With the launch of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree just around the corner, many Tarnished are preparing for another grand adventure. FromSoftware's latest expansion promises a new world filled with challenges, secrets, and rewards, and this guide will help set you on the right path, especially during your first few hours. Whether you're a veteran of the Lands Between or a newcomer to the expansion, these tips will help you navigate the new challenges without giving away any major spoilers.

1. Accessing the Shadow Realm: A Prerequisite

Before you can dive into the Shadow of the Erdtree content, there are a few steps you'll need to complete in the base game of Elden Ring. Here's what's required:

Defeat Starscourge Radahn: To start the expansion, you must first defeat Radahn, who is located in Redmane Castle in Caelid. Participate in the Radahn Festival and descend the elevator to engage him in battle.

Defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood: Next, you'll need to take down Mohg at Mohgwyn Palace, which can be accessed via Varré's questline or by using a Waygate hidden in the Consecrated Snowfield. This fight can be challenging, but assistance from other players' summon signs is common in this area.

Once both Radahn and Mohg are defeated and the expansion is downloaded, head to the back of Mohg's arena where you'll find Miquella's cocoon. Interacting with the cocoon will allow you to enter the Shadow Realm, marking the start of your new adventure.

2. Navigating the Shadow Realm: Discover the Map

When you first step into the Shadow Realm, you'll notice that your map is largely blank, except for one small bright spot. Your initial goal should be to head towards this point to uncover a map fragment, which will reveal the layout of the area. However, keep in mind that the design of this new world is heavily focused on verticality, meaning that there are secrets above and below the surface, hidden from view on your map.

Tip: Explore thoroughly, as the world is dense with secrets, such as hidden items, weapons, and powerful spells. Taking the time to search every nook and cranny will be rewarding.

3. Meet New NPCs: Allies and Enemies

The early hours of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion introduce a variety of characters that can either help or hinder your progress:

Friendly NPCs: These NPCs will provide crucial information, send you on side missions, and even offer to assist you in combat. Some might even offer items or join you as companions for certain battles. Keep an eye on their requests, as fulfilling them can unlock new abilities or rewards.

Challenging Encounters: Alongside friendly faces, you will also encounter hostile factions and enemies. Some will challenge you directly, while others may present opportunities for hidden rewards. Choose your engagements wisely.

Speaking to NPCs, giving them requested items, or taking the correct actions around them can advance their storylines and provide valuable rewards. Their quests are intertwined with the overarching narrative, so don't ignore them.

4. Shadow Realm Blessings: New Buffs for Progression

In Shadow of the Erdtree, progression goes beyond simply leveling up your character. Two new consumables will help strengthen your character and their summons:

Scadutree Fragments: These consumables boost both damage negation and attack power, making you more resilient in battle while allowing you to deal more damage to your foes. They are essential for surviving tough encounters.

Revered Spirit Ashes: These blessings enhance your Spirit Ashes, granting them better survivability and power. If you've been relying on the Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche, these will make them even more effective in battle.

Both of these items are exclusive to the Shadow Realm and won't affect the base game, so be sure to seek them out during your exploration.

5. Managing New Discoveries: Quality of Life Features

Exploring a vast new world means encountering countless items and consumables. To make it easier to keep track of what you've found, Shadow of the Erdtree introduces a quality-of-life feature that helps you manage your inventory:

New Item Marking: Any new items you pick up will be highlighted with a "!" in your inventory, making it easier to identify what's new. This can help you quickly survey recent additions.

Recent Items Tab: You can also turn on a Recent Items Tab, which collates all the new items you've found into one easy-to-navigate menu. This feature can be toggled on or off from the Display section of the Settings menu.

These features help streamline the process of managing your newfound equipment, ensuring you never miss an important item or consumable.

Conclusion

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree offers an exciting and challenging new world to explore. Whether you're navigating its vast, vertical landscapes or meeting new allies and enemies, there is a wealth of new content to discover. By following these tips, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the early challenges of the expansion, all while avoiding spoilers for the surprises that lie ahead.

By using the tips provided, you'll be well-prepared to navigate the expansion's early stages and begin your journey with confidence. Remember to take your time, explore every nook and cranny, and engage with the new content thoughtfully. And, as always, collecting Elden Ring items, Elden Ring runes, and blessings will help you grow stronger as you delve deeper into the Shadow of the Eritrea.