enormous size and devastating abilities, but he can be fought with the aid of various NPCs.
To make this fight easier, consider progressing through Blaidd's Questline in East Limgrave to eventually summon him in the battle. Additionally, Ranni's Questline (which leads into Liurnia) will empty Redmane Castle of enemies, making it safer to approach Radahn.
Important Allies: Blaidd and Alexander the Iron Fist (both can assist in the Radahn fight).
For detailed tips on fighting Radahn, check out the Radahn Boss Guide.
Defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood
Location: Moghwyn Palace (Underground)
Importance: Mohg is another major shardbearer who guards the path to the DLC's starting area.
There are two ways to reach Moghwyn Palace, and your approach will depend on your character level and progression:
Method 1: Varre's Questline (PvP)
Varre's Questline begins at the Rose Church in Liurnia. To advance the quest, you'll need to invade three players in PvP. Winning isn't necessary; simply invading and participating is enough.
Completing this quest will reward you with an item that teleports you to Moghwyn Palace. However, this method can be difficult for low-level characters, so proceed with caution.
Method 2: Consecrated Snowfield
To access the Consecrated Snowfield, you need to find two halves of the Haligtree Medallion:
First Half: Located in Liurnia (at the base of a pot held by Albus the Albinauric).
Second Half: Located in Castle Sol in the Mountaintops of the Giants.
After collecting both medallions, use them at the Grand Lift of Rold to access the Consecrated Snowfield.
In the Consecrated Snowfield, locate a Sending Gate Teleporter on the western border that leads directly to Moghwyn Palace.
Mogh's Fight:
Mogh is one of the more challenging late-game bosses due to his powerful blood-based attacks and the Nihil blood loss mechanic. Make use of the Shackle (found in the Subterranean Shunning Grounds under Leyndell) to temporarily stun Mogh.
Another helpful item is the Purifying Crystal Tear, which helps mitigate Mogh's blood loss effects. This can be obtained through Eleonora the Violet Bloody Finger after progressing Yura's Questline in the Altus Plateau.
Accessing Miquella's Cocoon
After defeating Radahn and Mogh, head to the Cocoon of the Empyrean Site of Grace in Moghwyn Palace. Here, you'll meet Leda, a follower of Miquella, who will guide you to the Realm of Shadow.
Leda will instruct you to touch Miquella's arm to enter the new realm. This marks the beginning of your journey into the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.
Preparing for the DLC
While you don't necessarily need to level grind excessively, it's recommended that you:
Level up to at least Level 100-120 for the challenges in this DLC.
Equip yourself with gear that counters blood loss, especially since both Mogh and the upcoming enemies in the DLC use blood-based attacks.
Stock up on healing Elden Ring items (especially Flasks of Cerulean and Crimson Tears) and buff items.
Once you've met all the prerequisites and spoken to Leda at the Cocoon of the Empyrean, you will officially begin your journey into the new content. Be ready to face more powerful enemies, explore new areas, and uncover the mysteries surrounding Miquella.
Conclusion
Shadow of the Erdtree promises to be an exciting and challenging expansion for Elden Ring. By defeating Radahn and Mohg, and unlocking the Cocoon of the Empyrean Site of Grace, you will delve deeper into the world of the gods, the chaos of the Frenzied Flame, and the mysterious Miquella. Keep an eye out for unique Elden Ring runes that provide advantages in boss fights, puzzles, or exploration, as they might unlock powerful abilities or alternate paths to take during your journey. Equip yourself, level up, and get ready to explore a world full of mysteries, powerful Elden Ring items, and daunting bosses.