How to Prepare for the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC

Players should reach Mohgwyn Palace to prepare themselves for Shadow of the Erdtree. Read on for more tips on how to prepare for Elden Ring DLC, the recommended level, if you should make a new character, and lore recommendations.

How to Prepare for Elden Ring DLC

DLC Prep Guides
Reach Mohgwyn Palace Level Up and Optimize Builds Keep Track of Updates and Changes

Reach Mohgwyn Palace

Make sure you have reached Mohgwyn Palace in your playthrough as this was Miquella's last known location in the base game. From popular speculation, this might be the gateway to the Land of Shadow or it may give away clues.

You will have to defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood to gain access to the final area of Mohgwyn Palace which contains Miquella's cocoon.

Mohgwyn Palace Walkthrough and Location

Progress White Mask Varre's Questline

Do not kill White Mask Varre if you're starting a new game or new game+ as his questline provides the fastest route to reach Mohgwyn Palace.

Killing White Mask Varre early in the game will set you back and the only way you'll reach Mohgwyn Palace is at the Mountaintops of the Giants which is much farther in the game.

White Mask Varre Questline and Location

Level Up and Optimize Builds

Level up and optimize your builds as Shadow of the Erdtree is endgame content. This is confirmed in the official gameplay trailer as Messmer refers to you as a lord, meaning that the events in the DLC are after the base game.

This process should include collecting your Smithing Stones to improve your weapons, and collecting Grave Gloveworts to upgrade your summons.

Keep Track of Updates and Changes

Elden Ring has gone over updates through the years. This includes nerfing powerful weapons in the game and balancing them to better optimize player experience.

List of Nerfed Ashes of War, Weapon Skills, and Magic Spells

DLC Recommended Level

100 - 150

The recommended level for Shadow of the Erdtree is somewhere between 100 and 150, roughly the same level you fight Radagon and the Elden Beast.

The events of Shadow of the Erdtree take place after your character has become the Elden Lord, meaning that the enemies in the Land of Shadow might be as tough as the endgame enemies in the base game.

Should You Make a New Character for DLC?

Stick to Your Progressed Characters

It's best to stick to your progressed characters and complete any dungeons, side quests, and collectibles you have not encountered yet. We only recommend making a new character if you want a refresher in combat and the events of the base game.

Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Lore Recommendations

Explore the Lands Between

With months before the release of the DLC, we recommend exploring the base game and reading item descriptions to catch up on the lore.

Reading the lore of the base game could help you understand each character's background and motive in Shadow of the Erdtree.

Elden Ring Related Guides

Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Guide

All Shadow of the Erdtree Guides