Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree growth is simply across the nook, which suggests time’s operating out to prepare for its arrival.
Shadow of the Erdtree is ready to be completely huge; according to director Hidetaka Miyazaki, the addition can be roughly the dimensions of Elden Ring’s beginning space, Limgrave. In different phrases, you’ll have loads to dig into come June 21, together with discovering out what occurred to the sport’s most mysterious demigod — however provided that you’re ready for it.
When you’re undecided tips on how to put together for the growth or just haven’t performed the bottom sport in ages, don’t fear. Right here’s all the pieces you might want to do in Elden Ring earlier than Shadow of the Erdtree.
Attain and defeat Mohg to realize entry
![A screenshot of Mohg, Lord of Blood in his mausoleum as he is about to attack the player in Elden Ring](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/71Mr1Z-lVZKapFikGc0wEGaKquE=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25313403/Elden_Ring___Mohg__Lord_of_Blood.jpg)
Picture: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco by way of Polygon
When you don’t have to beat the sport to tackle Shadow of the Erdtree, you do want to realize a specific amount of progress earlier than you may soar in. FromSoftware has mentioned that the upcoming content material will exist on a brand-new map that’s separate from the principle sport. Based mostly on information launched to this point, you’ll entry that area by way of Mohg’s palace (and, to that finish, by defeating Mohg).
In any case, we all know that Mohg has kidnapped Miquella, one of many predominant protagonists of the DLC. Within the base sport, Miquella is housed in an egg that you may work together with when you beat Mohg. At present, the mummy-like stays don’t do something, however Shadow of the Erdtree’s single trailer exhibits Miquella’s egg seemingly coming to life.
Past its lore significance, there are many different causes to go to Mohg’s palace earlier than the DLC drops. For one factor, the cliffside space previous the blood-soaked map options Albinaurics who drop a startling quantity of XP. Probably, Mohg was utilizing them as fodder for his blood god. When you fill up on objects that enhance your Runes, just like the Gold Pickled Fowl Foot and the Gold Scarab talisman, you should use these enemies to power-level very quickly.
It’s potential to realize dozens of ranges in minutes for those who farm the enemies repeatedly. Thankfully, you may quick journey to the beginning of the extent when you kill the Albinaurics to pressure the sport to respawn all of them. Be sure to snipe the chicken roaming the blood lake that’s seen from the cliff — it will probably’t actually damage you, and it’s a terrific supply of XP as nicely.
Compensate for Miquella’s lore
Miquella is talked about closely all through Elden Ring, however you by no means really see or converse to the fair-headed Empyryan. And like most Souls video games, all of the storytelling is pretty refined, so it’s totally potential to not know what’s happening with Miquella — or to overlook the smaller particulars that may doubtless be fleshed out within the DLC. Watching lore movies (just like the one above from the favored FromSoftware content material creator VaatiVidya) is an efficient manner of remedying this challenge.
Discover Volcano Manor
![Tanith at Volcano Manor in Elden Ring](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4JQfwj7kVkSNClUS5SYewLvKrgI=/0x0:3840x2160/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:3840x2160):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23376109/tanith_Volcano_Manor_Elden_Ring.jpg)
Picture: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco by way of Polygon
One of many main themes for Shadow of the Erdtree appears to be blasphemy. The Erdtree, in spite of everything, is related to gentle, and also you’ll be wading within the shadows, probably after the Erdtree’s destruction. The principle antagonist of the DLC seems to be linked to snakes, which the bottom sport repeatedly associates with enemies of the religion.
Possibilities appear excessive, then, that Shadow of the Erdtree will make some callbacks to Volcano Manor. The manor is dwelling to Ryckard, a demigod who betrayed the Golden Order by permitting himself to be devoured by a strong snake. It appears that evidently Shadow of the Erdtree’s massive unhealthy follows an identical path; within the trailer, he asks an unnamed mom if she would really sanction somebody as accursed as he’s. Whereas the jury’s out on whether or not or not this villain is definitely one other Miquella half-sibling who fell out of favor along with his household, Volcano Manor’s tie to blasphemous snakes is sufficient purpose to test it out. We could also be coping with the identical outer god within the DLC.
Plus, Volcano Manor incorporates a string of bizarre quests the place you search out different Tarnished. Not solely can Volcano Manor get you in the correct mindset for what you’re about to see in Shadow of the Erdtree, it’s a terrific change of tempo from the remainder of the sport — supplied, after all, you’re keen to be just a little evil.
Full non-obligatory dungeons
![Elden Ring screenshot showing the snowy Castle Sol and a Wandering Mausoleum in the Mountaintops of the Giants.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QT7gxWEpDO3ZO7dQw_OFt0sk0bk=/0x0:3840x2160/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:3840x2160):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23454389/elden_ring_castle_sol.jpg)
Picture: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco by way of Polygon
You’ll additionally wish to tackle dungeons that aren’t on the sport’s golden path, like Citadel Sol — an space that’s totally themed across the eclipse that’s taken over in Shadow of the Erdtree. There, you’ll be taught a bit about Miquella’s followers and their obvious try and resurrect him, tidbits that may doubtless make a return within the growth.
Simply be warned: Citadel Sol is without doubt one of the hardest areas within the sport. Don’t be shocked if you end up visiting Mohg’s palace to beef your character up first, as a result of even the fundamental enemies on this space are intense.
Get one of the best gear
![An Elden Ring player with Moonveil](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/K-xbK5GgGbrj_JfVYmlLrHBr-7M=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23326797/Elden_Ring_Screenshot_2022.03.18___07.50.31.25.png)
Picture: From Software program by way of Polygon
What classifies as “greatest” will rely closely on what construct you’re operating and your play preferences, however we’ve got a couple of options for you.
- For Intelligence builds, the Rock Sling sorcery and its anti-gravity properties pair splendidly with issues just like the Moonveil Katana or Wing of Astel. (For the previous, try our information on tips on how to get the Moonveil Katana.)
- Power builds have a bevy of choices, however I’m keen on the Nice Stars, which heals you with each hit, although the basic Greatsword can be an excellent wager.
- Religion devotees are in settlement that one of the best weapon is the Blasphemous Blade, a greatsword that may deal further hearth harm.
- Dexterity builds, in the meantime, have two sturdy choices which might be out there close to the beginning of the sport: Bloodhounds Fang and Uchigatana.
- These of you making an attempt out an Arcane construct may wish to try the Naginata, which might pair nicely with bleed results, or the Star Fists.
As for armor, your decisions will rely in your weight class of alternative. When you gravitate towards gentle armor, you’ll be pleased with decisions just like the Godskin Noble set or the Ronin set, each of which have sturdy stats. When you use medium armor, look into the Gelmir Knight set, or a Knight set basically. And for those who favor heavy armor, you should use what’s thought of one of the crucial damaged items of drugs within the sport: the Bull-Goat set, gear so highly effective that it’s a mainstay in PVP.
Granted, weapons and armor aren’t the one issues you may equip in Elden Ring — however for all the pieces else, it actually relies on the way you wish to play. One factor that’s true for everybody, although: the Mimic Tear, which populates a CPU model of your character, kicks ass.
And for those who’re actually seeking to get highly effective as shortly as potential, seek the advice of our Elden Ring rune farming information.
Defeat Malenia
![Malenia the Severed defender of Miquella hovering in the air with large, breathtaking wings made of gnarled red and black rot. She is wearing arm and leg armor, and is otherwise unclothed, with smooth doll-like skin.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KkMkz8sXr4k0L4V3JWnT5QvNDK0=/0x0:3840x2160/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:3840x2160):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23419736/FRWnRlfXsAAPadE.jpeg)
Picture: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco
You’ll undoubtedly wish to defeat Malenia, the non-obligatory boss who resides in Miquella’s hidden kingdom. Whereas Malenia is notoriously tough, she’s additionally Miquella’s twin, so that you’ll wish to soak in as a lot as you may about her. The trailer additionally incorporates a water dancer who seems suspiciously just like the character talked about in Malenia-related gear.
That mentioned, she’s one of many hardest bosses within the sport; most gamers save her for the latter segments of their playthroughs for good purpose. When you’re struggling, our information on tips on how to defeat Malenia in Elden Ring might help.
Beat the sport
![Elden Ring’s Fire Giant in the Mountaintops of the Giants](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/osyTdMgFLDy6XmlG7-KIc_tygz8=/0x0:2738x1367/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:2738x1367):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23590158/elden_ring_fire_giant_hero.jpg)
Picture: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco by way of Polygon
This might sound apparent, however then once more, we’re speaking a couple of Soulslike sport. It’s simple to get caught on a boss someplace, or to surrender earlier than you’ve glad the necessities for certainly one of Elden Ring’s esoteric endings. Past assembly main characters who might need a task within the growth, clearing the sport could be sure that your character is powerful sufficient to tackle no matter new threats Elden Ring throws your manner.
Check out new sport plus
![Elden Ring player standing in front of a glowing table inside Roundtable Hold](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/i4YfkOsr6w0ZIlldEh2jW1G9YqA=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23433786/Elden_Ring_Roundtable_Hold_guide_npcs_secrets_encounters___.jpg)
Picture: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco by way of Polygon
New sport plus doesn’t have any apparent connection to Shadow of the Erdtree: the mode merely makes the sport more durable in trade for larger rewards, must you survive. However for those who’ve already performed all the pieces there may be to do in Elden Ring, it won’t be a foul thought to examine NG+ out: if nothing else, it will probably make it easier to get again into the groove of the sport. We’ve been ready a very long time for Shadow of the Erdtree, which suggests your muscle reminiscence may have a refresher. The excellent news is that you just’ll maintain lots of your non-quest associated objects and runes, so that you gained’t need to search out your most popular gear once more.