Unveiling the Gateway to the Land of Shadow: How to Access Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
Introduction: A Tarnished's Journey Deepens
The Lands Between contain innumerable mysteries and challenges for Tarnished warriors in Elden Ring. But for those who desire an even greater test, the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC beckons. This expansion promises a whole new world to explore, brimming with fresh antagonists, lore, and potent rewards.
However, unlike other areas in Elden Ring, accessing the Shadow of the Erdtree isn't as straightforward. This guide will enlighten the path forward, explaining the requirements you need to satisfy before stepping through the gateway to this enigmatic land.
The Two Guardians: Facing Fearsome Foes
To uncover the secrets of the Shadow of the Erdtree, you'll need to establish your mettle by defeating two formidable enemies. These aren't just any adversaries; they are legendary warriors who stand sentinel against those who seek entry.
The first is Starscourge Radahn, a colossal demigod known for his devastating gravitational sorcery. The second is Mohg, Lord of Blood, a cunning vampire who employs potent blood sorcery. Conquering these challenging foes is no minor feat, and it's recommended that you be well-prepared before facing them.
Reaching the Cocoon: A Key to Another World
Once you've emerged victorious from these epic conflicts, your voyage isn't quite over. The key to the Shadow of the Erdtree rests hidden within Mohgwyn Palace, the location where you confronted Mohg. Here, situated within the Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum, you'll discover a curious sight: Miquella's Cocoon.
This colossal cocoon contains a potent demigod within, and it functions as the gateway to the Land of Shadow. By interacting with the cocoon, you'll be transported to this new domain, ready to embark on the next chapter of your Elden Ring voyage.
How Long Does It Take to Reach the DLC? A Test of Skill and Patience
Conquering Radahn and Mohg is no simple feat. Both bosses pose a significant hazard, particularly for players who are new to the game. The time it takes to reach the Shadow of the Erdtree can differ significantly depending on your skill level and experience with Elden Ring. For seasoned Tarnished who know precisely where to go and how to maximize their builds, it might take as little as five to six hours to reach the DLC.
However, for novice players who are investigating the Lands Between for the first time, the journey can take considerably longer. It's a good notion to set aside anywhere between 30 and 50 hours to reach the point where you're strong enough to confront Radahn and Mohg.
Remember, Elden Ring's world is vast and intricate, loaded with secrets and challenges to surmount. Taking your time to investigate, level up your character, and acquire potent weapons will not only make these enemy encounters simpler but also enable you to appreciate the rich world FromSoftware has constructed.
Preparing for the Guardians: Tips for Triumph
Knowing the challenges ahead is crucial for any Tarnished venturing towards the Shadow of the Erdtree. Here are some useful strategies to make your battles against Radahn and Mohg more manageable:
For Starscourge Radahn: Completing Blaidd's questline (or Ranni's questline, which overlaps with Blaidd's) will grant you a powerful summon to assist you in this battle. Additionally, Alexander will also appear to assist, even if you haven't begun his quest.
For Mohg, Lord of Blood: Reaching Mohgwyn Palace, where you'll encounter him, necessitates accomplishing a portion of Varré's questline. To obtain an advantage in the battle itself, consider acquiring the Purifying Crystal Tear from Yura's questline.
This item will aid negate some of Mohg's blood magic attacks. Furthermore, Mohg's Shackle, discovered in the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds (located beneath Leyndell, Royal Capital), can momentarily immobilize Mohg, giving you a valuable window to inflict significant damage.
If you're still struggling, don't hesitate to investigate the Lands Between and locate suitable locations to farm runes. Leveling up your character and upgrading your equipment can considerably increase your chances of defeating these formidable bosses.
Conclusion: A Gateway Awaits
With the knowledge garnered from this guide, you're now equipped to begin your mission to unveil the mysteries of the Shadow of the Erdtree. Remember, the path to this new domain is fraught with peril, but the rewards for a victorious Tarnished
FAQ: Unveiling the Shadow of the Erdtree
Q: Can I access the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC straight immediately when I start Elden Ring?
A: No, unfortunately. The Shadow of the Erdtree is an expansion, and you'll need to progress through a substantial portion of the primary game before reaching it.
Q: Who are Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood?
A: These are two immensely formidable bosses you must defeat to access the Shadow of the Erdtree. Radahn is a demigod known for his mastery of gravity, while Mohg is a cunning vampire who employs blood magic.
Q: How demanding are these final fights?
A: Both Radahn and Mohg are considered challenging encounters, particularly for newer players. They require excellent reflexes, strategic reasoning, and potentially strong equipment and character builds.
Q: I'm having difficulty defeating Radahn and Mohg. Any advice?
A: Absolutely! Here are some tips:
For Radahn: Complete Blaidd's or Ranni's quest to acquire a powerful summon for the encounter. Utilize the assistance of Alexander, another NPC who appears to assist you.
For Mohg: Progress through Varré's questline to access Mohgwyn Palace. Acquire the Purifying Crystal Tear from Yura's objective and Mohg's Shackle from the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds. These items will diminish Mohg and give you an advantage.
Q: How long does it take to achieve the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC?
A: The duration can vary depending on your experience. Skilled players who know where to go might reach it in 5-6 hours. Newer players exploring extensively could take 30-50 hours.
Q: Should I hurry to the DLC, or take my time exploring the Lands Between?
A: It's recommended to take your time. Elden Ring's world offers valuable resources and opportunities to level up your character and obtain potent gear. This will make confronting Radahn, Mohg, and the challenges of the DLC much smoother.
