Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Area Order

Elden Ring is a huge open-world game. The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC added even more content to it. However, the freedom to explore the game as you wish can be quite overwhelming. With its expansive areas, the game offers many paths to follow, leaving many players uncertain about the ideal order to explore them. In this guide, we will cover the important areas in Elden Ring SotE, listed in the order in which you should visit them.

Elden Ring SotE Area Order

1. Gravesite Plain
2. Belurat Tower Settlement
3. Scadu Altus
4. Castle Ensis
5. Shadow Keep
6. Cerulean Coast
7. Ancient Ruins of Rauh
8. Abyssal Woods
9. Jagged Peak
10. Enir Ilim

1. Gravesite Plain

Unlocking the Gravesite Plain requires no special actions, as it is the initial spawn location in Shadow of the Erdtree. Upon starting the game, you will be automatically transported to the southwest corner of this area. From there, you are free to explore the region at your leisure.

2. Belurat Tower Settlement

Belurat Tower serves as the final resting place for victims of the dreaded "fly sickness," which either claimed their lives or transformed them into aggressive, flesh-eating monsters. Due to the dark and sinister activities that took place within its walls, those who perished now haunt the tower as lost Revered Spirits, ready to attack anyone who dares to venture into the area. The Belurat Tower Settlement is said to be situated within the Gravesite Plain, a somber landscape covered in spirit graves. It is located northwest of the Gravesite Plain Site of Grace.

• Bosses: Divine Beast Dancing Lion

3. Scadu Altus

Scadu Altus is an area primarily composed of churches and ruins, with its most important landmark being the Cathedral of Manus Metyr located on the eastern side. To reach this area, start from Gravesite Plain and head to Castle Ensis in the northeast corner. You can read more about Castle Ensis, and Shadow Keep below.

3. Castle Ensis

Castle Ensis can be found north-northeast of the Three Path Cross checkpoint (Site of Grace). This small fortress is home to a variety of challenges, including scholars of magic, deadly hounds, noblemen adept in magical attacks, and soldiers of Messmer. Players venturing into Castle Ensis will need to be prepared for encounters with these formidable foes.

• Bosses: Rellana, Twin Moon Knight

5. Shadow Keep

The Shadow Keep is a legacy dungeon, which serves as the stronghold for Messmer the Impaler's main army. SotE players will face numerous enemies in it, including Messmer Soldiers, Fire Knights, Giant Crabs, Giant Bats, Shadow Militia, Black Knights, and others. The Shadow Keep is divided into three distinct sections: the Main Plaza, the Church District, and the Specimen Storehouse. 

• Bosses: Golden Hippopotamus, Messmer the Impaler

6. The Cerulean Coast

The Cerulean Coast is divided into two distinct sections: the coast itself and Charo's Hidden Grave. To reach this area, start from Jagged Peak and proceed to the first open area with the Jagged Peak Drake boss. Instead of engaging in the fight, head south toward the Grand Altar of Dragon Communion. Upon spotting a dragon carcass, navigate around its western flank, where you'll find a drop-down leading to a field of flowers. Follow the path through the field to the right to continue your journey.

7. Ancient Ruins of Rauh

While there are various routes to access the Ancient Ruins of Rauh, the most recommended path is through the Shadow Keep. After defeating the Golden Hippopotamus, continue until you reach the Specimen Storehouse 1st Floor Site of Grace. From there, head west and take the elevator down. After dealing with all the monsters, you'll encounter a bridge with a mage who summons blood showers. Don't be alarmed—fight your way to the end of the bridge to reach your destination.

8. Abyssal Woods

To reach the Abyssal Woods, start by entering the Shadow Keep through the main entrance and defeating the Hippo. At the easternmost point, descend using the ladder to find an illusory wall. After passing through the wall, you'll see a coffin. Use it to ride along the river to the Ruins of Unte. Ride past the Golems, following the left bank along the cliffs. Upon reaching the waterfall, leap down using the stone platforms, and repeat this process at the second waterfall. Hug the left cliff wall until you find a set of doors, then follow the Catacombs all the way down to a boss fight with Jori, the Elder Inquisitor. Defeat him to access the Abyssal Woods.

• Bosses: Jori, Elder Inquisitor; Midra, Lord of Frenzied Flame

9. Jagged Peak

Jagged Peak is a mountain filled with challenging boss fights. Starting from the soldier camp in the Gravesite Plain, head south. When the road forks, take the right path. You'll encounter the NPC Ancient Dragon-Man, but you can choose to avoid fighting him. Follow the path to its end, where you'll find a cave known as the Dragon Pit. At its lowest point, surrounded by candles and a message, there's a large hole - jump into it. Afterward, you will face a boss fight. Upon defeating the boss, you'll arrive at the Jagged Peak area.

• Bosses: Jagged Peak Drake; Ancient Dragon Senessax; Bayle The Dread

10. Enir-Llim

Enir-Ilim is a special dungeon in Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. To enter it, you first need to defeat Romina, Saint of the Bud in the Church of the Bud. This unlocks the Church of the Bud Site of Grace in the Ancient Ruins of Rauh. Near this site, south of the church archway, you'll find a sealing tree. To proceed, you'll need Messmer's Kindling, obtained by defeating Messmer the Impaler in the Specimen Storehouse. Once you have the Kindling, you can burn the sealing tree, revealing the true Enir-Ilim and teleporting you inside.

• Bosses: Promised Consort Radahn / Radahn Consort of Miquella

And there you have it - our suggested location order for Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree. Explore and enjoy this fascinating DLC!