To fully unlock and complete all side quests in the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, you will need to navigate the new Land of Shadows thoughtfully. This expansion features an intricate landscape filled with unique challenges, side quests, and new NPCs that enrich your adventure. Here’s a detailed guide on how to maximize your experience:

Unlocking the Expansion

To begin your journey into the Land of Shadows, follow these steps:
1. Interact with Miquella’s Cocoon: Go to Mohg’s Arena located in Mohgwyn Palace and interact with the cocoon. This will transport you to the new region.

Points of No Return

Before diving into the side quests, be cautious of the following significant points of no return that could affect your progress:
– Breaking Miquella’s Charm: Triggering events in Shadow Keep, Rauh Base, or Eastern Scadu Altus will commence NPC quests, which can affect their subsequent locations and dialogues.
– Burning the Sealing Tree: This action at the Church of the Bud will cause most NPCs to disappear, halting their quests altogether.

Steps to Complete All Side Quests

1. Interact with NPCs: Prior to breaking Miquella’s charm, make sure to speak with every significant NPC including Leda, Hornsent, Ansbach, Freyja, Queelign, Moore, and Thiollier. Engaging with these characters is essential for quest progression.

2. Thoroughly Explore Each Region: The Land of Shadows comprises multiple areas such as Gravesite Plain, Shadow Keep, and Abyss. Make sure to explore thoroughly for NPCs, items, and hidden quests.

3. Complete Gravesite Plain Side Quests:
– Visit landmarks such as the Church of Consolation to kickstart various quests and gather items.
– Defeat key bosses like the Furnace Golem and Blackgaol Knight for valuable rewards.
– Check for allies at the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace for further story elements.

4. Complete Shadow Keep Quests:
– Interact with Leda, Hornsent, Ansbach, and Freyja by visiting the Highroad Cross Site of Grace to progress their respective quests.
– Navigate the Shadow Keep, defeat the Fire Knight, and access a tower to acquire the Flame Spear Ash of War.

5. Igon and Dragon Communion Priestess Quests:
– Make sure to finish the remaining quests for Igon and Dragon Communion Priestess, as they are critical for achieving 100% completion.

6. Explore the Abyss:
– While optional, venturing into the Abyss can yield additional Shadow Realm Blessings. This exploration doesn’t impact the main NPC quests but adds depth to your adventure.

7. Collect Missable Content:
– Pay attention to gathering all missable items like Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes to ensure you don’t overlook any rewards.

Additional Tips

– Upgrade Flasks and Bell-Bearings: Maintain a high stock of upgraded flasks and bell-bearings for quick access to essential upgrade materials.
– Monitor NPC Movements: Be aware of the potential overlap between quests and changes in NPC locations after key story events, as this can affect quest availability.

Quest Order

For in-depth walkthroughs on each quest, consider referring to specific guides from reliable sources like Fextralife or Rock Paper Shotgun. These guides often provide an ordered list of steps to maximize rewards and minimize the risk of missing content.

Summary

Completing all side quests in the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion demands careful exploration, diligent interaction with NPCs, and awareness of crucial points of no return. Following a structured approach and utilizing thorough walkthroughs will help ensure you experience all the intricate narratives and receive all available rewards throughout your adventure in the Land of Shadows.