How to Start Elden Ring DLC (Shadow of the Erdtree Requirements)

The highly anticipated Shadow of the Erdtree Elden Ring DLC is almost here, and players will need to complete certain requirements before they can jump into the expansion. This guide will explain how to start the Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree.

How to Start Shadow of the Erdtree (Elden Ring DLC Start Requirments)

To start the Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree, you must interact with Miquella’s arm cocoon at the Mohgwyn Palace Mausoleum. However, this is a bit easier said than done, as there are a few additional requirements you need to complete first before you can unlock the expansion.

Below are the requirements to start the Elden Ring DLC:

• Defeat Starscourge Radahn
• Reach the underground Mohgwyn Palace map:
  • You can access Mohgwn Palace either by:
    • Using the Gateway Teleporter in the Consecrated Snowfield.
    • Using the Pureblood Knight’s Medal after completing the White Mask Varre questline.
• Defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood, at the Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum
• Interact with the Miquella Cocoon arm to start the Shadow of the Erdtree storyline

While most players will have likely defeated Mohg already, there will be some who still need to defeat the Lord of Blood due to missing or skipping the optional boss in their original playthrough. The trickiest step to starting the Elden Ring DLC is reaching Mohgwyn Palace, as this can take you anywhere from 10 to 30 hours to unlock, depending on your save file.

You can technically reach Mohgwyn Palace a few hours into the game by completing the White Mask Varre questline. The sidequest can be started by talking to Varre at the First Step Site of Grace in Limgrave. However, even if you enter the underground map using the Pureblood Knight’s Medal, you will likely be under-leveled for the Mohg, Lord of Blood boss fight.

Where to start Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree

Once you reach Mohgwyn Palace, make your way through Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum until you reach the Cocoon of the Empyrean room. Here, you will find the Miquella Cocoon, which has an arm dangling out. If you haven’t beaten Mohg yet, complete the option boss fight. Finally, walk up to the Cocoon Arm and interact with it to start the Elden Ring expansion.

Interestingly, Hidetaka Miyazaki has confirmed in an interview that you will also need to defeat Starscourge Radahn to start the DLC. At the time of writing, there is no explanation for why you must defeat this boss, as you can technically reach Mohgwyn Palace without facing Radahn. Perhaps it’s tied to him moving the stars?

Do you need to beat Elden Ring to start the Shadow of Erdtree DLC?

No, you do not need to beat Elden Ring to start the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. However, you will need to be at least 20 hours into the main campaign before you can realistically start the expansion. You can also start the DLC even if you have already beaten Elden Ring and are on the post-game map.

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC starting on June 21, 2024.