Elden Ring: How to Start Shadow of the Erdtree DLC

How do you start the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC in Elden Ring? A significant expansion that adds a new area to explore along with newer Boss Fights, Quests, and more, it's an exciting reason to return to the game. Given the confusing ways you enter DLC areas in previous FromSoftware titles, however, you might be wondering how to actually access Shadow of the Erdtree. In this Elden Ring guide, we're going to reveal how to start Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.

How Do You Start Shadow of the Erdtree DLC in Elden Ring?

Access to the Shadow of the Erdtree is unlocked by overcoming two Boss Fights in the base game. In order to start the expansion, you must have beaten Starscourge Radahn in Caelid and Mohg, Lord of Blood in the Siofra River. After that, you can interact with the cracked cocoon in the back of Mohgwyn Palace by approaching the withered arm sticking out of it. Touching it triggers a cutscene and you'll be transported to the Realm of Shadow, where the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC begins. You can also talk to Leda beforehand at the site for some dialogue related to the Realm of Shadow.

This is a significantly more straightforward way of accessing the expansion compared to past FromSoftware titles, with the main challenge posed by the two Boss Fights you must face. For pages covering how to beat Starscourge Radahn and how to beat Mohg, Lord of Blood, please click the links. Then, for an explanation of how to reach Mohgwyn Palace, which is where you'll actually start the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC once it's downloaded, click the link above.

Is There a Recommended Level to Start the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC?

We would suggest being at least Level 140 before starting the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. While FromSoftware hasn't provided an official recommendation and you can even access the expansion before beating the base experience, the DLC feels like it has been designed as endgame content. We recommend completing the original Elden Ring first and denying the option to start New Game+ so you can begin the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC at the highest Level possible.

Did you find our guide covering how to start Shadow of the Erdtree DLC in Elden Ring helpful? Put your first impressions of the expansion in the comments below and check out our Elden Ring guide for further help covering both the original game and the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.