5 tips for beginners in Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree

Having made its fair share of impact on the soulslike and RPG fandom regarding difficulty scaling, players are looking out for beginner tips for Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree to help them progress through the Shadow Realm of this new FromSoftware DLC. As you plan to plunge into the highly anticipated Elden Ring DLC, ensure you have the right methods and items.

The obstacles and foes to be encountered are much more difficult than the base game thanks to the separate level scaling in the DLC. Shadow of the Erdtree incorporates the use and necessity of several items, which we will see below.

This article provides five beginner tips for Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree that will help new players have a less harsh time in FromSoftware's latest content.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the author's opinions.

5 beginner tips for Elden Ring DLC

1) Focus on collecting Scadutree fragments

Scadutree Fragment in the game (Image via FromSoftware)

Shadow of the Erdtree has its own leveling system based on these Scadutree Fragments, and discovering and utilizing them at a Site of Grace enhances nearly all of your stats. These allow you to become significantly more powerful rather than the level scaling system of the base game. Going out and seeking these Scadutree Fragments will mean the difference between hours of defeat and faster eventual success.

Moreover, Revered Spirit Ash is another DLC item that should be the secondary priority. It is less common and is typically found at in-game places of worship. These are utilized at Sites of Grace under the new menu Shadow Realm blessings to strengthen your Summons, increasing their resilience and allowing them to put in more hits and damage to targets before getting knocked out.

2) Have a Level 150-200 character in the base game

Make sure your character is leveled up (Image via FromSoftware)

Shadow of the Erdtree is an endgame DLC and, therefore, expects that you've not only finished Elden Ring but also the side quests and leveled to the max. You are expected to have a high attribute level, i.e., 40-60, or they will likely get one-shotted by several enemies without landing any hits.

If you already have a set build with low stats on certain attributes, another beginner's tip for Elden Ring DLC using the respect system. It is called Rebirth (thanks to Rennala's Great Rune) in the base game and can help optimize point distribution among the attributes for the DLC.

3) Talk to NPCs before you decide to swing your weapon at them

Explore new areas thoroughly more than once (Image via FromSoftware)

Elden Ring is not the type of game to speed through on your first playthrough (although speedrunners would disagree). Taking your time to converse with NPCs, is highly recommended in each map section you visit. Another important beginner's tip for Elden Ring DLC is to check every nook and cranny. NPCs or valuable items can aid in your journey through the Shadow Realm.

Many useful items that are either consumable or level-up materials are concealed and not easily accessible. Engaging with NPCs thoroughly can yield essential information, missions, and goods that are critical to your path in the DLC Shadow of the Erdtree. The world of Elden Ring crafted by Hidetaka Miyazaki is full of secrets and hidden treasures that await exploration and discovery.

4) Take heed to explore dungeons well

Embracing the darkness of the Shadow Realm (Image via FromSoftware)

In Elden Ring, dungeons have a fairly simple structure with a maze-like appearance but intuitively explorable design. However, in the DLC Shadow of the Erdtree, these dungeons and lairs will have several entrances, pathways, and secret passages out to various regions that will keep you on your toes and challenge you to be wary of every nook and cranny you explore, and every single one you miss.

One of the most important beginner tips for Elden Ring DLC is to explore the areas you visit thoroughly. The game's director, Hidetaka Miyazaki, made sure to design the game in such a way that if you think you completed a dungeon on the first attempt, chances are that you probably didn't. And you need to go back to explore further to scavenge whatever lies undiscovered.

5) Take heed of Miquella's Crosses

Following these crosses will help in progression (Image via FromSoftware)

After heading to the Shadow Realm, you will come across golden symbols that were also featured in the DLC's story trailer. These are dubbed Miquella's Crosses and represent his trip through the Realm of Shadow. Essentially, these mark Miquella's progression through the Shadow Realm and will allow you to understand how to progress throughout the map.

Among the most important beginner tips for the Elden Ring DLC is to initiate a conversation with an NPC titled Hornsent. He will be found next to the first cross you locate north of the starting point and will show you a map with three more cross placements nearby. Visiting those crosses before facing off against the challenges upcoming in the first Legacy Dungeon.