How to Get to the Shadow Realm in Elden Ring
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Elden Ring
How to Get to the Shadow Realm in Elden Ring
Shadow Realm Tips
The Realm of Shadow is Elden Ring’s most ambitious expansion — a map roughly half the size of the base game with entirely new biomes, over 10 major bosses, hundreds of new items, and a complete story continuation involving Miquella’s quest for godhood. The Scadutree Blessing system ensures that exploration is rewarded mechanically — players who explore thoroughly become significantly more powerful than those who rush straight to bosses. The DLC’s difficulty is deliberately pitched above the base game even with maximum Blessings, making it ideal for players who found the base game’s endgame too easy. If you are entering the Realm of Shadow for the first time, treat the Gravesite Plain as a proper introduction zone and spend time collecting Fragments before pushing into harder territories like the Shadow Keep or the Cerulean Coast. For the full DLC experience see our guide on Messmer the Impaler — the DLC’s standout mid-game boss encounter.
FAQ
⚡ Quick Answer
How to Get to the Shadow Realm
Defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood in Mohgwyn Palace, then interact with the withered arm of Miquella at the back of his arena. This teleports you directly into the Realm of Shadow — the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC map. You must also have defeated at least one major story boss (Starscourge Radahn or Godrick) before the DLC portal activates.
1
Reach Mohgwyn Palace. Mohgwyn Palace is an underground area accessible via two routes: the Varre questline (available from early game — complete his quest at Rose Church in Liurnia to receive the Pureblood Knight’s Medal teleport item) or the hidden teleporter in the Consecrated Snowfield (northwest area past the Yelough Anix Tunnel). The Varre route is much faster — available as early as after Godrick.
2
Navigate Mohgwyn Palace to Mohg’s boss fog gate. Mohgwyn Palace is a blood-soaked underground area with Albinaurics and Dynasty Soldiers as primary enemies. Follow the main path through the palace — activate the Palace Approach Ledge-Road Site of Grace for efficient navigation. The path leads to Mohg’s fog gate at the top of the palace structure. Recommended level 100+ and weapon +22 or higher before attempting.
3
Defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood. Mohg is a two-phase boss — Phase 1 uses blood flame attacks and his triple Nihil ritual. Counter the Nihil ritual by using Purifying Crystal Tears in your Flask of Wondrous Physick before the fight (found in the Altus Plateau from a NPC). Phase 2 adds blood explosion wings. He is resistant to Fire and Holy — use bleed, frost, or physical damage for maximum efficiency.
4
Interact with Miquella’s withered arm. After Mohg falls, walk to the cocooned figure at the back of the arena — Miquella’s cocoon with a withered arm protruding. Interact with the arm to trigger the cinematic that pulls you into the Realm of Shadow. This is the only entrance to the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC — there is no other way in. The interaction prompt only appears after Mohg is defeated.
5
Activate the first Site of Grace in the Realm of Shadow. You arrive at the Gravesite Plain — a vast open area that serves as the DLC’s starting zone. Activate the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace immediately. Explore the Gravesite Plain to collect Scadutree Fragments (scattered throughout the DLC, essential for boosting damage and reducing damage taken) before heading deeper into the Realm of Shadow.
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Scadutree Fragments are mandatory — collect them all: the Realm of Shadow uses a parallel progression system separate from your main game stats. Scadutree Fragments increase your Scadutree Blessing level, boosting all damage dealt and reducing all damage taken throughout the DLC. Without high Blessing levels, every enemy and boss hits for disproportionate damage and your attacks deal minimal damage regardless of your Soul Level or weapon upgrades.
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The Varre questline is the fastest DLC access route: complete Varre’s questline to receive the Pureblood Knight’s Medal — it teleports you directly to Mohgwyn Palace without requiring Consecrated Snowfield access. The questline starts at the First Step Site of Grace and requires invading players twice and receiving Festering Bloody Fingers from Varre at Rose Church. This can be done in 15–20 minutes after Godrick.
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Recommended base game completion before entering: while technically accessible after one Story Boss, the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is designed for players who have completed most of the base game. Arrive with Soul Level 130–150, a fully upgraded weapon, and significant Elden Ring experience. Entering at Soul Level 60 with minimal progression makes the DLC extremely punishing even with maximum Scadutree Blessings.
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Revered Spirit Ashes upgrade your summons in the DLC: alongside Scadutree Fragments, collect Revered Spirit Ashes throughout the Realm of Shadow — these upgrade your Spirit Ash summons specifically within the DLC, similar to how Scadutree Fragments upgrade your character. A maxed Mimic Tear with maximum Revered Spirit Ashes is dramatically stronger than an unupgraded one.
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The DLC culminates in Promised Consort Radahn: the Realm of Shadow’s main questline leads through multiple zones and bosses including Messmer the Impaler, ending at the final boss — Promised Consort Radahn — widely considered the hardest boss FromSoftware has ever created. Prepare thoroughly before the final area.
How do you access Shadow of the Erdtree in Elden Ring?
Defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood in Mohgwyn Palace, then interact with Miquella’s withered arm at the back of Mohg’s arena. This teleports you to the Realm of Shadow (the DLC map). You also need to have defeated at least one major story boss (Godrick or Radahn) before the interaction prompt appears on Miquella’s arm.
How do you get to Mohgwyn Palace in Elden Ring?
Two routes: complete Varre’s questline (starting at the First Step after the tutorial) to receive the Pureblood Knight’s Medal teleport item — the fastest method available from early game. Alternatively, reach the Consecrated Snowfield in the late game and find the hidden teleporter northwest of the Yelough Anix Tunnel. The Varre questline route is available after Godrick and takes 15–20 minutes.
What level should I be before entering Shadow of the Erdtree?
Soul Level 130–150 with a fully upgraded weapon (+25 Standard or +10 Somber) and significant base game experience. The DLC has a parallel Scadutree Blessing system that matters more than raw Soul Level, but arriving underprepared in both stats and game knowledge makes it extremely difficult. Completing most of the base game before entering is strongly recommended.
What are Scadutree Fragments in Elden Ring?
Scadutree Fragments are collectibles scattered throughout the Realm of Shadow that increase your Scadutree Blessing level — boosting all damage dealt and reducing all damage taken within the DLC. They function as a parallel progression system separate from your main stats. Collecting all available Fragments before fighting major DLC bosses is essential — without high Blessing levels the DLC is nearly impossible regardless of Soul Level.