Now that the new DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, has dropped for Elden Ring, fans are dying to figure out how to actually get into it. FromSoft has always made DLC content a mystery to access compared to other games.
Usually, titles will give you a menu option to begin the DLC or present you with a pop-up and quest to lead you to the new DLC.
Most FromSoft games, meanwhile, silently add new content to the game and leave it to the players to figure out how to access it. Elden Ring has been no exception to this tradition as the way to access Shadow of the Erdtree is not as simple as you may think. Let’s go over how to get access to it.
How to Begin Playing Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Before you can begin Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, you will need to have beaten two bosses on your save file. Both Starscourge Radahn and Mogh the Lord of Blood will need to have been killed before you can begin Shadow of the Erdtree. You can kill as many bosses and make as much progress in the game as you want before starting the DLC but those two are the gatekeepers for the sideshow to begin.
While Mogh is no pushover of a boss, Radahn is considered to be one of the harder bosses in Elden Ring due to his sheer size and wide attacks. If you are having trouble, you can summon some of the many NPCs around the arena to give you a hand in taking him down. The real challenge for Mogh is simply finding out where he is. He is located in Moghwyn Palace, which will require you to go on an epic adventure to get there or complete an invasion quest from Varre to get an item that will teleport you to the palace.
After you have beaten both Radahn and Mogh, you will want to go to the Cocoon of the Empyrean Site of Grace in Mohgwyn Palace. Once you load in, you will see a new NPC that you can interact with. This NPC is Leda, who will fill you in on the starting story for the DLC and tell you where to go. They will tell you to touch Miquella’s arm in order to visit a new realm, which is the starting area of the DLC.
Once you are transported in, you will want to find a Site of Grace to rest at nearby. This will allow you easy access to and from the DLC should you die or leave to go level or collect different gear. Now you are free to take on all the new bosses that are added with Shadow of the Erdtree. There are also plenty of new areas for you to explore and die in since Shadow of the Erdtree is quite the large DLC.
