Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree – 10 Pro Tips to Survive the Cursed Lands of the Lands Between’s Darkest Expansion

FromSoftware’s Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree doesn’t just expand the Lands Between—it twists it into a realm of unforgiving shadows, where even veteran players face humbling defeats. The Land of Shadow, the DLC’s cursed core, is filled with enemies that hit harder, mechanics that punish carelessness, and secrets that demand sharp observation. Whether you’re a level 150 veteran or a determined newcomer, these 10 pro tips will turn frustration into mastery, helping you survive the darkest corners of this ambitious expansion.?

1. Prioritize Scadutree Fragments Before Any Boss?

Forget grinding levels first—Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree’s most critical power boost comes from Scadutree Fragments . These scattered items unlock the Scadutree Blessing, a DLC-exclusive buff that increases your damage output and reduces incoming harm, with 20 total levels to unlock. You’ll need 50 fragments total (1 for level 1, 2 per level up to 9, 3 per level after that) . Start by looting the 3 fragments in the Forgotten Caverns’ initial chamber—they’re hidden in a breakable wall behind the first skeleton group. Every fragment you collect makes later bosses like the Black Gaol Knight feel manageable, not impossible.?

2. Parry Aggressively (But Know When to Dodge)?

Combat in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree rewards precision over panic, and parrying is more potent here than in the base game . Many enemies—including the fast-moving Shadow Stalkers—have telegraphed attacks that can be parried to stagger them, and some bosses (like the Furnace Golem) will even have their weapons broken temporarily if parried at the right moment . Use the Buckler Shield (found in the Ancient Ruins) for its quick parry window. That said, dodge rolling is still essential for unparriable AoE attacks—like the Death Rite Bird’s ghost flame explosion. Master the “parry-dodge rhythm” early, and you’ll cut deaths by 50%.?

3. Enter the DLC at Level 150 (Minus Exceptions)?

Fextralife’s testing confirms what seasoned players suspect: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is brutal for underleveled characters . Aim to enter with a level 150 build, fully upgraded weapons (at least +10 for standard, +5 for somber), and 40+ Vigor . If you’re eager to jump in earlier, focus on Vitality and Capacity stats to boost health and equipment load—they offer more survival value than raw damage at lower levels . Rushing in at level 120 will force you to spam summons, robbing you of the DLC’s strategic combat joy.?

4. Loot Ruined Forges for Game-Changing Weapons?

Don’t skip the DLC’s new Ruined Forge dungeons—they’re treasure troves of unique gear . Each forge houses two weapon types: mid-dungeon Smith Script weapons (like the Bone-Cutting Saw, perfect for Motivity builds ) and a end-of-dungeon unique weapon. The Western Plains Forge hides the Shadowflame Greatsword, which inflicts both fire and shadow damage—ideal for melting the Undead Dragons that guard lake areas . Bring a pickaxe to break the forge’s obsidian walls; they often hide extra Smithing Stones.?

5. Use Revered Spirit Ashes for Boss Crowd Control?

Spirit summons aren’t just backups in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree—they’re essential for splitting enemy attention . The new Revered Spirit Ashes (like Latenna the Albinauric Archer) provide permanent buffs to your blessings and distract bosses during tough phases . For the Black Gaol Knight, summon the Ancient Warrior Ashes (found in the Erdtree Sanctuary) to absorb his first two combo phases while you heal. Just note: DLC bosses are designed to counter summons with AoE attacks, so don’t rely on them alone—use their distraction to land critical hits.?

6. Farm Undead Dragons for Max-Upgrade Materials?

Need somber Smithing Stones to boost your unique weapons? Hunt Undead Dragons near the Cerulean Coast . These foes drop max-level upgrade materials and Dragon Hearts (which unlock new incantations like Shadow Breath) . To take them down, target their wings first—breaking them stops their aerial attacks. Use the Shadow Cloak (looted from the Erdtree Sanctuary) to turn invisible and get a backstab opening. One dragon kill nets enough materials to upgrade a somber weapon from +3 to +5—well worth the 10-minute fight.?

7. Master Light/Dark Dynamics in the Cerulean Coast?

The Cerulean Coast’s new Light/Dark mechanic is confusing at first, but it’s a survival tool if used right . Standing in moonlight triggers Petrification Gaze (death in 10 seconds), but darkness lets you use Shadowstep (infinite dodges) at the cost of building Blindness. Carry a Brightstone Torch (bought from the Coastal Merchant) to toggle between light and dark—use darkness to dodge the coast’s giant crabs, then light the torch to reset Blindness before fighting. Ignore this, and you’ll die to environmental effects more than enemies.?

8. Talk to Every NPC (Their Quests Hide Buffs)?

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree’s NPCs aren’t just lore dispensers—they give critical survival tools . The Thorn Knight in the South Plains will give you the Erdtree’s Favor Talisman (boosts HP and stamina) if you bring him 2 Shadowbloom flowers. The Albinauric Blacksmith in the Village of Shades will upgrade your shield for free if you share a Smithing Stone. Skip NPCs, and you’ll miss permanent buffs that make late-game zones like the Shadow Bottom swamp bearable.?

9. Run Past Enemies (Exploration > Combat)?

FromSoftware’s old rule applies here: not every enemy needs to die . The Shadow Bottom swamp is packed with rot-spitting frogs and elite knights, but most of them can be sprinted past to reach the Drainage Channel’s Site of Grace. Use the Bloodhound’s Step ash of war (found in the Ruined Forge) to dash through crowds. Save your stamina for looting fragments and secret paths—you can always come back later when your Scadutree Blessing is higher.?

10. Embrace Death (But Learn From It)?

Finally, remember: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is designed to make you fail . Every death teaches you an enemy’s pattern, a hidden fragment’s location, or a better dodge timing. When I fought Bayle the Dread (the DLC’s toughest optional boss), I died 32 times—but each attempt revealed a new opening (his third slash is always a feint). By the 33rd try, I parried his final attack and one-shot him. Frustration is part of the journey—let it guide your improvement.?

Survive to Conquer?

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree’s cursed lands demand respect, but they don’t have to break you. By chasing Scadutree Fragments, mastering parry-dodge combos, and using the DLC’s unique mechanics to your advantage, you’ll turn the Land of Shadow from a nightmare into a triumph. For more build-specific tips—like optimizing a Motivity build for the Furnace Golem—check out our guide to Best Shadow of the Erdtree Builds. And when you finally stand victorious over Messmer the Impaler, you’ll know: every death was worth it.