While in the base game, it was usually possible to reach a location by going in its general direction, Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree changes the game with a three-dimensional map, similar to that of the first Dark Souls. You have to go around the big loop and go through dungeons, to get around cliffs and precipices. It is possible to spend hours exploring without finding a way to reach the objective of a quest. Discover our different maps that will guide you in your exploration of the Realm of Shadows. Click on the maps to zoom.
Main story, path to follow to complete the DLC
There are only 5 really mandatory bosses in the DLC, the path to follow is easier than you might think. However, it is not a good idea to go and tackle the advanced bosses before having collected as many Occult Tree Splinters as possible. This is the path to follow to open the Tower of Shadows and kill the final boss.
Notable milestones
- Kill Rellana the Knight of the Twin Moons, or borrow a Sealed Spirit Source further south
- Kill the Golden Hippo in the Black Castle
- Kill Messmer the Impaler
- Kill Romina, Saint of the Bud
- Burn the Seal Tree
- Kill
Leda and her allies
- Kill
Radahn, consort of Miquella
Map Fragment North-West: Ruins of Rauh
Collecting all the Map Fragments is an adventure in itself. Here is the path to follow in order to reveal the northern section of the map, starting from Miquella’s Cross in Altus Occulte.
Go through the Perfumers’ Tunnel to reach the Poisoned Swamp. Go under the cliffs and into the tunnel bordering the Black Castle.
South of the map
It is possible to miss a huge section of the continent by missing the only passage leading to it. From the Grace Point in front of Ensis Castle, head down into the river gorge, then follow the river until you reach the area covered in blue flowers to the south. Please note that the majority of the path is underground. The expansion map unfortunately does not have multiple layers, unlike the base game map.
Notable milestones
- Fragment of a map of the South Coast
- Stone Coffin Crack with the boss Putrid Knight and Saint Trina, for Thiollier’s quest. Miquella’s enchantment must be lifted to enter the area.
- Sacred ruins sought by Count Ymir.
Abyssal Woods, Southeast of the map
Reaching the southeast section of the map is one of the longest and most complex routes. You have to enter the Black Castle, but after the Hippo boss, instead of taking the elevator to the Seed Warehouse, go down a ladder on the right to a tunnel. It leads to a Painting and a secret passage containing a stone coffin. Climbing on it will end up in the pool below. Follow the river and waterfalls south until you find the entrance to the Blacklight Catacombs dungeon. Its boss guards the entrance to the Abyssal Woods.
Notable milestones
- Golden Hippopotamus in the black castle
- Stone painting and coffin
- Jori, Chief Inquisitor
- Abyss Map Fragment
- Midra, Lord of the Exalted Flame
Jagged Peak and Bayle
To reach this section of the continent, you must cross the Dragon Pit dungeon, southeast of the Burial Plain. Kill its boss Elder Dragonman for his Great Dragon Hunter Katana, as well as the exit to a new area. Several dragons await you on the way. To the south, you will meet the Priestess of the Draconic Communion. To the east, you will find Igon after killing a pair of dragons. All that remains is to climb the Jagged Peak by taking a long series of Spirit Springs while braving an Elder Dragon, traps, and lightning.
Notable milestones
Cathedral, Ruins of Ymir and Occult Tree
Finally, here is the most complex section. The first section will be useful to you very quickly, in order to reach the Cathedral of Manus Metyr, to begin Ymir’s quests. The second section is linked to his quests, as well as to several optional bosses at the end of the game.
Start by going down into the hole in the middle of the ruinsto the East of the second Miquella Cross. The exit will take you to the village of Bonny, at the foot of the cliffs. All you have to do is make the big turn to the East, to go back up towards the Cathedral, and the religious district of the Black Castle.
The flooded religious quarter has many elevators. The first one will take you to the second section of the Seed Tank, reaching its exit leads to a statue of Marika in front of which you will have to do theemote “O mother” to open the passage to the Ruins of Ymir. The other passage leads to the fearsome boss Commander Gaius. Open the valve of the flooded religious district allows you to drain the water, which will give you the chance to face the boss Avatar of the Occult Tree.
Notable milestones
- Furnace Golem with Indestructible Legs
- Count Ymir and Jolàn in Manus Metyr Cathedral. Completing their quests allows you to confront Metyr there.
- Flooded religious district to be emptied, Queelign awaits you on site
- Commander Gaius
- Avatar of the Occult Tree
- Second series of Ymir ruins
- Altar of the occult tree, full of splinters
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Boss Order: List and When to Fight Them?
The Elden Ring DLC introduces dozens of new bosses, some of which are terribly difficult like Bayle or Messmer. In order to progress a little more smoothly and not miss any, discover all the information in this guide, with their position, tips and advice for the fight.
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Splinter: List, where to find them all?
In order to activate the blessings of the Shadow Realms to gain power, and make the Elden Ring SOTE DLC easier, you need to collect as many Scadutree fragments as possible. Discover a comprehensive map, as well as a guide with tips on how to find them.
