“Step into the enigmatic Land of Shadows in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, where danger lurks in every corner and secrets of the mysterious demigod Miquella await discovery. This guide will arm you with essential strategies to conquer sprawling dungeons, formidable bosses, and uncover the hidden lore of this vast, treacherous expansion. Are you ready to face the ultimate challenge?”

Shadow of the Erdtree DLC introduces a completely new area to Elden Ring – Land of Shadow. In our guide you will find a comprehensive set of tips and information on such aspects as: fights with story bosses (Commander Gaius, the final boss), secret and hard-to-reach locations (Cerulean Coast, Abyssal Woods), collectibles (Scadutree Fragments, Revered Spirit Ashes), or the best equipment (Spear of the Impaler, Milady). Thanks to tools such as our interactive map or numerous videos presenting the process, you will easily find your way in the Land of Shadow.

Shadow of the Erdtree: Interactive map

The Shadow of the Erdtree Interactive Map is an essential tool for navigating the vast and intricate Realm of Shadow, introduced in Elden Ring’s DLC expansion. This map provides detailed locations for key areas, including biomes, dungeons, bosses, and collectible items like Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ash. Players can use it to plan their journey through the layered regions, uncover hidden secrets, and track quest progression efficiently. Whether exploring underground caves or scaling mountaintop passes, this interactive map ensures a comprehensive guide to mastering the DLC’s challenges.

Our interactive map has over 900 markers enriched with descriptions, screenshots and videos. Thanks to them, you can easily analyze the most interesting places in the newly visited location, find collectibles that interest you, and navigate the Land of Shadow with ease. On the map you will find the location of such objects as: Sites of Grace, Scadutree Fragments, Revered Spirit Ashes, talismans, weapons and armor, Miquella’s Crosses, map fragments, bosses and dungeons.

The search engine built into the map will allow you to locate a specific collectible, and the active legend will allow you to select only the type of markers that interest you the most. Logged in users can also use the option of placing their own private markers. To use this functionality, press the icons located in the upper left corner of the map screen.

Shadow of the Erdtree: What to do first?

When starting Shadow of the Erdtree, focus on gathering essential resources and familiarizing yourself with the new mechanics and regions. Begin by locating map fragments to navigate the Shadow Realm effectively and collect Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes to strengthen your character and Spirit Ashes. Avoid tough enemies like Furnace Golems early on, as they are optional and can be tackled later for valuable rewards. Follow the guidance of NPCs like Leda and Miquella’s followers to progress the main story by heading west from the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace toward Belurat, while also exploring optional areas like Cerulean Coast and Abyssal Woods for additional gear and lore.

If, when entering the Land of Shadow, you feel overwhelmed by the abundance of possibilities, or you had a long break from FromSoftware’s games before playing Shadow of the Erdtree, you may be interested in one of our pages prepared for players just starting their adventure.

1. On the How to prepare for DLC? you will find a number of tips that will help you prepare for the challenges in this endgame expansion. Here you will learn, among other things: which level to reach before setting off to a new location, how much to improve your Vigor, and what gear to improve or acquire before the expansion.
2. Where to go first? page will help you take your first steps into the Land of Shadow. We indicate which places on the Gravesite Plain are worth visiting first, which bosses are worth fighting as early as possible, and how to move further into the map.

Shadow of the Erdtree: All Bosses

The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring introduces a staggering number of both main and optional bosses, with over 80 encounters to challenge players. From formidable foes like the Divine Beast Dancing Lion and Metyr, Mother of Fingers, to returning legends such as Promised Consort Radahn, each boss offers unique mechanics and lore-rich battles. While only a handful of these bosses are mandatory to complete the DLC, such as Messmer the Impaler and Romina, Saint of the Bud, the optional fights provide opportunities for rare loot and unforgettable challenges. Prepare to explore Legacy Dungeons, open-world zones, and hidden arenas as you face some of FromSoftware’s toughest creations yet.

As befits an endgame DLC by FromSoftware, Shadow of the Erdtree offers players new fights with a set of demanding bosses. In the chapter dedicated to them, you will find tips on fighting opponents such as: Dancing Lion, Rellana, Twin Moon Knight, Commander Gaius and Messmer the Impaler. There was also information about the final fight. The videos on the website will help you to see your opponents in motion, and information about weak points, strategies and specific moves will allow you to better understand the dynamics of the fight.

Shadow of the Erdtree: Quests walkthrough

Shadow of the Erdtree: Quests Walkthrough

The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC offers a vast array of interconnected quests that unravel the mysteries of Miquella’s journey and the Shadow Realm. Players will encounter numerous NPCs, such as Freyja, Thiollier, and Igon, each with their own questlines that influence the narrative and unlock unique rewards. To ensure no content is missed, it is crucial to follow the recommended progression paths, starting from the Gravesite Plain and advancing through key locations like Castle Ensis, Scadu Altus, and the Cathedral of Manus Metyr. Along the way, players must carefully interact with NPCs, avoid attacking friendly characters, and complete specific tasks like collecting Scadutree Fragments or using items like Thiollier’s Concoction to shape quest outcomes. This walkthrough ensures a comprehensive exploration of all quests while maximizing rewards and story depth2.

While exploring the nooks and crannies of the Land of Shadow, from time to time you will encounter an NPC. These mysterious characters will share their stories with you and give you a number of different tasks, which will often intersect with the fate of other NPCs. In the chapter devoted to quests, you will find a number of tips regarding the quests of characters such as Hornsent, Ymir, Thiollier, and Fire Knight Queelign. Maps available on the websites will help you find the right locations for individual tasks. We’ve also made sure to clearly highlight the consequences of decisions that appear in some chainquests.

Shadow of the Erdtree: Exploration tips

Shadow of the Erdtree: Exploration Tips

Exploring the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC requires careful navigation and attention to hidden details. Start by collecting map fragments to clear the fog of war and unlock detailed views of the region. Use Torrent to traverse challenging terrain and reach distant landmarks, such as Scorched Ruins or Gravesite Plain. Pay close attention to illuminated gravesites at night for rare items like Larval Tears and Revered Spirit Ashes. Investigate optional areas like Abandoned Ailing Village or Belurat Tower Settlement for unique rewards, including Scadutree Fragments and Spirit Ashes. Additionally, watch for secret paths and interact with NPCs to uncover branching quests that can significantly impact your journey.

The expansion to Elden Ring, emphasizes exploration of the world in a different way. In the Secret locations chapter, we have collected instructions that will help you reach the more difficult and remote regions of the map, such as Cerulean Coast, Charo’s Hidden Grave, or Abyssal Woods. We also tell you how to solve environmental puzzles such as draining water in the Church District in the Shadow Keep or the secret passage behind the headless monument. Our detailed list of all dungeons will help everyone wishing to explore the undergrounds.

Shadow of the Erdtree: Strategies, new features, and FAQ

Shadow of the Erdtree introduces players to a challenging new realm filled with unique features and mechanics. Central to success in this DLC are the Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes, which grant powerful blessings to enhance damage output and reduce incoming damage. Players must strategically explore the Shadow Realm, utilizing these resources alongside advanced tactics like summoning allies, such as the Mimic Tear, and exploiting elemental weaknesses of bosses. The expansion also brings a host of new enemies, secrets, and dungeons to conquer, demanding preparation and adaptability. For frequently asked questions, players can consult detailed guides to navigate the complex map, locate hidden items, and master the mechanics of this punishing yet rewarding adventure.

In the Basics chapter you will find a number of interesting issues regarding new elements and mechanics introduced inShadow of the Erdtree. In addition to detailed lists of all new weapons, armor and spells, you will find our own ranking of weapons available in the DLC. Our authors shared their thoughts on their favorite equipment. Perhaps one of the opinions will inspire you when making a new build.

The FAQ section is devoted to questions frequently asked by the community. Here you will learn, e.g. how to fight Furnace Golems, how new types of collectibles work, where to find the O Mother gesture needed in one of the quests, and how the ending of Shadow of the Erdtree relates to the plot of the base game (beware of spoilers!).

Shadow of the Erdtree: Secrets and Collectibles

Shadow of the Erdtree introduces a wealth of secrets and collectibles that enhance exploration and gameplay in Elden Ring’s DLC. Players will encounter unique items such as Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes, which serve as vital tools for strengthening characters and Spirit Ashes. Scadutree Fragments are often found near Sites of Grace, statues, or hidden on corpses, while Revered Spirit Ashes are tied to specific statues across the Shadow Realm. Additionally, uncovering hidden pathways, such as the one opened by performing the ‘O, Mother’ gesture at Marika’s statue, leads to rare treasures and questlines. These collectibles not only aid progression but also deepen the lore and challenge of this expansive new region.

In the last chapter of the DLC guide you will find detailed information about the collectibles hidden in the Land of Shadow. In addition to the previously mentioned Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes, we have included a list of all new talismans and larval tears here. Each collectible has a detailed description of the location and a map that will help you find even the most hidden treasures.

What makes Shadow of the Erdtree a challenging experience

Shadow of the Erdtree is a challenging experience due to its brutal difficulty spikes, dense map design, and relentless boss encounters. Players face overwhelming foes like the Blackgaol Knight or Gaius on a boar, requiring mastery of Elden Ring’s systems and precise timing for survival. Exploration is fraught with eerie mechanics, such as madness-inducing enemies and perilous platforming, while Sites of Grace are sparse, amplifying tension. The DLC also introduces layered environments and hidden paths that demand thorough exploration but often culminate in punishing boss fights. Critics have noted the difficulty as a thematic choice to reflect the harshness of the Land of Shadow, pushing players to adapt and overcome.

What are the most frustrating aspects of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC

The most frustrating aspects of Shadow of the Erdtree DLC stem from its extreme difficulty, performance issues, and narrative disconnect.

• Difficulty Spikes: Players have criticized the overtuned damage of enemies and bosses, many of which feature erratic movesets that make encounters feel unfair rather than rewarding. Some bosses, like Gaius on a boar, demand dozens of attempts to overcome, testing even seasoned players.

• Sparse Checkpoints: Sites of Grace are fewer and farther apart, forcing players to endure long stretches of punishing gameplay without respite.

• Performance Problems: On PC, issues like micro-stuttering, frame drops, and prolonged loading times detract from the experience. Specific areas, such as water-filled arenas, exacerbate these problems.

• Limited Respec Options: The DLC adds more Larval Tears for stat redistribution but still restricts their availability, making experimentation with new builds risky and frustrating.

• Narrative Disconnection: The DLC feels isolated from the base game’s story. Key characters like Melina lack meaningful dialogue or interaction in the Land of Shadow, leaving players feeling disconnected from the overarching narrative.

These elements combine to make Shadow of the Erdtree an exhilarating yet often frustrating experience for many players.