In the massive new Elden Ring DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, you don’t have to actually complete the base game in order to access it. However, you do have to have advanced pretty far, as you need to kill a late-game boss as part of the pre-requisites. Here is how to access the new area, the Shadow Realm, in the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC and where you can find the entrance to the new area.
Where to find the new area in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
As long as you have defeated Starscourge Radahn at the Redmane Castle in Caelid, and Mohg, Lord of Blood at Mohgwyn Palace, you are eligible to enter the new Shadow Realm area in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. Once you have defeated those two bosses, head to the Cocoon of the Empyrean Site of Grace as indicated in the screenshot above. This is the Site of Grace that was created after defeating Mohg, Lord of Blood. The Cocoon of the Empyrean is also the Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree starting point for beginning the DLC content.
At the Cocoon of the Empyrean, you will see an NPC, a follower of Miquella, to be exact. She tells you that her fellow followers are already inside the Shadow Realm, awaiting your arrival. In order to enter the new area, simply interact with the cracked cocoon nearby with a long withered arm hanging out of it. You will then get the prompt asking if you want to “Head to the realm of shadow?” Select YES and you will enter the new Shadow Realm area in the Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC and begin the expansion.
If you attempt to interact with the cocoon but do not get a prompt to enter, it means you either do not have the DLC activated or you have not killed Starscourge Radahn or Mohg, Lord of Blood. Complete these tasks and you will be able to enter the new Shadow of the Erdtree zone.
