In Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree, players can explore much of the map soon after entering the Realm of Shadow. Although there’s a recommended order for tackling bosses, there’s also significant freedom for players to choose their own path and the sequence in which they challenge most of the bosses in the DLC.
After defeating the Divine Beast Dancing Lion, players can approach the final section of the DLC where the ultimate boss awaits. However, they’ll encounter a barrier shrouded in shadow that blocks their path forward. Here’s how to dispel this darkness and continue your journey.
Note
Updated on July 14th, 2024 by Joshua Leeds: Burning the Sealing Tree is a pivotal moment in Shadow of the Erdtree. Although both the base game and DLC are open world, this event serves as a point of no return, requiring players to complete specific content before proceeding. Missing out on this content is possible after burning the Sealing Tree. This article has been updated to highlight all the missable content and provide additional tasks for players to complete before entering the final dungeon.
How To Clear The Shadow In Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree
To access the final dungeon of the DLC, players must first clear a shadow blocking the entrance. This can be achieved by finding and burning the Sealing Tree, which requires defeating two major bosses within the DLC. The key bosses to conquer are Romina, Saint of the Bud, and Messmer the Impaler.
Messmer the Impaler is first encountered at the top of the Shadow Keep. To reach him, navigate through the Specimen Storehouse and proceed to the very top. For Romina, Saint of the Bud, you will need to enter the Shadow Keep, but instead of continuing through the storehouse, exit to the bridge on the western side of the keep. From there, traverse the Scorpion River Catacombs and continue to the westernmost section to find Romina.
Defeating Romina unlocks the location of the Sealing Tree for players. Upon interacting with the Sealing Tree, players can use Messmer’s Kindling to choose between burning the tree or waiting.
Should You Burn The Sealing Tree In Shadow Of The Erdtree
Burning the Sealing Tree unlocks the final dungeon in Shadow of the Erdtree, but it also marks a point of no return for NPC quest lines. While players can continue to explore the region, defeat missed bosses, and collect overlooked items, all NPC quest lines will end once the Sealing Tree is burned.
After the Sealing Tree is burned, players will be teleported to one of the entrances of the final dungeon. Alternatively, they can return to the site where they fought the Divine Beast Dancing Lion, climb the stairs, and access the previously blocked path, leading to another entrance of the final dungeon. Both paths converge quickly. A Site of Grace will be available immediately, allowing players to fast travel if they wish to explore the new area before further preparation. This dungeon, the final legacy dungeon of the DLC, features some of the toughest enemies in the game. It culminates in a single, final boss. Players are encouraged to find every Scadutree Fragment to maximize their blessing rank.
In “Shadow of the Erdtree,” players can embark on various quest lines that must be completed before burning the Sealing Tree. Here are the key quest lines to tackle for a comprehensive experience.
- Needle Knight Leda
- Hornsent
- Redmane Freyja & Sir Ansbach
- Thiollier
- Fire Knight Queelign
- Igon
- Dryleaf Dane
- Dragon Communion Priestess
- Count Ymir
- Swordhand of Night, Jolan
- St. Trina
Players won’t be locked out of facing the hidden bosses in the DLC even after entering the final dungeon or defeating the final boss. However, it is recommended to tackle these challenges before the final boss. Some hidden bosses, like those that drop Miquella’s Great Rune, can provide valuable effects against him. Key optional bosses to defeat before the final boss include:
- Bayle The Dread
- Midra, Lord Of The Frenzied Flame
- Putrescent Knight
- Metyr, Mother Of Fingers