How To Start Elden Ring Nightreign DLC – The Forsaken Hollows

Getting started with The Forsaken Hollows expansion requires proper installation and meeting specific in-game prerequisites before you can dive into the fresh challenges.

Elden Ring Nightreign already delivers substantial content with numerous nightfarers and formidable bosses in the core experience, providing extensive gameplay from the initial launch. However, for veterans who have exhausted the base content and crave novel trials, The Forsaken Hollows DLC introduces two additional playable heroes, two challenging boss encounters, and an innovative Shifting Earth occurrence. If you’re wondering about the specific achievements needed to gain entry to these expansions, our detailed breakdown has everything you require.

Before initiating access to The Forsaken Hollows downloadable content, you must acquire and install it through your platform’s specific digital marketplace. If you previously obtained the Elden Ring Nightreign Deluxe Edition, the DLC becomes available without extra charges, automatically included in your purchase.

After successful DLC installation, proceed with the following systematic approach to unlock each segment of additional content progressively.

To gain access to the Scholar and Undertaker—Nightreign’s fresh protagonist options—you must first conquer the initial major boss encounter, Tricephelos. Following this victory, interact with the Iron Menial located within Roundtable Hold, who will indicate possessing correspondence from the Small Jar Merchant. This interaction initiates the sequence for acquiring both the Scholar and Undertaker characters.

Pro Tip: Ensure your character is at least level 35 before attempting Tricephelos, as the boss employs devastating area-of-effect attacks that can quickly eliminate under-leveled players. The Iron Menial dialogue trigger sometimes requires resting at the site of grace and returning if he doesn’t immediately offer the merchant’s message.

Common Mistake: Many players overlook returning to Roundtable Hold after defeating Tricephelos, missing the crucial NPC interaction that starts the character unlock chain.

To unlock the Balancers expedition—containing Nightreign’s two additional boss encounters—you must defeat minimum two major bosses (Tricephelos plus one other) and successfully obtain both the Scholar and Undertaker characters. With these conditions satisfied, proceed to the newly accessible chapel situated behind the Small Jar Merchant to commence the Balancers expedition. This achievement simultaneously activates a novel Shifting Earth occurrence titled The Great Hollows.

Strategic Insight: The second boss requirement is intentionally flexible—you can choose any main story boss except tutorial bosses. This design allows players to tackle content matching their preferred difficulty curve.

Time Investment: Most players report requiring 3-5 hours to complete both character unlocks and the second boss defeat, depending on their skill level and build optimization.

Navigation Tip: The chapel behind Small Jar Merchant may be easy to miss—look for newly spawned glowing archway and listen for distinct ambient choir sounds indicating the correct location.

With the additional nightfarers and expedition now accessible, you’re prepared to experience everything The Forsaken Hollows DLC delivers. However, brace yourself for demanding trials ahead—overcoming the Balancers presents significant combat challenges requiring meticulous preparation.

Character Optimization: The Scholar excels in magical combat with intelligence-scaling weapons, while the Undertaker specializes in necromancy and dark arts. Pairing the Scholar with staff weapons and the Undertaker with scythes maximizes their inherent strengths against DLC bosses.

Boss Preparation: The Balancers employ synchronized attack patterns that punish solo aggression. Bringing summoned spirits or co-op partners to divide their attention dramatically increases survival chances.

Gear Recommendations: Equip gear with high holy resistance as both Balancers utilize radiant damage attacks. The Hallowed Set from the base game’s late cathedral area provides excellent protection.

For additional Elden Ring Nightreign mastery, explore our Complete Guide covering fundamental mechanics, or consult our specialized Weapons Unlock resource for optimal loadout configuration. Advanced players should reference our Class Guide for sophisticated buildcraft approaches.

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