How To Start Elden Ring Shadow Of The Erdtree DLC Campaign

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Embarking on the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree expansion requires meeting specific progression milestones that many players may overlook. Understanding these prerequisites early will save you significant time and frustration when attempting to access the new content.

There are two primary requirements to initiate the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC:

If you’ve already completed these objectives in your current playthrough, you can immediately fast-travel to Mohgwyn Palace – Cocoon of the Empyrean. An NPC will prompt you to interact with the withered arm extending from the massive egg structure, which transports you directly to the Realm of Shadow. For those who haven’t accomplished these feats, this guide provides comprehensive strategies to efficiently meet the requirements.

Important Note: The Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC remains accessible even after defeating the final boss and achieving an ending, provided you continue your existing playthrough. However, initiating a New Game+ cycle will reset your progress, requiring you to defeat both Radahn and Mohg again before gaining DLC access.

Starscourge Radahn presents as an optional boss encounter located in Caelid, the eastern region adjacent to Limgrave. This zone poses significant environmental hazards, primarily the pervasive Scarlet Rot that gradually depletes health. To reach the battle arena, follow the southeastern roadway until you encounter the festival participants, signaling your readiness to challenge Radahn.

The Starscourge Radahn confrontation stands out as one of Elden Ring’s most distinctive boss battles, occurring on a vast desert landscape where you retain the ability to mount Torrent. The combat dynamic shifts dramatically throughout the encounter – initially, Radahn employs his massive greatbow to snipe from extreme distances, then transitions to devastating close-range melee assaults when you approach. His most dangerous ability involves transforming into a meteor that crashes into the battlefield, capable of instantly eliminating unprepared characters. Fortunately, numerous summoning signs scattered across the terrain allow you to call upon NPC allies who distract the boss and provide crucial support during the engagement.

Advanced Combat Strategy: Radahn exhibits particular vulnerability to Scarlet Rot and Bleed effects. Weapons like the Bloodhound’s Fang or spells such as Rotten Breath can significantly reduce the battle’s difficulty. During his meteor phase, immediately summon Torrent and gallop perpendicular to his trajectory to evade the impact. The NPC summons regenerate throughout the fight, so focus on survival while they occupy Radahn’s attention.

To access the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, you must locate both segments of the Haligtree Secret Medallion, which provides passage to Mohg’s chamber. The right medallion half resides within the Village of the Albinaurics in Liurnia of the Lakes, concealed in a discreet location that requires thorough exploration to discover.

The left portion of the Haligtree Secret Medallion is situated in the Mountaintops of the Giants, accessible only after defeating the Fire Giant. This creates a substantial progression barrier that many players encounter when attempting to reach Mohg.

Once you possess both medallion halves, proceed to the Grand Lift of Rold. Instead of using the typical gesture to ascend, switch the action to “Hoist Secret Medallion” to access the Consecrated Snowfield, where a hidden teleporter leads to Mohgwyn Palace.

Mohg Boss Fight Essentials: Mohg employs a unique blood curse mechanic that triggers three times during the battle, inflicting significant damage. The Purifying Crystal Tear, obtainable from Eleonora, Violet Bloody Finger, when mixed in your Flask of Wondrous Physick, completely negates this ability. His second phase introduces bloodflame attacks that create persistent area hazards, requiring careful positioning and timed dodges.

Common Pitfall: Many players attempt Mohg without the Purifying Crystal Tear, resulting in unnecessary difficulty. Ensure you complete Eleonora’s questline in Altus Plateau before attempting this boss encounter.

Beyond the primary medallion route, White-Faced Varre’s questline offers an alternative pathway to Mohgwyn Palace accessible much earlier in the game. After obtaining the Pureblood Knight’s Medal from Varre, you can teleport directly to the palace vicinity, bypassing much of the progression requirement.

Varre’s Questline Shortcut: Complete three invasions using the Festering Bloody Finger, then speak with Varre at the Rose Church. He will provide a cloth that must be stained with the blood of a maiden – you can use the corpse at the Church of Inhibition. Return to Varre to receive the Pureblood Knight’s Medal, enabling immediate teleportation to Mohgwyn Palace.

This method significantly reduces the time investment required to access the DLC, particularly for players who haven’t progressed through the Mountaintops of the Giants. The invasion requirement can be completed regardless of success, making this accessible to players of all skill levels.

Before embarking on the Shadow of the Erdtree journey, ensure your character is adequately prepared. Recommended character level ranges from 120-150 with fully upgraded weapons (+24/+25 or +9/+10 for special weapons). The DLC content presents substantial challenges that may overwhelm underprepared characters.

Essential Preparations:

Time investment estimates: Defeating Radahn typically requires 1-2 hours for most players, while the complete Mohg access process can take 3-5 hours depending on exploration thoroughness. The Varre questline alternative reduces this to approximately 1-2 hours total.

For players seeking to optimize their character builds before tackling the DLC, our Class Guide provides comprehensive strategies for different playstyles and combat approaches.

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