Excitement is building as the Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is nearly upon us. Those eager to dive back into the Lands Between and experience more of what made the original game a masterpiece will find that the expansion promises just that. But where exactly does this new adventure begin? Not quite where you might think.
No Need to Finish Everything First
Good news for those who haven’t conquered every Elden Lord yet: accessing the new DLC won’t require you to have beaten the game’s final boss. In a revealing interview with Famitsu, which was translated by Frontline Gaming Japan, Elden Ring’s director Hidetaka Miyazaki shared some crucial details. It turns out, you only need to have defeated Starscourge Radahn. After that, your next ticket to the DLC is overcoming another formidable foe, the optional boss Mohg, Lord of Blood.
Here’s How to Start Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Miyazaki detailed that the entrance to the Shadow of the Erdtree is not a straightforward path from the main map. Instead, players will find access through a magical warp. The gateway is a withered arm dangling from the cocoon in the area where you fight Mohg, Lord of Blood. Yes, it sounds as eerie and fascinating as you’d expect from the twisted world of Elden Ring.
For those who might not know, Mohg is an optional boss that some players might have skipped or not encountered on their journey. However, with the game being out for over two years, most veterans will likely have stumbled upon him by now. If you haven’t, well, it’s time to gear up and face him, because he’s now your gatekeeper to the new content.
Fair Play for DLC Access
What’s fair in love and war (and gaming DLC)? According to Miyazaki, keeping the entry point tied to an optional boss strikes the right balance. This approach ensures that all players who’ve purchased the DLC can access it without needing to have bested Malenia as it’s one of the game’s toughest challenges. It’s a way of acknowledging that while not everyone might be at the same skill level. Everyone deserves to explore content they’ve paid for.
Equip your weapons and prepare your strategies if you want to see what Shadow of the Erdtree has in store. The expansion is shaping up to be an enthralling return to beloved Lands Between. It offers both new adventures and fresh mysteries to unravel. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer here for a challenge, the realms of Elden Ring continue to expand; they invite all who dare to explore its depths.
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