The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring introduces a vast new realm filled with formidable foes and intricate paths. To avoid frustration from overwhelming difficulty spikes, following a structured boss progression is crucial. This guide outlines a recommended sequence that prioritizes gathering Scadutree Fragments for power scaling while advancing the main storyline.
Preparing for the Realm of Shadow
Before entering the DLC, defeat Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood in the base game. Touch Miquella’s Cocoon in Mohgwyn Palace to access the Realm of Shadow. Collect initial Scadutree Fragments early, as they provide essential blessings that scale your damage and defenses uniquely within this expansion.
Focus on exploration in Gravesite Plain. Key early pickups include fragments from churches and ruins, boosting your Scadutree level to at least 5-7 before major encounters.
Early Game Bosses: Building Momentum
Start with accessible fights to gain Remembrances and fragments without excessive risk.
- Blackgaol Knight in Western Nameless Mausoleum, northwest of Gravesite Plain. Quick fight rewarding early runes.
- Ghostflame Dragon west of Greatbridge, North. Skip if underleveled; cheese with ranged attacks.
- Fire Knight Queelign invades near Church of the Crusade in Scadu Altus. Drops Prayer Room Key for Shadow Keep access.
- Ralva, Great Red Bear in lake east of Highroad Cross. High risk, high reward for aggressive players.
These optional bosses net valuable gear and runes, preparing you for the first legacy dungeon.
Main Path: Belurat to Castle Ensis
The critical path begins in Belurat, Tower Settlement.
- Divine Beast, Dancing Lion: First major remembrance boss. Parry its wind attacks and punish phase transitions. Location: Belurat arena.
- Proceed north to Rellana’s Castle via spiritspring if desired, but clear Rellana, Twin Moon Knight. Dual-wield sorcery and melee; dodge moon phases. Technically skippable but recommended.
Post-Rellana, explore Scadu Altus for fragments. Target Scadutree level 8+ before Shadow Keep.
Shadow Keep and Mid-Game Challenges
Shadow Keep is a pivotal legacy dungeon housing a major checkpoint boss.
- Collect Prayer Room Key from Queelign to progress.
- Messmer the Impaler: Two-phase fire specialist. Ideal at Scadutree +10. Use Blackflame weapons; summon allies in phase 2.
After Messmer, paths diverge: Rauh, Abyssal Woods, or Jagged Peak. Prioritize fragments.
| Boss | Location | Recommended Scadutree Level | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Putrescent Knight | Fog Rift Fort | 9-10 | Mount for mobility; avoid rot pools. |
| Commander Gaius | Shadow Keep Annex | 10+ | Dodge boar charges; punish recoveries. |
| Scadutree Avatar | Scaduview | 10-11 | Holy resist; target legs. |
Advanced Regions: Rauh, Abyssal, and Jagged Peak
Unlock Bonny Village via Moorth Ruins tunnel after second Dancing Lion in Rauh Base.
- Romina, Saint of the Bud in Ancient Ruins of Rauh. Rot-heavy; high Scadutree (12+) needed.
- Midra, Lord of Frenzied Flame in Abyssal Woods. Madness resist essential.
- Bayle the Dread on Jagged Peak. Dragon fight; lightning weakness.
Side quests like Ymir’s (leading to Metyr, Mother of Fingers and Ymir) and Ansbach’s (Secret Rite Scroll) unlock summons for endgame.
Endgame: Enir-Ilim Ascension
With key bosses down, enter Enir-Ilim via Cleansing Chamber.
- Needle Knight Leda and allies in arena. Summon helpers like Ansbach if quested.
- Radahn, Promised Consort: DLC finale. Two phases; mount phase 2. Max Scadutree (15-20) recommended.
Arena includes Dryleaf Dane, Hornsent, Freyja; loyalties affect allies.
Scadutree Fragment Collection Strategy
Power scaling hinges on fragments. Categorize by region:
- Gravesite/Scaduview: Churches, priest corpses (10+ early).
- Rauh Ruins: Base, temples (high yield).
- Abyssal/Jagged: Mid-late game hauls.
Aim for balanced collection before each remembrance boss.
Questlines Enhancing Progression
Integrate NPCs for buffs:
- Ansbach: Storehouse scroll, Freyja letter for endgame summons.
- Thiollier: Post-Romina for items.
- Ymir: Finger Ruins access.
Common Pitfalls and Tips
- Don’t rush Messmer: Farm fragments first.
- Mount usage: Torrent trivializes open areas.
- Build optimization: Perfume arts, backhand blades shine.
- Respecc at Finger Reader for Scadutree attunement.
FAQ
What’s the minimum Scadutree level for Messmer?
Around +10, with +9 ashes.
Can I skip Rellana?
Yes, via spiritspring, but she’s rewarding.
How many main bosses are there?
12 remembrance bosses; 3-5 critical path.
Best early weapons?
Dryleaf Arts, Phantom Blades.
Radahn summonable allies?
Depends on quests: Ansbach, Thiollier, etc..
Regional Boss Overview
| Region | Key Bosses | Fragments Available |
|---|---|---|
| Gravesite Plain | Dancing Lion | 5-7 |
| Scadu Altus | Rellana, Queelign | 8-10 |
| Shadow Keep | Messmer | 10-12 |
| Rauh | Romina | 12-15 |
| Enir-Ilim | Radahn | 15+ |
References
- Elden Ring: Recommended boss order for Shadow of the Erdtree — RPG Site. 2024-06-21. https://www.rpgsite.net/guide/16012-elden-ring-recommended-boss-order-for-shadow-erdtree
- Elden Ring DLC Bosses — SteelSeries. 2024-06-20. https://steelseries.com/blog/elden-ring-dlc-bosses-1223
- What Boss Order to BEAT the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Elden Ring — YouTube (Gamer’s Little Playground). 2024-06-21.
- Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Boss Order for DLC — YouTube (Various Guides). 2024-06-21.