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It's time to venture forth into a new realm in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. But don't get too excited. That's because there are certain requirements that you have to meet if you wish to continue your adventure. Here's our guide on how to start the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.
How to start the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
There are two main requirements if you want to start the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC:
- Defeat Starscourge Radahn - This boss can be found in Caelid.
- Defeat Mohg Lord of Blood - There's are some rather convoluted methods just to reach this boss. One involves obtaining both halves of the Haligtree Secret Medallion, before using a teleporter in a distant region.
If you've already done these during your current run, then you can simply fast-travel back to Mohgwyn Palace - Cocoon of the Empyrean. There's an NPC who encourages you to touch the withered arm draped outside the large egg. Doing this transports you to the Realm of Shadow. But what if you haven't done any of the aforementioned tasks? Well, we're here to help you out.
Note: You can start the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC even if you've defeated the final boss/obtained an ending. Just make sure that you continue your current playthrough. However, if you begin a New Game+ run, then you must defeat Radahn and Mohg once more.
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Starscourge Radahn location
Starscourge Radahn is an optional boss found in Caelid, a region that's east of Limgrave. The zone itself is not for the faint of heart due to the deadly Scarlet Rot disease. In any case, you can follow the road leading to the southeast and, once you've met the festival participants, you may challenge Radahn to battle.
Starscourge Radahn boss fight
The Starscourge Radahn boss fight in Elden Ring is quite unique since it takes place on a desert island, and you can mount up on Torrent. The problem is that Radahn will snipe you with his greatbow from afar. When you close the gap, he'll start pummeling you with devastating melee swings. Oh, and he has a meteor crash ability that can easily one-shot your character. Thankfully, summoning signs on the battlefield allow you to spawn NPCs that can aid you in the fight.
Haligtree Secret Medallion (Right) map
If you want to start the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, then you have to look for the two halves of the Haligtree Secret Medallion. This is one way to reach the chamber of Mohg Lord of Blood. The right half of the medallion is in the Village of the Albinaurics in Liurnia of the Lakes.
Haligtree Secret Medallion (Right) location
Upon reaching the Village of the Albinaurics, go east past the Site of Grace and the two huts. You should see a golden pot. Hit it and it will turn into an NPC named Albus. Talk to him to receive the quest item.
Haligtree Secret Medallion (Left) map
For the other piece of the medallion, you have to make your way to Castle Sol:
- Progress further until you reach the Forbidden Lands waypoint just past Leyndell Royal Capital.
- Ride the Grand Lift of Rold to arrive at the snow-covered peaks.
- Follow the sloping paths to the northeast until you eventually reach Castle Sol.
Haligtree Secret Medallion (Left) location
Continue advancing in Castle Sol, taking out enemies along the way. Once you defeat Commander Niall, continue along the ramparts until you reach the northernmost tower. Pick up the purple item next to the praying specter to receive the second half of the medallion.
Grand Lift of Rold to Consecrated Snowfield teleporter
Now that you've got both halves of the Haligtree Secret Medallion, you're one step closer to your main goal. Return to the aforementioned Grand Lift of Rold and select the Secret Medallion option when prompted. Doing so will allow you to ascend and take the northwest exit. From there, travel along the frozen lands to the northwest until you get past the Yelough Anix Tunnel.
Moghwyn Palace teleporter location
Past the Yelough Anix Tunnel, you'll see some large tree trunks that have fallen next to a cliffside. Down below, you'll notice a waygate guarded by a few enemies. Eliminate them and interact with the magical device to get teleported to Moghwyn Palace.
Purifying Crystal Tear map
You're getting close, and you're just a few hours away from being able to start the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. But here's the thing: Mohg is one of the toughest bosses in the game, and this is due to his "Nihil" ability. This will cause your character to bleed out and suffer a lot of damage--and you still have to watch out for his regular attacks and combos.
Ideally, you should head to a place in Altus Plateau called the Second Church of Marika. Upon arrival, you'll get invaded by Eleonora, Violet Bloody Finger. Defeat her to obtain the Purifying Crystal Tear.
Make sure you concoct a new Flask of Wondrous Physick with the Purifying Crystal Tear included in the mixture. When used in battle, this nullifies the effects of Mohg's "Nihil" spell. You still need to be careful when fighting Mohg, but your empowered flask should give you more breathing room. Lastly, be on the lookout for other players who can help you in co-op.
Mohg Lord of Blood boss fight and starting the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
Make sure you concoct a new Flask of Wondrous Physick with the Purifying Crystal Tear included in the mixture. When used in battle, this nullifies the effects of Mohg's "Nihil" spell. You still need to be careful when fighting Mohg, but your empowered flask should give you more breathing room. Lastly, be on the lookout for other players who can help you in co-op.
Once you've defeated both Starscourge Radahn and Mohg Lord of Blood, you're ready to begin the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. When you next return to the Cocoon of the Empyrean fast travel point, you should see an NPC who introduces herself as Needle Knight Leda. Then, if you touch the withered arm, you'll find yourself in the Gravesite Plain, the first region in the new realm.
That does it for our guide on how to start the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. If you're unsure about what to do early on, we recommend visiting our top 14 tips guide for those who are new to the DLC, as well as where to go first in Shadow of the Erdtree.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree takes you to the Realm of Shadow where you have to search for Miquella the Empyrean. If you're looking for more tips and tactics, you can head over to our guides hub.
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