How to dlc elden ring

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Last updated: April 4, 2026

Quick Answer: DLC for Elden Ring, officially titled "Shadow of the Erdtree," is a paid expansion that adds new areas, bosses, weapons, and story content. To access it, you need to own the base Elden Ring game and purchase the DLC separately through your platform's digital store (Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store).

Key Facts

The Elden Ring DLC is called 'Shadow of the Erdtree'.
It was released on June 21, 2024.
The DLC requires the base Elden Ring game to play.
It is available for purchase digitally on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Accessing the DLC requires defeating Mohg, Lord of Blood or Starscourage Radahn.

Elden Ring DLC: Shadow of the Erdtree - Your Essential Guide

Overview

Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed action RPG developed by FromSoftware, has expanded its vast world with a highly anticipated downloadable content (DLC) expansion titled "Shadow of the Erdtree." This DLC introduces a wealth of new content, including a sprawling new landmass to explore, formidable new bosses to challenge, a diverse array of new weapons and armor to acquire, and a continuation of the epic narrative that captivated players worldwide. Unlike free updates, "Shadow of the Erdtree" is a premium expansion, meaning it must be purchased separately by players who wish to experience its new offerings.

How to Access and Play the DLC

Purchasing and accessing "Shadow of the Erdtree" is a straightforward process, but it requires specific prerequisites. First and foremost, you must own the base game, Elden Ring. The DLC is not a standalone title and cannot be played without the original game installed on your system. Once you own Elden Ring, you can purchase "Shadow of the Erdtree" through the digital storefront of your chosen platform:

PC: Steam Store
PlayStation: PlayStation Store (PS4 and PS5)
Xbox: Microsoft Store (Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S)

The DLC is typically offered in several editions, including a standard edition and sometimes bundle options that include the base game. Ensure you select the correct version for your platform.

Meeting the In-Game Requirements

Beyond purchasing the DLC, there's an in-game requirement to unlock the path to the new content. Players must defeat two specific major bosses within the base Elden Ring game to access the entrance to the "Shadow of the Erdtree" content. These bosses are:

Starscourage Radahn: Located in Caelid.
Mohg, Lord of Blood: Found in Mohgwyn Palace, accessible through a late-game portal or by completing White-Faced Varré's questline.

After defeating both of these bosses, players will find a Miquella's Cocoon in the Mohgwyn Palace arena. Interacting with this cocoon will transport you to the Land of Shadow, the new area introduced by the DLC. It is recommended to be at a sufficiently high level and possess a well-upgraded character, as the challenges within the DLC are designed to be demanding, even for veteran Elden Ring players.

What the DLC Offers

"Shadow of the Erdtree" promises a substantial amount of new content, significantly expanding the Elden Ring experience:

New Open World Area: Explore the mysterious Land of Shadow, a completely new region filled with diverse environments, hidden secrets, and dangers.
New Bosses and Enemies: Face off against a host of challenging new bosses, each with unique attack patterns and mechanics, as well as numerous new enemy types.
New Weapons and Armor: Discover over 8 new weapon categories, alongside numerous new armor sets, spells, Ashes of War, and talismans to customize your build.
Expanded Lore and Story: Delve deeper into the overarching narrative of Elden Ring, uncovering new plot threads related to Miquella and the history of the Land of Shadow.
New Progression System: The DLC introduces a new leveling system specific to the Land of Shadow, allowing players to find "Scadutree Fragments" and "Revered Spirit Ashes" to gain buffs and enhance their combat capabilities within the DLC area.

Technical and Platform Considerations

"Shadow of the Erdtree" is available digitally. As of its release on June 21, 2024, there are no physical editions of the DLC. Players should ensure their Elden Ring game is updated to the latest version to ensure compatibility with the DLC. System requirements for the PC version are generally similar to the base game, but it's always advisable to check the specific requirements on the storefront page. For console players, ensure you have sufficient storage space for the DLC download.

Conclusion

The "Shadow of the Erdtree" DLC represents a significant addition to the Elden Ring universe, offering countless hours of new gameplay for dedicated fans. By purchasing the expansion and meeting the in-game prerequisites, players can embark on a brand-new adventure within the Land of Shadow, facing new challenges and uncovering deeper mysteries of The Lands Between.