DLC Late-game 1 min read

Shadow of the Erdtree — When to Start

Entry hub for the Elden Ring expansion: recommended power, how to reach the Cocoon of the Empyrean via Mohg, and what to finish in the base game first.

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC when to start and how to enter guide cover

Recommended Timing

Check	Comfort target
Level	~120–150+ (higher is safer for first visit)
Weapon	+24/+25 regular or +9/+10 somber
Vigor	50–60 recommended
Story	Finish most of the base game first if this is your first playthrough

The Realm of Shadow has its own power curve (Scadutree Fragments). Even a strong Lands Between character can feel fragile until you collect them — treat early DLC zones as exploration, not a speedrun.

How to Enter the DLC

Progress far enough to reach Mohgwyn Palace and defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood.
Common routes: Varre's invasion quest, or the pureblood / teleporter paths that lead to Mohgwyn (often via late-game Caelid / consecrated snowfield connections).
After Mohg, interact with the Cocoon of the Empyrean in his arena to travel into the Shadow Realm.
Rest at the first Site of Grace and start collecting Scadutree Fragments before hard bosses.

Need runes before Mohg? Use the late-game section of the rune farming guide.

Base-Game Prep Checklist

Lock a clear weapon build (bleed / strength / faith all work — bring what you already play well).
Finish weapon upgrades and keep flasks current.
Upgrade a strong spirit ash (Mimic Tear / Tiche-tier).
Optional challenge clear: Malenia is excellent practice for DLC aggression, but not required to enter.
Optional story: finish Ranni / main endings if you want base-game closure first.

First Hours in the Shadow Realm

Prioritize map fragments, Graces, and Scadutree Fragments over optional bosses.
Do not assume Lands Between talisman sets are finished — pick up new DLC charms as you go.
If a fight feels impossible, leave and raise Scadutree Blessing before retrying.
Co-op and spirit ashes remain valid tools; the DLC is tuned around exploration power, not shame.

DLC Entry Checklist

Reached ~120+ with a +24/+25 (or +9/+10) weapon
Locked a clear build + upgraded spirit ash
Defeated Mohg, Lord of Blood
Entered via the Cocoon of the Empyrean
Collected early Scadutree Fragments before hard bosses

Next Steps

Still in the mid-game? Follow the progression hub through Altus first. Late base-game reference: Malenia and builds.