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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →To enter Shadow of the Erdtree, own the expansion and the ELDEN RING base game, defeat Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood, then touch Miquella’s withered hand in the cocoon in Mohgwyn Palace. A character around level 120–150 is a sensible starting point, but the expansion’s separate Shadow Realm Blessing system makes exploration and Scadutree Fragments just as important as your existing level.
Confirm what you need before traveling
Shadow of the Erdtree is an expansion, not a standalone game. Bandai Namco states that “Shadow Of The Erdtree requires ELDEN RING base game to play.” The expansion launched on June 21, 2024, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Steam.
- Own the base game on the same platform account you will use for the expansion.
- Install the DLC and update the game before attempting access.
- If buying a physical package, check whether it contains only the expansion or the base-game-and-DLC edition. The PS5 Shadow of the Erdtree Edition includes both. The announced collector’s edition included a Messmer statue, hardcover art book and digital soundtrack, with limited quantities.
The mandatory access checklist
1. Defeat Starscourge Radahn
Radahn in Caelid is one of the two required bosses. His defeat activates the progression needed for the expansion’s entrance.
2. Defeat the correct Mohg
You must defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood in Mohgwyn’s Palace. This is not Mohg, the Omen, encountered in the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds. If you killed the latter but have not defeated the Lord of Blood, the DLC entrance remains unavailable.
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![ELDEN RING - Shadow of the Erdtree - Xbox [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41oWZz2OeeL._SL160_.jpg)
- Playable on 21st June 2024.
- Pre-order now and get the following bonus content for the expansion: ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Bonus Gesture
- Winner of hundreds of accolades including The Game Awards Game of the Year and Golden Joystick Awards Ultimate Game of the Year, ELDEN RING is the acclaimed action RPG epic set in a vast, dark fantasy world. Players embark on an epic quest with the freedom to explore and adventure at their own pace.
- The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion features an all-new story set in the Land of Shadow imbued with mystery, perilous dungeons, and new enemies, weapons and equipment.
- Discover uncharted territories, face formidable adversaries, and revel in the satisfying triumph of victory. Dive into the riveting interplay of characters, where drama and intrigue intertwine, that create an immersive experience to savor and enjoy.
3. Find Miquella’s cocoon
Travel to Mohgwyn Palace and enter the arena where Mohg, Lord of Blood, was fought. At the rear of the room, Miquella’s withered hand hangs from the large cocoon. Interact with it after both bosses are dead.
4. Use the Cocoon of the Empyrean Site of Grace
The interaction leads to the Cocoon of the Empyrean Site of Grace. From that grace, choose the option to travel to the Land of Shadow. After you activate any Site of Grace in the DLC, the map permits travel between the Land of Shadow and the Lands Between.
If you die before touching a Site of Grace in the Land of Shadow, return to the cocoon in Mohgwyn Palace and interact with it again to re-enter.
What level should you be?
PC Gamer recommends entering around level 120–150. That is a practical target, not an official minimum or a guarantee that the DLC will feel easy. Lower-level characters can enter, because the expansion uses its own progression system, while high-level characters can still be challenged if they ignore that system.
| Preparation approach | Strength | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Raise base-game level toward 120–150 | More vigor, damage, stamina and equipment flexibility immediately | Rune investment does not replace Shadow Realm Blessings |
| Enter earlier and collect Scadutree Fragments | Lets the DLC’s intended power curve improve through exploration | The opening areas and bosses may be harsher before blessings are upgraded |
| Use an existing endgame character | Usually has upgraded weapons, talismans and spare materials | A completed build may be locked into one damage type or play style |
| Rush with a fresh character | Fast route if you already know the prerequisites | Requires Radahn, Varre’s quest route and Mohg before DLC entry |
Prepare a build that can adapt
Upgrade one dependable weapon
Bring at least one fully or nearly fully upgraded weapon that matches your attributes. A reliable familiar weapon gives you a safe option while you test new DLC weapons, ashes of war and damage types.
Keep a clear damage plan
Make sure your character has a coherent source of damage—such as strength, dexterity, intelligence, faith or arcane scaling—rather than spreading levels across every stat. Keep enough vigor and endurance to survive mistakes and maintain your preferred armor and weapon load.
Leave room for experimentation
Do not spend every resource on a single narrow setup. The Land of Shadow adds new weapons, armor and abilities, and an adaptable loadout lets you try them without immediately rebuilding the character.
Understand the DLC’s separate power system
Scadutree Fragments are a priority as soon as you arrive. Collect them while exploring and use them at Sites of Grace to increase your Shadow Realm Blessing. This blessing improves your effectiveness in the Land of Shadow; base-game rune levels and equipment alone do not represent your full DLC power.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems- Search new areas instead of sprinting past every optional path.
- Activate Sites of Grace frequently so you can apply blessings and establish return points.
- Use map fragments to reveal routes and make fragment-hunting more efficient.
- If enemies feel disproportionately strong, explore for more fragments before assuming you need dozens of additional character levels.
Fastest route for a fresh character
The following route minimizes detours, but it is optional. On a first playthrough, exploring and completing quests at your own pace preserves more of the base game’s discoveries.
- Progress through the early game until you can reach the Radahn Festival.
- Defeat Starscourge Radahn in Caelid.
- Advance White Mask Varre’s quest far enough to receive the Pureblood Knight’s Medal.
- Use the medal to teleport to Dynasty Mausoleum in Mohgwyn’s Palace.
- Defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood.
- Return to Mohg’s arena, interact with Miquella’s withered hand in the cocoon and travel from the Cocoon of the Empyrean Site of Grace.
Reaching Altus Plateau can trigger the Radahn Festival sooner than completing more of Ranni’s quest, while Varre’s route provides early access to Mohgwyn’s Palace. The exact route is a convenience, not a requirement to experience the expansion.
Decide whether to rush or finish more of the base game
Rush to the Land of Shadow
Choose this if you want the new weapons, areas and story as soon as possible and already understand the prerequisite route. Bring enough healing, an upgraded weapon and a willingness to explore for Scadutree Fragments immediately.
Prepare an established endgame character
This is the most convenient option for players with upgraded gear, a broad inventory and spare upgrade materials. Respec or change equipment only when a specific DLC weapon or damage type gives you a reason to do so.
Preserve NPC quests and explore first
Stopping before the entrance lets you meet and follow characters connected with the expansion, including Leda, Ansbach, Freyja, Hornsent and Thiollier. If quest discovery matters more than speed, avoid treating the Radahn–Varre–Mohg route as a race.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.First-hour checklist in the Land of Shadow
- Touch the first Site of Grace before taking major risks, so death does not force a return to the cocoon.
- Open nearby map fragments and mark unexplored paths.
- Look for Scadutree Fragments and apply your first Shadow Realm Blessing.
- Test your prepared weapon before committing to unfamiliar equipment.
- Return to the Lands Between when you need materials, respec options or a different loadout; once a DLC grace is active, map travel works in both directions.
Common access problems
The cocoon does nothing
Check that the defeated Mohg was Mohg, Lord of Blood in Mohgwyn’s Palace and that Starscourge Radahn is also dead. Then reload the area and interact with the withered hand again.
You cannot find the entrance
The entrance is inside Mohg’s boss arena, not at a separate overworld doorway. Travel to the Cocoon of the Empyrean Site of Grace after both required victories.
You died before activating a DLC grace
Return to the cocoon in Mohgwyn Palace and interact with it again. After activating a grace in the Land of Shadow, use the map for normal travel between regions.
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Meet the two boss requirements, use the cocoon in Mohgwyn Palace, and aim for roughly level 120–150 without treating that range as a gate. Your most important early DLC preparation is a dependable upgraded weapon, a coherent but flexible build, and a plan to collect Scadutree Fragments so Shadow Realm Blessings keep pace with the expansion’s difficulty.
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