To access the highly anticipated DLC area in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, players are required to complete a series of prerequisites, including defeating specific bosses and interacting with key elements within the game. Below is a structured guide detailing the steps necessary to unlock and prepare for this new expansion.

Required Steps to Access the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC

1. Defeat Starscourge Radahn
– Location: Redmane Castle, Caelid
– Summary: Starscourge Radahn is a formidable mid-game boss. Defeating him not only contributes to your progression in the main storyline but also opens up access to several late-game areas essential for reaching the DLC.
– Progression: Ensure you complete early main quests up to Stormveil Castle and Liurnia of the Lakes to unlock Redmane Castle. Engage in the Radahn Festival to initiate the boss battle.

2. Defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood
– Location: Mohgwyn Palace
– Summary: Mohg serves as an optional yet critical boss for accessing the DLC. Players will need to navigate late-game content to reach him.
– Accessing Mohgwyn Palace:
– Option 1: Use the Grand Lift of Rold to reach the Consecrated Snowfield. Here, secure both halves of the Haligtree Secret Medallion to access the Waygate that leads to Mohgwyn Palace.
– Medallion halves can be found in:
– Liurnia (Village of the Albinaurics)
– Forbidden Lands (Castle Sol)
– Option 2: Complete White Mask Varré’s quest to obtain the Pureblood Knight’s Medal, allowing direct teleportation to Mohg’s throne room.
– Combat Tips: Prepare for a challenging battle, as Mohg is among the tougher late-game bosses.

3. Interact with Miquella’s Cocoon
– Post-Mohg Fight:
– After successfully defeating Mohg, return to his throne room.
– A new character, Needle Knight Leda, will appear beside Miquella’s cocoon. Speak to her for guidance.
– Interact with Miquella’s cocoon, specifically the withered arm protruding from it, to be transported to the Land of Shadow— the new DLC area.

Detailed Instructions for Each Step

Defeating Starscourge Radahn
– Location: Make your way to Redmane Castle by heading east from Limgrave. Participate in the Radahn Festival to engage him in combat.

Defeating Mohg, Lord of Blood
– Accessing Mohgwyn Palace:
– Navigate to the Grand Lift of Rold to obtain the medallion halves.
– Alternatively, follow Varré’s questline for an easier route to Mohg.

Accessing the DLC Area
– After defeating Mohg and conversing with Needle Knight Leda, interact with the cocoon to enter the new area seamlessly.

Additional Tips for Preparation

– Level Recommendation: Aim for character levels between 120-150 before delving into the DLC, as the challenges presented can be quite daunting.
– Preparation:
– Upgrade your weapons using smithing stones to ensure combat effectiveness.
– Familiarize yourself with the mechanics of your build to maximize your survivability.
– Consider collecting Scadutree Fragments as they will enhance your power within the DLC zone.

By systematically following these steps and heeding the additional tips, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the new challenges within Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and explore all that the DLC has to offer. Good luck, Tarnished!