How to access Elden Rings DLC: Shadow of the Erdtree

The highly anticipated "Shadow of the Erdtree" DLC for Elden Ring has been released to the public. Priced at $40, it offers players a new area filled with weapons, bosses, and secrets.

However, some players have found accessing the DLC to be a bit confusing. To access the DLC, players must own the base game, which is available on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5.

How to access the DLC

1. Launch the game: Start Elden Ring and ensure you have the base game installed.
2. Defeat two optional bosses: To unlock the DLC content, players must defeat two specific bosses: Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood.
3. Starscourge Radahn: Located in the area of Caelid, east of Limgrave. Travel to the southeast edge of Caelid, go through Redmane Castle, and either activate a site of grace or progress Ranni's questline to be invited to the Radahn Festival. Once there, talk to Jerren and take the lift down to the waygate teleporter to reach Radahn.
4. Mohg, Lord of Blood: Found in Mohgwyn Palace. Follow the NPC White Mask Varre's side quest, which involves participating in PvP combat or defeating an NPC to receive the Pureblood Knight's Medal. Use the medal to reach Mohgwyn Palace. Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid PvP, you can access the palace via a waygate teleporter in the Consecrated Snowfields area. This teleporter is on the western edge of the Snowfields, past the Lesser Runebears and after encountering a Sanguine Noble NPC. Navigate the swamps, dodge giant skeletons, defeat or evade zombies, and confront Sanguine Noble enemies in a dark tunnel. Take the lift to reach Mohg in the boss arena.
5. Activate the DLC: After defeating both bosses, go to the Mohgwyn Palace arena and touch the withered arm hanging out of the egg to begin the DLC.

Recommendations

1. Player level: FromSoftware recommends players reach levels 120-150 before attempting the DLC.
2. Upgrade weapons: Ensure your weapons are upgraded. Collect regular and somber smithing stones by securing all the miner’s bell bearings.
3. Prepare for combat: Familiarise yourself with the game’s combat system, armor, talismans, and builds if you haven’t played in a while.

It should be noted that early reviews indicate the DLC is highly challenging, even more so than the base game, which increases both anticipation and potential frustration.