Essential Tips to Prepare for Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Austin Dean
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The much-anticipated Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is just around the corner, and the excitement among players is palpable. As we approach its release on June 21, 2024, it's vital to prepare adequately for what promises to be an intense and challenging experience. If you’re eager to dive into the new content, you'll need to defeat two specific bosses to gain access. But beyond that, there's much you can do to ensure you're well-equipped for the upcoming trials.

Key Bosses to Conquer

Key Bosses to Conquer

To access the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, you must first defeat two formidable adversaries: Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood. These bosses are no small feat, and overcoming them will test your skills and preparation. Starscourge Radahn, one of the most challenging demigods, is typically encountered as the third or fourth Shardbearer. He resides in southern Caelid at Redmane Castle, and his fight is triggered by the Radahn Festival. To initiate this festival, you must either reach the Altus Plateau using the Grand Lift of Dectus or progress far enough in Ranni the Witch’s questline. Once you're ready, prepare yourself for an epic battle that will require every ounce of your strength and strategy. Meanwhile, Mohg, Lord of Blood, awaits atop Mohgwyn Palace. To reach him, you can either follow White Mask Varré’s questline for the Pureblood Knight's Medal or use the teleporter hidden in the Yelough Anix Ruins. Facing Mohg will be a significant test, as it opens the gateway to the DLC. Be ready to wrestle with his blood magic and formidable might.

Leveling and Preparation

In the world of Elden Ring, leveling your character is fundamental to survival and success. Shadow of the Erdtree has recommended character levels of 100 to 150. Preparing adequately means not only boosting your levels but also optimizing your overall build. This preparation will be crucial as the DLC introduces a new progression system similar to Sekiro’s, relying on the defeat of bosses to acquire items for "leveling." If you're aiming to maximize your PvP participation during the DLC, targeting level 125 strikes a good balance. This level allows for a wide range of matches while still providing ample stat points to customize your build. Remember, going above level 150 might limit your engagement in PvP due to fewer players at higher levels. Collecting runes efficiently is essential. The most lucrative method involves the Albinaurics at the Palace Ledge-Approach area of Mohgwyn Palace. This farming method ensures you gather the resources needed for leveling and augmenting your character's power.

Gathering Upgrade Materials

Gathering Upgrade Materials

Equipping and upgrading your arsenal is paramount. Elden Ring features numerous Armaments and Spirit Ashes to discover, and entering the DLC prepared means having the upgrade materials ready. Spend time farming large quantities of weapon and Ashes upgrade materials or, even better, locate the various upgrade material Bell Bearings. Collecting different types of Somber Smithing Stone Miner Bell Bearings, Smithing Stone Miner Bell Bearings for weapons, and Grave Glovewort Picker Bell Bearings, Ghost Glovewort Picker Bell Bearings for Spirit Ashes will streamline your upgrading process. Giving these to the Twin Maiden Husks unlocks unlimited access to the associated materials, which will be invaluable as you navigate the DLC.

Building a Solid Foundation

Having a solid base build is vital before venturing into the Shadow of the Erdtree. Spend time acquiring a range of powerful weapons, critical Sorceries and Incantations, and the best Talismans available. With these, you'll have a versatile arsenal ready to adapt to any situation. Larval Tears are another crucial element. These rare items allow you to re-spec your character’s stats under the guidance of Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon. Since Larval Tears are finite, it's important to collect as many as possible before the DLC launch. Prudently manage your re-specs to ensure you have the flexibility needed for the new challenges and gear introduced in the DLC.

Enhancing Your Flask Efficiency

Enhancing Your Flask Efficiency

Lastly, upgrading your Flasks is a critical step. Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears will increase your Flask’s capacity and healing power, respectively. The more you upgrade, the better prepared you'll be to withstand the formidable foes in Shadow of the Erdtree. Exploring the many Churches of Marika scattered throughout Elden Ring’s world is a great way to gather these vital items. The Flask of Wondrous Physick is another versatile tool.

By collecting numerous Crystal Tears, you can customize this Flask to best suit your playstyle and the demands of the DLC’s challenges. The more Crystal Tears you gather, the more powerful and adaptable your Flask becomes. By following these preparation tips, you'll be ready to tackle the challenges of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree with confidence. Defeat the key bosses, gather crucial materials, and optimize your character to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience in this highly anticipated expansion.