The Shadow of Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring has introduced numerous changes and new features compared to the base game. This can make some players feel like beginners again, necessitating some guidance on what to do at the start of the DLC and which new elements to familiarize themselves with. In this Elden Ring guide for beginners, we will tell you where to start Shadow of the Erdtree and what to do and start.

Understanding the Updated Leveling System

The Shadow of Erdtree DLC introduces an updated character leveling system designed to allow players to continue strengthening their characters with some changes.

It's generally recommended to start the DLC at a level range of 120 to 150, but even at level 170, it will be challenging until you gather enough Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes to enhance your character.

Scadutree Fragments increase your attack power and reduce incoming damage, while Revered Spirit Ashes enhance your spirits and Torrent's abilities. Both are crucial for surviving in the new Elden Ring locations, where both regular enemies and bosses are significantly stronger.

First Scadutree Blessing Fragment

Enemies in the Realm of Shadow are much stronger than in the base game. To become more powerful, you need Scadutree Fragments, which boost your damage dealt and reduce damage taken. Revered Spirit Ashes provide similar improvements for your summoned spirits.

These items can be used at bonfires (grace sites) to increase your "blessing" and gain permanent upgrades. You can find these items scattered across the map, along with other similar materials.

To start, obtain your first fragment. Head west from the main road towards the castle, where you'll find the first Miquella’s Cross. This crossroads has paths leading to the castle, a bridge, and a lake.

Talk to the NPC nearby and rest at the grace site at the Three-Path Cross to learn about the unique progression system you'll encounter throughout the DLC. The first Scadutree Blessing is available near Miquella’s Cross, and more can be found by continuing west towards the castle.

Collecting Map Fragments

Upon entering Shadow of the Erdtree, you'll find yourself in an unfamiliar area without a map. To unlock the map, you need to collect the appropriate fragments, just like in the base game. Ride Torrent to the ruins and the large flaming boss in the distance. You'll find a pillar in a field of tall grass south of the Scorched Ruins. Interact with it to obtain the map fragment for the first region — Gravesite Plain.

Even without the map fragment, you can see a small gray pillar on your map. To unlock the entire region, use interactive maps or find all the map fragment locations for the DLC yourself. There are five map fragments in total in the Land of Shadow, which will clear the fog of war on your map, making navigation easier.

Explore and Investigate

Exploration remains at the core of your activities, just like in the base game. The game continues to be complex, offering many paths and places to visit even at the beginning. You still won't have clear instructions, so try to clear areas, interact with NPCs, and listen to their advice or directions.

To follow the main story, follow the guidance from the Lady and Miquella’s followers. From the grace site at Three-Path Cross, head west to Belurat, then to Scadu Altus after the Ensis castle, and finally to Shadow Keep.

This path leads to the main bosses and story events. However, the game's difficulty necessitates that you first explore the world, improve your character, and then progress through the story. We recommend exploring the surrounding regions before or after passing through Belurat.

Additional regions such as Cerulean Coast, Charo’s Hidden Grave, and the Abyssal Woods offer extra challenges and rewards for you. Exploring every corner of Gravesite Plains and Scadu Altus is also worthwhile. Tunnels, caves, and catacombs often lead to new regions and secret places with gear or resources you’ll need.

Follow Miquella’s Crosses

One of the first things you'll notice on Gravesite Plain is a new symbol on the road: a golden cross with a crescent, reminiscent of the crosses from the End of Evangelion. These are Miquella’s Crosses. While not all have grace sites nearby, those that don't usually contain a Scadutree Fragment.

These markers often have NPCs who provide more information about the Shadow Kingdom and can be summoned during boss fights. Interacting with them gives you insight into the story and serves as landmarks for important locations.

Avoid the Furnace Golem

It's best to avoid the Furnace Golem in the starting area, similar to the Tree Sentinel in the base game. Its powerful fire blasts can quickly kill you. Avoid it until you’re stronger, or take the risk if you're skilled and have good reflexes. There's also a challenging boss in the western nameless mausoleum — the Blackgaol Knight, worth visiting later to get a set of armor and a sword.

Obtain New Weapons and Their Types

The Shadow of Erdtree DLC introduces a variety of new weapons, armor sets, spells, and more, suitable for different playstyles. While not all new items are practical, they add diversity to the game.

Some weapons can be found early in the game, such as the Great Katana located on a corpse near the lake north of the Three-Path Cross grace site. The Beast Claw can be obtained by defeating Logur in the forest southeast of your starting grace site.

The DLC features eight new weapon types. If you want to try out new DLC weapons, here’s a simple list of what can be found early in the game:

• Backhand Blade (new weapon type): Found 30 seconds after the first grace site near a coffin.
• Smithscript Dagger (new weapon type): Found at the entrance to a ruined lava forge.
• Great Katana (new weapon type): Located 1 minute's ride from the first grace site at a lake near a dragon.
• Milady (new weapon type): Found inside Ensis castle in a chest on the tower.
• Swift Spear: Can be found on the road east of Ensis castle.
• Firespark Perfume Bottle (new weapon type): Located in a chest at the camp in front of Ensis castle.
• Bone Bow: Can be found in Belurat, Tower Settlement.

Explore Gravesite Plain

Gravesite Plain is the starting area of Shadow of the Erdtree, filled with hidden zones and items. Before moving on, be sure to collect the Backhand Blade in a small room northeast of the Scorched Ruins and southeast of the Three-Path Cross grace site.

The Gravebird armor is located near the lake to the north, with the rest of the set scattered across the Shadow Realm. In additional dungeons like Belurat Gaol, you can find summoning spirits and other rewards.

Explore Belurat, Tower Settlement

Legacy dungeons in the DLC are as well-designed as in the base Elden Ring game. For more linear dungeon exploration, visit the Belurat, Tower Settlement grace site, located in a large castle northwest of Gravesite Plain. This dungeon is populated with enemies, including scorpions and shadows, and ends with a fight against the Divine Beast Dancing Lion.

Uncover Secrets and Hidden Locations

Shadow of the Erdtree is filled with secret paths, branching quests, and hard-to-reach places. These can be found either by yourself or with the help of various guides or interactive maps. Here are a few tips for successful exploration:

• Explore every corner of each location. Items are often hidden behind complex viewpoints, and hidden walls usually have indicators showing the importance of the place: nearby enemies, unusual floor coloring, or broken walls.
• The new locations in the DLC are very large, but they also have a vertical structure, so you’ll regularly have to descend into the depths of the areas.
• Look for items in hard-to-reach places, as important and valuable items are frequently found there. Always check above and below bridges, cliffs, and ladders.
• Equip strong new talismans and consumables. Collect recipes to try new items in combat.
• Read all notes carefully, as they provide hints for NPC quests and enemy mechanics.
• Don’t forget about base game mechanics like Teardrop Scarabs. The DLC contains shadow enemies that drop loot, invisible paths, doors that open with gestures, and well-hidden switches.
• You won't be able to get everything in the DLC in one playthrough due to branching NPC questlines. To avoid having to play through the entire game again in NG+, it’s recommended to create a backup of your save before starting the DLC.