TL;DR
- Defeat both Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood to unlock DLC access
- Use specific questlines and locations to reach each boss efficiently
- Retrieve the arm from Mohg’s arena cocoon to transport to Land of Shadow
- Recommended level 120+ ensures manageable boss encounters
- Complete Ranni and Varre questlines for optimal progression path
The highly anticipated Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring brings substantial new content, but gaining entry requires specific accomplishments rather than simple download activation. Unlike traditional DLC access methods, FromSoftware has implemented progression-based gating that demands significant in-game achievement before players can explore the Land of Shadow.
To unlock the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, you must successfully defeat two major bosses: Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood. These formidable encounters serve as skill and progression checkpoints, ensuring players possess the necessary combat proficiency and character development to handle the expansion’s challenges. After conquering both bosses, you’ll retrieve a crucial item from Mohg’s boss arena that facilitates transportation to the new realm.

The shadow of the story can now be revealed. Discover the hidden history of the Realm of Shadow, the concealed domain unveiling on June 21, 2024.
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Accessing Starscourge Radahn requires navigating to Redmane Castle in southeastern Caelid. The most efficient approach involves utilizing the Grand Lift of Dectus to reach the Altus Plateau, then engaging with Preceptor Seluvis regarding Radahn’s Festival while simultaneously advancing Ranni the Witch’s questline. This dual progression strategy optimizes your path while accumulating valuable resources and experience.
When confronting Radahn, employ strategic horseback combat and leverage the numerous NPC summons available during the festival. His gravitational magic attacks pose significant threat, but maintaining distance during meteor phase transitions and targeting his mount’s legs creates vulnerability windows. Recommended character level 70-90 with frost or bleed weapons dramatically improves success probability. Common mistakes include inadequate vigor investment and misjudging his leap attack ranges – ensure at least 40 vigor before attempting this encounter.
After defeating Radahn, a celestial event occurs that impacts multiple game areas. Complete Ranni’s initial task sequence to properly set the stage for Shadow of the Erdtree progression. This establishes necessary narrative groundwork while providing powerful gear that proves invaluable against subsequent challenges.
Mohg, Lord of Blood resides in Mohgwyn Palace, accessible through two primary methods. The conventional approach involves locating the teleporter west of the Consecrated Snowfield, while the more efficient method completes White Mask Varre’s questline to obtain the Pureblood Knight’s Medal for instant transportation. Varre’s quest requires defeating Godrick and completing three invasion tasks, but saves substantial exploration time.
Mohg employs blood-based attacks and a devastating phase transition where he chants “Nihil” three times, inflicting unavoidable blood loss buildup. Counter this by equipping the Purifying Crystal Tear in your Wonderous Physick flask, nullifying his signature move. His attacks feature delayed timings and wide sweeps – dodging toward rather than away from him often proves more effective. Recommended level 100-120 with fire resistance gear and blood loss negation talismans.
Advanced strategy: Utilize Mohg’s Shackle item (found in Leyndell’s subterranean area) to temporarily immobilize him during phase one. During his blood rite attacks, position yourself behind him for safe damage windows. Phase two introduces flying patterns and blood flame trails – maintain mid-range positioning and punish his landing recovery frames.
After defeating Mohg, Lord of Blood, immediately interact with the large cocoon in his boss arena to retrieve the disembodied arm essential for DLC access. This item functions as your gateway to the Land of Shadow and remains in your inventory indefinitely once acquired.
To activate the transition, travel to any Site of Grace and select the new interaction option that appears after obtaining the arm. This transports you directly to the expansion’s starting area, where new challenges, lore, and exploration opportunities await. The game automatically creates a temporary save point before transition, allowing return to the base game if desired.
Most players naturally reach level 120+ after defeating both required bosses, which provides appropriate preparation for the DLC’s difficulty curve. However, if you’ve rushed these encounters, consider reaching at least level 110 with upgraded weapons (+20 minimum) before proceeding to ensure manageable combat experiences in the new content.
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Action Checklist
- Reach Altus Plateau via Grand Lift of Dectus
- Complete Ranni’s initial quest and defeat Starscourge Radahn (Level 70+)
- Finish White Mask Varre’s questline or find Consecrated Snowfield teleporter
- Defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood with Purifying Crystal Tear (Level 100+)
- Collect arm from Mohg’s cocoon and activate at Site of Grace
No reproduction without permission:GameCDjnh » How to Start Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC? Complete guide to accessing Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC by defeating two key bosses
