How to access Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree

The requirements for accessing Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, a major expansion for Elden Ring, is no straightforward feat.

Like other FromSoftware games, you’ll have to progress through significant parts of Elden Ring’s story and explore its huge open world before you can access the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.

In short, you can’t just select Shadow of the Erdtree from an in-game menu — instead, you need to reach a secret area and take down two challenging bosses first.

Our Elden Ring guide will show you how to access the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, and some advice on how best to do it.

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How to access Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree

Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

To access Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree, there are two requirements:

Once the above two steps are complete, you can then interact with Miquella’s Cocoon — located in Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum, which is where you fight Mohg — to enter the Land of Shadow and start the DLC.

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How long does it take to access the Elden Ring DLC?

If you’re wondering how demanding the above requirements are, the answer is very, as Radahn and Mohg are mid- to late-game bosses, respectively, and among the most challenging in the game.

Though it’s hard to put an hour count on how long it’ll take to defeat the two bosses, if you’re racing to start the DLC (perhaps after starting new game plus) it should only take five or six hours if you know exactly where to go, and are happy to skip any associated steps or quests to make the bosses themselves easier.

Image: Bandai Namco via Polygon

For those just starting fresh and aren’t rushing, realistically you’re looking at anywhere between 30 and 50 hours of playtime before you’re wanting to start the DLC. If you’re in this position, we highly recommend you take your time and enjoy the game naturally — the world of Elden Ring is both vast and difficult, and not only are those the two required bosses themselves a real challenge, but the DLC itself a significant jump up in difficulty. In other words, it’s best to only get started when you’re ready.

Our how to prepare for the DLC has a list of tips to help you get ready, but if want to make the two bosses easier in particular, then consider the following:

If you are still struggling, then using one of our recommended rune farming locations can help boost your stats.