Strategic guide for choosing the right Elden Ring character to experience the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC content
DLC Access Requirements and Prerequisites
Preparing for Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion demands meeting specific progression milestones before venturing into the mysterious Shadow Lands. Unlike typical game DLC that offers immediate access, this content follows FromSoftware’s tradition of requiring significant main game completion.
To unlock the DLC entrance, players must conquer two specific demigods: Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood. Mohg represents one of Elden Ring’s most challenging endgame encounters, typically requiring 40-60 hours of gameplay to reach naturally. His boss arena in Mohgwyn Palace serves as the gateway to the expansion content.
While not strictly mandatory, completing the Consecrated Snowfield and Haligtree areas provides crucial preparation. The Haligtree serves as an excellent benchmark for character readiness, with Malenia’s difficulty curve preparing players for the DLC’s anticipated challenges. Additionally, Miquella’s deep lore connections to the Haligtree make this area narratively significant for understanding expansion story elements.
The entry mechanism involves warping to Mohg’s boss arena and interacting with Miquella’s cocoon-like egg structure. This access point remains available even after completing the main game’s endings, provided players haven’t initiated a New Game Plus cycle. This design allows completionists to experience all base content before transitioning to the expansion.
New Character vs. Existing Build: Strategic Analysis
The decision between creating a fresh character or utilizing an existing build involves weighing time investment against gameplay experience. Starting anew requires approximately 20-30 hours of focused gameplay to reach the necessary progression point, assuming efficient routing and boss strategies.
We strongly recommend against beginning with a new character unless you specifically desire the fresh progression experience. The substantial time commitment needed to reach Mohg and Radahn means delaying your DLC experience significantly. Existing characters that have already conquered these bosses can access the expansion content immediately upon release.
For players with completed save files, simply fast travel back to Mohgwyn Palace, approach the dormant cocoon, and initiate your journey into the Shadow Lands. This accessibility remains intact regardless of which ending you’ve achieved in the base game. The only limitation is avoiding the transition to New Game Plus, which resets progression requirements.
However, certain scenarios justify starting fresh: if you want to experience the DLC with a different build archetype, if your existing characters are poorly optimized, or if you simply enjoy the early-game progression cycle. Just recognize the substantial time investment required before accessing the new content.
Advanced strategy: Consider creating a dedicated “DLC-ready” character by following optimized speedrun routes to Mohg. This approach minimizes time investment while allowing build customization specifically for the expansion’s challenges.
New Game Plus Considerations and Difficulty Scaling
Navigating New Game Plus cycles requires careful consideration before diving into Shadow of the Erdtree. We strongly discourage initiating any NG+ cycle before experiencing the DLC content, as this decision carries significant consequences for accessibility and difficulty.
Beginning a New Game Plus resets your progression to the starting point, requiring you to completely replay the main storyline and defeat all mandatory bosses—including Radahn and Mohg—before accessing the expansion. While you retain your equipment, levels, and items, the journey back to the DLC entry point still demands 15-25 hours of gameplay depending on your skill level and routing efficiency.
The difficulty scaling presents an even more critical consideration. Each NG+ cycle increases enemy damage output and health pools significantly. Since Shadow of the Erdtree is designed as Elden Ring’s most challenging content, combining this inherent difficulty with NG+ scaling could create an excessively punishing experience for many players.
However, veterans with characters that have completed multiple NG+ cycles shouldn’t necessarily abandon these builds. High-level characters with optimized gear and thorough game knowledge can successfully tackle the DLC despite the increased difficulty. The key is assessing your personal skill level and tolerance for challenge.
Strategic recommendation: Complete the DLC on your current cycle first to learn the content, then carry that knowledge into subsequent NG+ runs. This approach maximizes enjoyment while minimizing frustration from unknown mechanics combined with increased difficulty.
Optimal Approach for Different Player Types
Tailoring your approach based on your specific circumstances ensures the best Shadow of the Erdtree experience. Different player profiles benefit from distinct strategies when preparing for the expansion content.
For returning players who haven’t touched Elden Ring in months: First, assess your existing character roster. Identify any characters that have already defeated Mohg and Radahn—these provide immediate DLC access. If no suitable characters exist, consider whether you have time for the extensive playthrough required with a new character versus optimizing an existing mid-game character.
Fresh starts make sense in specific scenarios: when you want to experience the DLC with a completely different build philosophy (such as switching from magic to pure strength), when your existing characters feel stale or poorly constructed, or when you simply enjoy the satisfaction of conquering new content with a from-scratch character.
Advanced character optimization: For players with multiple endgame characters, select one with versatile equipment loadouts and balanced stats. Having access to multiple damage types and playstyles provides adaptability for unknown DLC challenges. Ensure your chosen character has a well-upgraded weapon collection and adequate defensive options.
Ultimately, don’t hesitate to experience the DLC with powerful existing characters. The expansion content is designed to challenge even max-level players, so your endgame build won’t trivialize the experience. Reserve fresh starts for when you specifically desire the renewed progression journey.
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