Step into the shadowed depths of Elden Ring’s latest expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, where a sprawling new realm teems with deadly bosses, cryptic quests, and hidden treasures. Whether you’re navigating the eerie Land of Shadow or confronting formidable foes like Messmer the Impaler, our comprehensive guides and walkthroughs for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox will illuminate every path and secret, ensuring no challenge goes unmet in this dark and captivating adventure.
In truth, you’re the only person who can answer that question for yourself. But if you’ve played a bunch of the base game – and hit all the pre-requisites for accessing the DLC – one look at Shadow of the Erdtree is likely enough impetus to sigh, sit down, and recognize it’s time to do it all again.
As with all things Elden Ring, there’s no need to brave this expansion alone. Start with our guide on the recommended level for Shadow of the Erdtree, then see what to do first in the Elden Ring DLC, or get lost in our interactive map. From there, if you find yourself stuck on any of the byzantine legacy dungeons, check out our walkthroughs for Belurat, Castle Ensis, and Shadow Keep.
We have guides on where to find DLC map fragments and DLC talismans, plus guides on two collectibles specific to Shadow of the Erdtree: Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes. Those are in addition to lists on weapons and armor introduced in the DLC.
And, go figure, there’s no shortage of horrible bosses here. A particular enemy giving you grief? Our guides can help you beat the Blackgaol Knight; Divine Beast Dancing Lion; Rellanna, Twin Moon Knight; and the Golden Hippopotamus.
Yes, “more Elden Ring” might sound like a daunting proposition. But Shadow of the Erdtree retains one quality that made the base game such a standout: It’s way easier (and way more fun) when you phone a friend.
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Walkthroughs
What hidden secrets and boss strategies will I discover in Shadow of the Erdtree’s new regions
In Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, you’ll uncover a wealth of hidden secrets including secret locations like Bonnie Village, the Hinterlands, and the Stone Coffin Fissure, accessible through unique gestures and environmental puzzles such as the “Oh Mother” emote that opens hidden pathways. The expansion introduces a vast new region called the Land of Shadow, filled with intricate dungeons, rare items, and intertwining NPC quests that deepen the lore and exploration experience.
Boss strategies are crucial in this expansion, as many bosses like Commander Gaius and the Furnace Golem present tough challenges requiring specific tactics such as parrying soul-sucking eyeball enemies or using environmental objects to manipulate boss behavior. The DLC features 83 new bosses spread across diverse locations, demanding mastery of new weapons, magic, and combat skills to overcome. Exploring these secrets and mastering boss fights will reveal the dark mysteries of Miquella’s realm and the true power hidden beneath the Erdtree’s shadow.
What are the most elusive secret bosses hidden in Shadow of the Erdtree
The most elusive secret bosses in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree include:
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Midra, Lord of the Frenzied Flame: Found deep within the Abyssal Woods after navigating a hidden path through Shadow Keep and defeating Jori, Elder Inquisitor. This is one of the toughest secret bosses in the expansion.
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Metyr, Mother of Fingers: A grotesque boss made of twisted fingers, located in the Finger Ruins of Miyr. To summon her, you must interact with a hidden bell beneath the Cathedral of Manus Metyr’s throne.
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Scadutree Avatar: The Realm of Shadow’s counterpart to the original Erdtree Avatar, found by draining water in Shadow Keep and descending to the Scadutree Base. This optional boss is easy to miss but rewards exploration.
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Commander Gaius: A highly challenging optional boss tucked away in a secret area called Scadutree Chalice, accessible only after precise platforming and exploration in Shadow Keep. Defeating him grants access to valuable Scadutree Fragments.
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Dancer of Ranah: Located on a remote island in the Southern Shore region, accessed through a hidden cave entrance beneath a tree husk near the Cerulean Coast West Site of Grace.
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Bayle the Dread: A colossal dragon boss atop Jagged Peak, requiring a difficult ascent and battles with other dragons to reach. This fight is both thrilling and rewarding.
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Putrescent Knight: A chilling skeletal knight boss found in the Stone Coffin Fissure near the Cerulean Coast. The fight is tough and well worth seeking out.
These bosses are hidden behind intricate exploration, secret entrances, and challenging conditions, making them some of the most rewarding and memorable encounters in the expansion.
