Bilawal Bashir 
FromSoftware is expanding the already massive Elden Ring with the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC; here is what you need to do to start it and how to get ready for it.
The anticipation for Shadow of the Erdtree was massive, even with two years separating it from the initial release of Elden Ring. Once the reviews came in, it received almost unanimously high praise, with some even going as far as to say it’s bigger than some entire games. Naturally, this didn’t tamp down the excitement.
After buying the DLC, many might hope to dive headfirst into the Land of Shadow. However, in true FromSoftware fashion, some preparation is needed before players tackle the latest content. There is no way to jump straight into the Shadow of the Erdtree; players must meet a few conditions before they become ready for the expansion.
Where, how, and when to start the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
Players must defeat Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood, before starting the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.
Starscourge Radahn is a mid-game boss who can be faced after advancing Ranni the Witch’s questline or reaching the Atlus Plateau. The best way to defeat the boss is to summon allies around the arena, making the fight significantly more manageable.
The fastest way to Mohg, Lord of Blood, is to advance the White Mask Varre’s questline. The location can be tricky to reach, but the questline can help streamline the process. The two-phase boss fight can test even veteran Elden Ring players, so going well-prepared is the key here.
After defeating Mohg and Radahn, players can interact with the withered arm of Miquella in Mohg’s boss arena to start the DLC. If all the requirements are fulfilled, the player is transported to the Land of Shadow, the new area where Shadow of the Erdtree expansion takes place.
Do you need to beat Elden Ring before starting the DLC?
Players can start playing Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree expansion before beating the game, but they may want to become Elden Lord before doing so.
Radahn and Mohg represent mid and late-game bosses, respectively. They can be beaten quite early, but it will take a lot of skill or stubbornness and a fair bit of luck to reach and fight them. Starscourge Radahn is comparatively easier than Mohg, Lord of Blood. Taking on Mohg can be a daunting task if a player is underleved. If players want to start the DLC as quickly as possible, they won’t even be able to get the Mohg’s Shackle item that is meant to make the fight easier.
While beating Elden Ring isn’t necessary, the expansion is a late-game affair with two significant skill checks in place. It can be hard to level up quickly, but it’s still better than dying to Mogh for the 100th time and then retreating. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree launches in a few days, so players still have time to meet all conditions.
