How to Get Started in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree – Beginner’s Guide to the DLC

FromSoftware’s long-awaited Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring has finally arrived in 2025, and it’s every bit as brutal, beautiful, and mysterious as fans hoped. Whether you're a returning Tarnished or diving in for the first time, this guide will help you start your journey through the Land of Shadow without getting destroyed in the first 10 minutes.

🔓 How to Access the DLC

Before you can enter the new region, you’ll need to meet a few requirements:

Defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood – Located in Mohgwyn Palace

Interact with Miquella’s Cocoon – After Mohg’s defeat, inspect the cocoon to trigger the DLC entry

Level Recommendation: At least Level 120+ with a well-upgraded weapon

Tip: You can reach Mohgwyn Palace via a portal in Consecrated Snowfield or through Varre’s questline.

🌑 Welcome to the Land of Shadow

This new realm is massive and dense with content—think of it as comparable to Limgrave + Caelid combined. The aesthetic is darker and more twisted, with decayed golden structures and brutal enemy designs.

Key Features of the New Region:

Vertical level design with hidden paths

Several new legacy dungeons and side zones

Ashes of War, Spirit Ashes, and Talisman expansions

New “Shadow Blessings” system to enhance your build inside the DLC

Warning: Enemies here hit harder and are more aggressive than in the base game.

⚔️ Best Builds to Start With

The DLC’s difficulty spikes early, so having a focused build is essential. Here are a few tested and effective starting builds:

🛡️ Strength/Faith Hybrid (Blunt & Buffs)

Weapon: Blasphemous Blade or new Erdtree Greatsword

Buffs: Flame, Grant Me Strength / Golden Vow

Why: Strong healing effects and burst damage against tough enemies

🗡️ Dexterity/Bleed Build (High DPS)

Weapon: Rivers of Blood or Scythe of the Shadow

Ash of War: Seppuku

Why: Fast enemies = fast strikes. Bleed is still top-tier.

Intelligence Mage (Glass Cannon)

Weapon: Carian Regal Scepter

Spells: Adula’s Moonblade, Loretta’s Mastery

Why: Long-range safety with devastating burst if timed right

🐉 Notable Early Bosses (Mild Spoilers)

The DLC wastes no time throwing you into punishing fights. Some notable early bosses include:

Gravesworn Beast-King – Found near the first dungeon; fast, brutal, and has a second phase

Fell Watcher of Thorns – Guards a bridge crossing; strong fire magic and wide AOE

Elden Remnant Knights – Appear in pairs in roaming encounters

Tip: Don’t be afraid to summon Spirit Ashes or co-op help—this is peak FromSoftware difficulty.

🛠️ Gear & Upgrade Recommendations

You’ll want to enter the DLC with:

At least a +9 or +10 weapon

Fully upgraded Spirit Summon (e.g., Mimic Tear, Black Knife Tiche)

A solid mix of talismans— prioritize damage negation or stamina regen

Blessings of Shadow, a new stat-boosting mechanic unique to the DLC

Explore thoroughly—many powerful talismans and armor sets are hidden in caves or behind illusory walls.

🧭 Final Advice for Newcomers

Take your time – exploration is rewarded

Don’t rush legacy dungeons – they’re full of traps and powerful minibosses

Experiment with new weapons – several DLC weapons have unique scaling and abilities

Use Torrent wisely – the open areas are designed for hit-and-run tactics

🎮 Verdict

Shadow of the Erdtree is a brutal but beautiful expansion that enriches Elden Ring with new lore, boss fights, and some of the most intense encounters FromSoftware has ever created. Prepare yourself, stay patient, and embrace the challenge—glory awaits in the Land of Shadow.