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What to do first in Elden Ring Shadow Of The ErdtreeHere are 7 tips to help you at the start of Shadow Of The Erdtree
Here are 7 tips to help you at the start of Shadow Of The Erdtree
Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Bandai Namco
Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Bandai Namco
Trying to figure out what to do first in Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree?Shadow Of The Erdtreeis one of - if not the - largest FromSoftware DLC we’ve ever had. It features an entire new map to explore, populated with 10 newRemembranceBosses, along with many more mini-bosses, legacy dungeons, weapons, armor and more.
If you’re struggling to know where to start or which region to explore first, we have a full list of top tips to help guide you below. We also have a guide to thefastest way to access the DLCif you have yet to beat the imposingMohgin your playthrough.
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Learn the new leveling system
Without collecting Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes, you’re going to remain weak in the Land of Shadow. |Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Bandai Namco
Shadow Of The Erdtree utilises a new leveling up system to ensure that the DLC is challenging for returning players. We recommend that youstart the DLC between levels 120-150, but even if you hold back until level 170 or so, you’ll still have a tricky time until you collectScadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashesto level up your Tarnished. In short, Scadutree Fragments increase your Tarnished’s attack power and damage negation, and can be found via ourScadutree Fragment locations guide.Revered Spirit Ashesboost the attack power and damage negation of yourSpirit AshesandTorrent, and are scattered across the Land of Shadow.
Grab Map Fragments
Look out for these stone markers whenever you enter a new region, as they represent new Map Fragments. |Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Bandai Namco
There are a total of5 Map Fragmentsin the Land of Shadow that’ll uncover the fog on your map and make it much easier to chart your progress. You can find the first not far from your starting area in the Gravesite Plain; simply head directly east of your spawn point. The other pieces of the world map are more out-of-the-way, so check out ourMap Fragment locations guideto get your bearings.
Tackle enemies in the Gravesite Plain
The Gravesite Plain is full of hardy enemies to keep you busy for hours, including the Blackgaol Knight. |Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Bandai Namco
Remember how you spent a good several hours in Limgrave, the starting region inElden Ring’s base game? While the Gravesite Plain is smaller, you’re still going to want to take things slow in this starting area, as there are plenty of worthy foes amongst those fields of eerie tombstones. OurShadow Of The Erdtree boss locations guideshows several accessible bosses within your starting vicinity, from the relatively easyLogur The Beast Clawto the surprisingly toughBlackgaol Knight. The Blackgaol Knight is an especially great boss to test your might against if your Elden Ring skills are rusty. If he keeps beating you, go and collect some of those Scadutree Fragments and try again.
Acquire new weapons and weapon types
The Backhand Blade may very well serve you through the entire DLC - and it’s accessible from the very start. |Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Bandai Namco
8 newWeapon typesawait you in Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree, and several of the finest weapons can be found at the very start of the game. If you’re a Katana user, seek out theGreat Katana, which is located in the northern Gravesite Plain not far from a Ghostflame Dragon boss. TheDragon-Hunter’s Great Katana, an even more powerful variant of this blade, is accessible in the Dragon’s Pit mini-dungeon.Miladyand theBackhand Blade, two of thebest weapons in Shadow Of The Erdtree, can be found in the Smouldering Ruins of the Gravesite Plain and in Castle Ensis. And if you prefer more unorthodox weapons of war, you can obtainPerfume Bottlesin the camps outside of Castle Ensis. There are a whopping103 new weaponswith this DLC, we have a full list of allnew weaponswith their locations listed if you need some inspiration for your playthroughbuild.
Steer clear of Furnace Golems, for now
The secret to fighting Furnace Golems is to dodge out of the way, attack their faceplates, or just wait until you’ve acquired Hefty Furnace Pots. |Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Bandai Namco
Head to Belurat, Tower Settlement
Open to all Tarnished at the very start of the DLC, Belurat is a good legacy dungeon to start getting your feet back into the game. |Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Bandai Namco
Get stuck into the NPC questlines
The NPCs in the DLC are split up into Miquella’s supporters and people with their own agendas. |Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun/Bandai Namco
Don’t forget about the NPCs in Shadow Of The Erdtree. Like the base Elden Ring game, the denizens of the Land Of Shadow have complex and sometimes inter-woven quests that require some attention if you don’t want to miss out on additional weapons,armor,Talismansand more. We have a large hub guide ofall NPC questswhich includes the recommended order to complete them as well as all NPC locations to help you if you’re worried about missing any on your journeys. There are two major ‘points of no return’ to familiarise yourself with, otherwise, you should be somewhat free to experience these quests at your leisure.
Hopefully these tips have helped make your first few hours in the Shadow Realm an easier experience. For more Elden Ringtips and tricks, check out our guide to thebest early weaponsin Shadow Of The Erdtree to get you started. Or, if you’re further along in the DLC, see ourbest weaponsguide that goes through the best of the bunch. If you need help with the DLC’s quests, we’ve also got guides on theLeda,Ymir,ThiollierandMoorequestlines.
