Discover the best strategies to start Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC successfully.

What to Do First in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Navigating Elden Ring’s expansive world can often leave players wondering where to go next. This uncertainty is magnified in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, which doesn’t offer clear directions on what to do first. Designed for Elden Ring veterans, Shadow of the Erdtree is even more opaque than the base game. If you’re diving back in after some time or if you’re accustomed to more guidance, the first steps into this new content can be quite daunting. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the crucial first hours of your journey in the Shadow Realm of the Lands Between, helping you establish a solid foundation for your adventure.

Grab the First Map Fragment

When you first load into Shadow of the Erdtree, you find yourself in a strange and unfamiliar land without a map. To begin charting your course, you’ll need to collect map fragments. Your immediate priority should be to locate and grab the first map fragment.

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Mount Torrent and head down the main road. As you ride towards the ruins and the giant blazing boss in the distance, keep an eye out for a pillar on the side of the road, set in a field of tall grass, south of the Scorched Ruins. Interact with this pillar to obtain the map fragment for the first region, Gravesite Plain.

If you have difficulty finding the pillar, note that it is marked on your map even before you collect the fragment. This small but crucial step will make navigating the Shadow Realm significantly easier. For those eager to uncover the entire region, refer to our comprehensive guide on finding all DLC map fragments.

Collect Your First Scadutree Blessing

Scadutree Blessings are vital for enhancing your strength and defense in Shadow of the Erdtree. To boost your blessing level, you must collect multiple Scadutree Fragments. Fortunately, you can start using this system mere minutes into the DLC if you know where to go.

From your starting point, ride towards the western castle along the main road until you reach the first of Miquella’s Crosses. This crossroads has three paths: the left path leads to the castle, the right path leads to a bridge, and the forward path leads to a lake. Speak to the nearby NPC and rest at the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace to learn about this unique progression system.

Unlike traditional leveling, Scadutree Fragments increase your Scadutree Blessing, a buff that enhances the damage you deal and reduces the damage you receive. This buff only applies to your character in the DLC areas. (There’s also a Revered Spirit Ashes item that boosts these effects for your summons and Torrent.) You can obtain your first Scadutree Blessing at this Miquella’s Cross and another by heading further west towards the castle. For additional locations, see our detailed Scadutree Blessing locations page.

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Take On Some Optional Bosses

Before heading into Belurat, the large castle to the west, consider tackling a few optional bosses to reacquaint yourself with Elden Ring’s combat mechanics. These encounters will help you get back into fighting shape before facing the DLC’s first major boss. Here are a few notable bosses worth fighting:

Logur

Logur, an homage to X-Men’s Wolverine, can be found wandering the forest near your entry point into the Shadow Realm. Ride Torrent through the trees until you locate this shirtless, hairy, clawed adversary. Defeating Logur will reward you with his Beast Claws, a powerful weapon that can prove useful in your journey.

Gravesite Plain Furnace Golem

South of the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace, you’ll encounter the Gravesite Plain Furnace Golem, a giant flaming monstrosity. This boss will test your timing and patience as it has a lot of health and can quickly kill you if you’re not careful. Successfully defeating the Furnace Golem will earn you a new Crystal Tear for your Wondrous Physicks and a Furnace Visage for crafting a Hefty Furnace Pot.

Ghostflame Dragon

The Ghostflame Dragon can be found sleeping in the lake north of the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace. While manageable to fight on Torrent, be cautious of its ghostly breath, which can be lethal even for high-level characters. Defeating the Ghostflame Dragon will reward you with a Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone and a Great Katana sword found on a body in the lake.

If these bosses prove too challenging, feel free to continue with the guide and return later once you’ve increased your Scadutree Blessing. These encounters are optional but provide valuable rewards and combat practice.

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Explore Belurat, the First Legacy Dungeon

Once you’re back in the swing of things, it’s time to tackle Belurat, the first significant dungeon in Shadow of the Erdtree. This fortress is home to the Divine Beast Dancing Lion, the first major boss you’ll face in the DLC. Here, you’ll also find the first Site of Grace that directs you towards Shadow of the Erdtree’s main story.

Belurat is a sprawling fortress filled with challenging enemies and intricate pathways. As you navigate this dungeon, keep an eye out for hidden areas and valuable loot. The Divine Beast Dancing Lion is a formidable foe, combining fast, aggressive attacks with powerful magic. Defeating this boss will not only progress the main story but also grant you access to valuable rewards and the next stage of your journey.

Explore Gravesite Plain

Gravesite Plain, the starting area of Shadow of the Erdtree, may be smaller than other regions in Elden Ring, but it is densely packed with hidden areas and valuable items. Before moving on, take the time to thoroughly explore this region. Here are a few key points of interest:

Backhand Blade

The Backhand Blade is a powerful weapon located in a small room northeast of the Scorched Ruins and southeast of the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace. This blade is one of the many DLC weapons you can find in Shadow of the Erdtree, and its unique properties make it a valuable addition to your arsenal.

Gravebird Armor

The Gravebird Armor set can be found near the lake to the north. This set is scattered throughout the Shadow Realm, so keep an eye out for other pieces as you explore. The Gravebird Armor provides excellent protection and boosts certain stats, making it a great choice for players looking to enhance their defenses.

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Belurat Gaol

Belurat Gaol is an optional dungeon located near the lake that hosts the Ghostflame Dragon. This dungeon takes place beneath Belurat and offers a challenging experience with valuable rewards. Completing Belurat Gaol will net you the Demi-Human Swordsman Yosh Spirit Ash summon, a powerful ally that can aid you in battle.

Explore Castle Ensis

When you’re ready to move on, cross the bridge that leads northeast into the rest of the Shadow Realm. After passing through a soldier encampment, you’ll arrive at Castle Ensis, a small fort that offers a brief but intense dungeon experience.

Rellana, Twin Moon Knight

Your main challenge in Castle Ensis is Rellana, Twin Moon Knight. This formidable opponent wields magical and flaming swords, combining fast, aggressive attacks with devastating spells. Defeating Rellana will allow you to progress further into the Shadow Realm and unlock new areas to explore.

Forge Ahead with the Story

Upon reaching Scadu Atlus, a vast and complex region, you’ll encounter numerous paths and challenges. While there are many side bosses and optional areas to explore, if you wish to follow the main story, head towards the massive fortress to the north, Shadow Keep. This dungeon spans multiple floors and culminates in a difficult boss fight.

Shadow Keep

Shadow Keep is a sprawling fortress filled with powerful enemies and intricate puzzles. As you navigate this massive dungeon, you’ll need to stay vigilant and prepare for tough battles. The final boss of Shadow Keep is a formidable foe that will test your skills and strategy.

Next Steps

After defeating the boss in Shadow Keep, you’ll reach the next Site of Grace, which points you towards Rauh Ruins and the rest of the DLC. From here, you have multiple options: explore additional areas, tackle side bosses, or continue following the main story. The choice is yours, and each path offers unique challenges and rewards.

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Additional Tips and Strategies

Upgrade Your Gear

As you progress through Shadow of the Erdtree, upgrading your gear is crucial for survival. Visit blacksmiths and use Smithing Stones to enhance your weapons and armor. Upgrading your gear will significantly improve your combat effectiveness and help you tackle tougher enemies.

Use Spirit Ashes Wisely

Spirit Ashes can be powerful allies in battle, but they require careful management. Summon them strategically during tough fights to gain an advantage. Each Spirit Ash has unique abilities and strengths, so experiment with different summons to find the ones that best complement your playstyle.

Manage Your Resources

Resources such as health flasks, mana flasks, and consumables are vital for survival in the Shadow Realm. Keep a close eye on your inventory and restock whenever possible. Managing your resources effectively will ensure you’re always prepared for the challenges ahead.

Explore Thoroughly

The Shadow Realm is filled with hidden secrets, valuable items, and powerful enemies. Take the time to explore every nook and cranny, as you never know what you might find. Thorough exploration will not only yield valuable rewards but also provide you with a deeper understanding of the DLC’s lore and story.

Stay Flexible

Elden Ring’s combat system rewards flexibility and adaptability. Don’t be afraid to switch up your tactics and try new strategies when faced with tough enemies. Experiment with different weapons, spells, and playstyles to find what works best for you.

Conclusion

Shadow of the Erdtree offers a challenging and rewarding experience for Elden Ring veterans. By following this guide and making the right choices early on, you’ll set yourself up for success in this expansive new content. Remember to grab the first map fragment, collect Scadutree Blessings, tackle optional bosses, explore dungeons thoroughly, and forge ahead with the main story. With these strategies in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to conquer the Shadow Realm and uncover the secrets of the Erdtree. Best of luck on your journey!

FAQs for Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

1. What is the starting level requirement for Shadow of the Erdtree?

Shadow of the Erdtree is designed for experienced Elden Ring players. It is recommended to be at least level 100 or higher before starting the DLC to ensure you can handle the tougher enemies and bosses.

2. How do I access the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC?

To access the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, you need to have completed a significant portion of the base game. Once you meet the requirements, the DLC can be accessed from a specific location within the game. Check the DLC’s official release notes or in-game notifications for detailed instructions.

3. What are Scadutree Blessings and how do I get them?

Scadutree Blessings are buffs that enhance your damage dealt and reduce damage received in the DLC areas. You can increase your Scadutree Blessing level by collecting Scadutree Fragments found throughout the Shadow Realm. The first Scadutree Blessing can be obtained at Miquella’s Cross, near the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace.

4. Where can I find the first map fragment in Shadow of the Erdtree?

The first map fragment for the Gravesite Plain region can be found by riding Torrent along the main road toward the ruins and the blazing boss in the distance. Look for a pillar on the side of the road, set in a field of tall grass, south of the Scorched Ruins.

5. What are the notable optional bosses in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC?

Some notable optional bosses include:

• Logur: Found in the forest near the entry point, drops Beast Claws.
• Gravesite Plain Furnace Golem: Located south of the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace, drops a Crystal Tear and a Furnace Visage.
• Ghostflame Dragon: Found in the lake north of the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace, drops a Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone and a Great Katana.

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6. What should I do before entering Belurat, the first legacy dungeon?

Before entering Belurat, it’s advisable to:

• Collect the first map fragment.
• Obtain your first Scadutree Blessing.
• Defeat some optional bosses to get back into the groove of Elden Ring’s combat.

7. How do I increase my Scadutree Blessing level?

To increase your Scadutree Blessing level, you need to collect Scadutree Fragments scattered throughout the Shadow Realm. Each fragment will boost your blessing level, enhancing your damage output and reducing incoming damage within the DLC areas.

8. What are some key items to find in Gravesite Plain?

Key items to find in Gravesite Plain include:

• Backhand Blade: Located in a small room northeast of the Scorched Ruins.
• Gravebird Armor: Found near the lake to the north.
• Demi-Human Swordsman Yosh Spirit Ash Summon: Found in Belurat Gaol, an optional dungeon near the lake hosting the Ghostflame Dragon.

9. How do I progress through Castle Ensis?

To progress through Castle Ensis, cross the bridge northeast of the soldier encampment. The main challenge here is Rellana, Twin Moon Knight, who wields magical and flaming swords. Defeat her to move forward and continue your journey in the Shadow Realm.

10. What should I do once I reach Scadu Atlus?

Upon reaching Scadu Atlus, you’ll have multiple paths to choose from. You can explore side bosses and optional areas to power up, or follow the main story by heading to Shadow Keep, a massive dungeon to the north that culminates in a difficult boss fight.

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11. How do I upgrade my gear in Shadow of the Erdtree?

Visit blacksmiths and use Smithing Stones to upgrade your weapons and armor. This will significantly improve your combat effectiveness, allowing you to tackle tougher enemies and bosses within the DLC.

12. How do I use Spirit Ashes effectively?

Spirit Ashes can be powerful allies in battle. Summon them strategically during tough fights to gain an advantage. Experiment with different Spirit Ashes to find the ones that best complement your playstyle and the specific challenges you face.

13. What are some exploration tips for the Shadow Realm?

Thorough exploration is key to success in the Shadow Realm. Look for hidden areas, valuable items, and powerful enemies. Explore every nook and cranny to uncover secrets and gather rewards that will aid you in your journey.

14. How can I manage my resources effectively?

Keep a close eye on your inventory and restock health flasks, mana flasks, and consumables whenever possible. Effective resource management ensures you’re always prepared for the challenges ahead.

15. What is the best strategy for progressing through the main story?

To progress through the main story, follow the direction given by Sites of Grace. After reaching Shadow Keep, defeat the boss at the top of the tower to find the next Site of Grace, which will point you towards Rauh Ruins and the next stages of the DLC. Use the guidance provided by the game to stay on track and uncover the full story of Shadow of the Erdtree.