Elden Ring: How to Start the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC

Shadow of the Erdtree, the DLC expansion for Elden Ring, introduces new content to the game, and here is everything you need to know about starting it.

Elden Ring looks to expand its dark world with Shadow of the Erdtree. While the game is already a massive success, the expansion offers players even more to contend with. However, as many players aim to load into the DLC, they may be in for a surprise on how to start the expansion.

How to Start the Shadow of the Erdtree Expansion

To start the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion in Elden Ring, players must reach Mohgwyn Palace and touch the arm sticking out of the egg. However, it is not so straightforward. Players must first defeat two major bosses to be able to access the DLC. The first is Starscourge Radahn, and the second is Mohg, Lord of Blood. Below are details on how to access each boss so you can streamline to Shadow of the Erdtree.

Step #1 – Starscourge Radahn

Getting to the Starscourge Radahn fight isn’t very direct, as players must initiate the Radahn Festival first. There are different methods to activate the Festival, any of which can be completed:

• Interact with any Site of Grace at the Altus Plateau.
• Progress the Ranni questline until you discuss Radahn to Blaidd in Siofra River.

If you opt to progress through the Ranni questline, a few steps must be taken whether you decide to talk to Blaidd. The following must be done in the quest:

1. Talk to Ranni at the Church of Elleh during nighttime.
2. Fully complete the Caria Manor and defeat Royal Knight Loretta.
3. Go to the Tower behind Caria Manor and speak to Ranni.
4. Talk to Ranni again and exhaust her dialogue.
5. Head to the Siofra River Bank and talk to Blaidd.
6. Afterwards, head back to the Three Sisters (the towers where Ranni is), go to the southernmost tower, and talk to Seluvis.
7. Go to the Waypoint ruins, defeat the Mad Pumpkin Head boss in the cellar, and open the door to speak to Sorceress Sellen.

After this, you must head to Caelid, specifically Redmane Castle in the region’s southeast. Upon arriving here, clear out the castle until you reach the Plaza, speak to Jerren, and proceed down the elevator to fight Radahn. Players can also attempt to head straight to Radahn to fight him instead of doing Ranni’s quest. However, by doing so, they will have to fight a duo boss of Leonine Misbegotten and a Crucible Knight.

Step #2 – Mohg, Lord of Blood

After players take down Radahn, they must go to Mohgwyn Palace and defeat the boss there, Mohg, Lord of Blood, before they can start Shadow of the Erdtree. However, as with Radahn, it is not so straightforward. There are two different ways to get to Mohgwyn Palace:

• Head to the Consecrated Snowfield in the Mountaintop of Giants. Use a teleporter in the northwest past the Yelough Anix Ruins.
• Complete the White Mask Varre’s quest and receive the Pureblood Knight’s Medal. Use the medal to get to Mohgwyn Palace.

By doing either of these two options, you will gain access to the Mohgwyn Palace area. Players must progress through the area, which is very linear. They will come across the Dynasty Mausoleum area and progress through this area until you reach a lever to activate. Once you do, head up the elevator to fight Mohg.

Once you have beaten Mohg, feel free to touch the arm sticking out of the cocoon. This is the key to starting the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring. While it is a bit of a journey to get to the beginning of Shadow of the Erdtree, it definitely will be worth it. Are you picking up the Elden Ring DLC? Let us know in the comments below. While you prepare for the expansion, be sure to visit our Guide Hub here.