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Did you miss the news about how to access the “Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree” DLC? No worries! This article is here to guide you step-by-step through entering the Shadow Realm. Follow along, and you’ll be on your way to this highly anticipated expansion.
Is Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Free to Access?
At present, no. “Shadow of the Erdtree” is a paid DLC for Elden Ring. You’ll need to purchase to explore this new content, as the expansion is not included in the base game for free.
What Do I Need to Do in The Lands Between to Unlock the Shadow Realm?
To gain access to the Shadow Realm and summon Leda, one of Miquella’s followers, you must first defeat two key bosses in Elden Ring. The first mandatory boss is Radahn, the Starscourge. This battle is essential to advance in the storyline with Ranni in The Lands Between, so defeating Radahn is typically part of the standard game progression.
The second boss you must defeat is Mohg, Lord of Blood. While Mohg is not required for the main campaign, defeating him is crucial for accessing the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. If you play in New Game Plus (NG+), defeating these bosses in your current playthrough is mandatory, even if you’ve already beaten them in a previous cycle. Victories from earlier playthroughs won’t carry over for unlocking the DLC—both Radahn and Mohg must be defeated within your current game session to gain access.
How Do I Begin My Journey to the Shadow Realm in Shadow of the Erdtree?
Given that the DLC focuses on the quest related to Miquella, the journey to the Shadow Realm begins at Mohg’s arena, where Miquella’s cocoon lies. Here, you will encounter Leda, one of Miquella’s loyal allies. Leda will explain your mission and invite you to join her in pursuing Miquella’s mysterious quest. Once you accept her offer, you’ll be transported to the Shadow Realm to embark on this new adventure.
Can I Travel Between the Shadow Realm and The Lands Between?
Yes! You can seamlessly travel between the Shadow Realm and The Lands Between. Open your world map and use your controller’s RB or R1 button to toggle between the two regions. This allows you to fast travel between sites of grace in both areas.
For example, if you forgot to upgrade a weapon, you can still visit Hewg at the Roundtable Hold. Additionally, if you need to respec your character mid-adventure in the Shadow Realm, you can return to Rennala at the Academy of Raya Lucaria for a rebirth.
Preparing for Your Adventure in Shadow of the Erdtree
Before diving into this new expansion, ensuring your character is well-prepared is a good idea. Here are some tips for success in Shadow of the Erdtree:
- Strengthen Your Gear: Make sure your weapons are upgraded to deal with your challenging foes. Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones will come in handy, and you can find Hewg at the Roundtable Hold if you need his expertise.
- Respec If Needed: Adjust your stats to fit your preferred playstyle. Whether you prefer a heavy, strength-based build or a more agile spell-casting approach, Rennala’s ability to reset your stats allows for complete flexibility.
- Keep an Eye Out for New Items: The Shadow Realm is bound to have unique gear and collectables. Be looking for powerful weapons, armour, and talismans to boost your combat abilities and survivability.
What’s Next in Your Journey?
Now that you have the key steps to begin your journey into Shadow of the Erdtree, you’re ready to dive into the new challenges and mysteries in this DLC. As always, exploring the world of Elden Ring is about patience, strategy, and a willingness to take on difficult adversaries. With the knowledge you’ve gained here, you should have a head start on navigating the Shadow Realm.
If you’re looking for more information on approaching this new content best or need detailed tips on specific bosses, items, or areas, don’t hesitate to consult additional resources or guides. The Lands Between, and now the Shadow Realm, hold countless secrets to be uncovered.
Happy adventuring, and may the grace be with you as you explore the dark mysteries of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree!
Following this guide will ensure you take advantage of this exciting DLC and are fully prepared to conquer everything the Shadow Realm offers.