How to reach the Abyssal Woodlands in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

The Abyssal Woodlands is easily one of the most well-hidden areas in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, right alongside Charo's Hidden Grave and the Cerulean Coast. Although the Abyssal Woods is accessible quite early in Shadow of the Erdtree's main story progression, it's meant to be in the end-game, just like the Jagged Peaks or the Stone Coffin Fissure.

What sets the Abyssal Woodlands apart from other optional regions on the Shadow Realm's map is its atmosphere and affliction to the forbidden Frenzied Flame. The Frenzied Flame is something that's considered accursed by the inhabitants of the Lands Between and feared even by the Demi-gods.

While the base game did allude to the Frenzied Flame on multiple occasions with even a dedicated ending, it never dedicated an entire region of the map to this affliction. However, that has changed with the recent expansion. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to reach the Abyssal Woodlands in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree.

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How to access the Abyssal Woodlands early in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree?

The path to the Abyssal Woodlands opens right after you make your way to the Highroad Cross Site of Grace in Scadu Altus. Reaching Scadu Altus essentially requires you to navigate through the opening area of Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, Gravesite Plains, and arrive at Castle Ensis. At Castle Ensis, you will face off against Rellana, Twin Moon Knight.

Location of the Darklight Catacombs in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree (Image via FromSoftware)

Only after you defeat Rellana can you proceed to Scadu Altus. There's another way to reach Scadu Altus, which involves making your way to the Cerulean Coast from the Castle Front Site of Grace and then backtracking all the way to the Moorth Ruins.

However, that route is admittedly much longer than going through Castle Ensis and is filled with high-level enemies that will one-shot you at low Scadutree Blessing levels. So, stick to the Castle Ensis route to reach Scadue Altus. Once you're at Scadu Altus, head north toward the Shadow Keep.

Once you reach Shadow Keep, progress until you reach the alleyway connecting the lower level to the first floor. Note that before you progress further into the Shadow Keep, you will need to defeat the Golden Hippopotamus boss.

From the alleyway, instead of heading to the left, toward the Fire Knight and the elevator going to the Storehouse, First Floor Site of Grace, head a little to the north and keep an eye on the edge of the platform. A little ahead across the platform, you will find a ladder leading to the lower section of the alleyway.

The Abyssal Forest in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree (Image via FromSoftware)

Head down using the ladder and you will reach a hidden room with a painting. The painting is used to obtain the Rock Heart in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree. Hit the illusory wall adjacent to the painting to reveal a path to the Ruins of Unte. Progress through the ruins to reach an area that marks the end of the plateau.

Toward the edge of the plateau, you will find tombstones stuck to the ground, forming a sort of ladder that you can use to descend downward. Use the tombstones to descend to the lower sections of the region and navigate your way through the small forested area to reach the Darklight Catacombs.

The Darklight Catacombs is essentially a small dungeon that ends with the boss fight against Jori, Elder Inquisitor. After making your way to the bottom of the Catacomb and defeating Jori, you'll be greeted with the entrance to the Abyssal Woodlands.

Abyssal Woods is home to one of the coolest bosses in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree (Image via FromSoftware)

Note that you'll have to navigate the Abyssal Woodlands on foot since Torrent cannot be summoned there. This is because the Woods are engulfed by Frenzied Flame, which is lethal to spectral beings like Torrent. At the end of the Abyssal Woods, you will find a legacy dungeon called Midra's Manse, which houses the boss Midra, Lord of Frenzied Flame.