Venturing into the Land of Shadow is no small feat-Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree raises the stakes with some of the toughest challenges FromSoftware has ever crafted. To survive the opening onslaught, experts recommend your Tarnished reach at least level 120, with level 150 being the sweet spot for a fighting chance against the expansion’s brutal foes. But don’t get too comfortable: even high-level veterans will need sharp skills, powerful gear, and a keen eye for the new Scadutree Fragments if they hope to conquer what awaits beyond the Erdtree’s shadow.
In this Elden Ring guide, we’ll break down the recommended level for playing Shadow of the Erdtree, and offer some advice as to how you can get strong enough for the DLC.
Recommended level for Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree
The recommended level for starting Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is generally between 120 and 150, with most sources and player experiences suggesting that Level 150 is an ideal minimum for a smoother experience. Some guides even recommend being as high as Level 170, especially if you want to avoid excessive difficulty spikes early in the DLC. In addition to your overall character level, having at least 50-60 points in Vigor is strongly advised, as enemies in the expansion are significantly tougher and can deal massive damage even to high-level characters. While there is no official level requirement, and skilled players may attempt the DLC at lower levels, being within this recommended range will help ensure you are better prepared for the challenging new bosses and areas introduced in Shadow of the Erdtree.
To be clear, there is no official level requirement for playing the DLC. All you really need to do is beat two bosses – Radahn and Mohg – to access Shadow of the Erdtree. But in terms of a recommended level for playing Shadow of the Erdtree, we can look to FromSoftware’s implied advice.
During a recent hands-on preview event for Shadow of the Erdtree attended by AELGAMES, the premade characters available during our hands-on time were upgraded to level 150. I ultimately completed Shadow of the Erdtree at character level 200.
Between those two, that should give you an idea of what level you should be at for the Elden Ring DLC.
But there’s another important character stat to consider when diving into the DLC: your Vigor.
Recommended Vigor level for Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
For tackling the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, it is highly recommended that your character’s Vigor stat is at least 50, with many experts and guides suggesting pushing it to the soft cap of 60 for optimal survivability. This is because enemies and bosses in the DLC hit extremely hard, and a lower Vigor (below 50) can result in being one-shotted by powerful attacks. At 60 Vigor, your character will have around 1900 HP, providing a much-needed buffer against the DLC’s punishing difficulty spikes. If your build is lacking in Vigor, consider respeccing before entering the DLC to ensure you can withstand the challenges ahead.
Vigor is the stat that governs your character’s health, or HP. Vigor also increases your character’s fire resistance and Immunity, the resistance toward poison and rot. We recommend having a Vigor of at least 60 (the stat’s “soft cap”), which would give your character a baseline HP of 1900.
Why so high? The DLC bosses you’ll face in Shadow of the Erdtree hit extremely hard and extremely fast. Some of the more powerful boss attacks can easily one shot-kill your character if you have Vigor of 40 or below.
If you haven’t been putting Runes into your Vigor stat, it may be time to visit Rennala Queen of the Full Moon in Academy of Raya Lucaria. By using an item called a Larval Tear, you can reset and rearrange your character’s stats, diverting points from, say, Arcane or Faith into Vigor. Given the large number of new weapons, armor sets, and spells available in Shadow of the Erdtree, it may be worth re-evaluating your build anyway.
Another way to become stronger in the DLC
Another way to become stronger in the DLC is by collecting and using Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes, which are unique upgrade materials found throughout the Realm of Shadow. Unlike the base game, where your character level and gear upgrades are the main factors, Shadow of the Erdtree introduces these special items that grant Shadow Realm Blessings, boosting your attack power and defense against DLC enemies. Prioritizing the collection of Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes as you explore will make a significant difference in your survivability and damage output, helping you overcome the DLC’s challenging bosses and areas even if your character level is on the lower end of the recommended range.
In addition to upgrading your character stats by leveling up at sites of grace, there’s a separate system for boosting your character’s stats. Scattered throughout the Land of Shadow is a new upgrade called Scadutree Fragments. These fragments can be found by killing certain creatures, like hippopotami and Shadow Undead who are carrying sparkling pots over their heads. Many Scadutree Fragments can also be found hidden throughout the Land of Shadow.
Scadutree Fragments can be cashed in at sites of grace to upgrade your Scadutree Blessing. This blessing will give your character an across-the-board permanent boost to their stats, but only while in the shadow realm. (Scadutree Blessing does not carry over to the Lands Between in the main game.)
In addition to Scadutree Fragments, you’ll also find Revered Spirit Ashes. These upgrades will give your Spirit Ash summons and your steed Torrent more health. Cash them in at sites of grace whenever you get them.
When in doubt, level up the old-fashioned way
When in doubt, level up the old-fashioned way
If you find yourself struggling in Shadow of the Erdtree, don’t hesitate to return to classic rune farming and character leveling. While the DLC introduces new progression systems like Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes, your base level and stats-especially Vigor-still play a crucial role in surviving the punishing difficulty spikes. Aiming for at least level 125, and ideally closer to 150, gives you a much-needed buffer against the powerful enemies in the Realm of Shadow. If you’re not quite there yet, revisiting familiar farming spots in the Lands Between to boost your level and shore up your stats can make a significant difference before you dive back into the expansion’s challenges.
While Scadutree Fragments will give your character a healthy boost, there’s still value in leveling up the traditional way. Fortunately, there are dozens of highly valuable runes scattered throughout the Land of Shadow that you can cash in to quickly level up – and the good news is since you’ve now reached Mohgwyn Palace to start the DLC, the best rune farming location is available to you.
Looking for more Shadow of the Erdtree guides? Check out our guides on new Elden Ring DLC weapons, armor, map fragments, sites of grace, and talismans. We’ve also got location guides on where to find Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes, and an interactive Elden Ring DLC map, plus boss guides for the Blackgaol Knight, Divine Beast Dancing Lion, Golden Hippopotamus, and Rennalla, Twin Moon Knight.
How does my current level compare to the recommended 120-150 for Shadow of the Erdtree
If your current level is within the 120-150 range, you are right in line with the recommended starting level for Shadow of the Erdtree. This is considered the ideal range to begin the DLC, offering a balanced challenge without being severely under-leveled. If you are below level 120, you may find the content extremely difficult, as enemies hit much harder than in the base game and are tuned for endgame builds. If you are above level 150, you may have an easier time with early encounters, but the DLC is designed to challenge even high-level players, especially as you progress.
Regardless of your level, success in the DLC also depends on having strong gear, a well-optimized build (especially at least 50-60 Vigor), and making use of the new Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes to boost your stats within the expansion area.
How close am I to the recommended level range for Shadow of the Erdtree
To determine how close you are to the recommended level for Shadow of the Erdtree, compare your current level to the suggested range of 120-150. If you are at or above level 120, you are within the minimum threshold to start the DLC, though level 150 is considered ideal for a smoother experience. If you are below 120, you are under-leveled and will likely find the content extremely challenging. If you are between 120 and 150, you are well-positioned for the DLC’s early areas, and if you are at or above 150, you are ideally prepared for what lies ahead.
