Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: Sequence of Regions and Path of Advancement

For those curious about the optimal traversal sequence for the terrain within Elden Ring's expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, we offer guidance. Indeed, the Shadow Realm spans a vast territory with various ancillary locations that diverge from the primary narrative thread. For adventurers solely focused on pursuing the central plot to confront the ultimate adversary, navigating the maze of Shadow of the Erdtree might seem daunting. Our suggested sequence of regions maintains a level of adaptability, first encapsulating the key zones pertaining to the core quest of Shadow of the Erdtree, and then proposing a navigation plan through the additional areas.

Feel free to explore the ancillary regions in whichever manner suits your fancy, and should you wish to delve into every subplot Shadow of the Erdtree presents, you'll likely visit each one before facing the paramount foe. Many subplot conclusions are intertwined with the concluding segment of the primary story. Thus, consider this guide on the sequence of Shadow of the Erdtree zones as somewhat pliable, reflecting the intrinsic pleasure found in the exploratory nature of FromSoftware's role-playing games.

Nonetheless, should you seek counsel on the subsequent destination, continue reading for our advised sequence of areas and progression methodologies for Shadow of the Erdtree.

Recommended progression layout for Shadow of the Erdtree

We've enhanced the map of Shadow of the Erdtree with annotations to facilitate your journey through our suggested sequence of regions for the Elden Ring expansion. We've employed a color-coding and numbering system on each zone to indicate the order in which you should approach them, with dark numerals marking the main story's course, and white numerals denoting the locales of Shadow of the Erdtree’s additional regions.
The primary storyline of Shadow of the Erdtree unfolds predominantly in the northwest section of the map.

If one were to chart an arrow from inception to conclusion, it might resemble a sort of counter-clockwise C trajectory, beginning at Gravesite Plain and weaving through the earliest two subterranean labyrinths—the Belurat Tower Settlement and Castle Ensis—onward to Scadu Altus, wrapping eastward around the Shadow Keep, and finally cycling through the Ancient Ruins of Rauh before arriving at Enir-Ilim, the terminal dungeon of the DLC.

Nevertheless, from Gravesite Plain, one can also branch out to Shadow of the Erdtree’s additional regions. One option might be to head southward to the Cerulean Coast, later returning to Scadu Altus, or perhaps setting off to explore the Jagged Peak and Charo's Hidden Grave via Gravesite Plain's own Dragon’s Pit subterranean realm.

Multiple ancillary regions are accessible from various points around the Shadow Keep, not just from the Shadow Keep’s Back Gate, providing a route to Scaduview Hinterland and the Finger Ruins of Dheo, but also through a secretive coffin entrance leading down to the Recluses' River and the Abyssal Woods.

Best sequence for engaging with Shadow of the Erdtree's subplots?

Should completing as many Shadow of the Erdtree subplots as possible prior to confronting the final opponent be your chief aim, it would serve you well to progress the main plot at a measured pace. Key moments exist within the journey where the narrative progresses autonomously if one proceeds too hastily:

Upon nearing the Shadow Keep (or entering Rauh Base for the initial instance), you'll recognize the first significant narrative progression cue by the tolling of a distant bell, accompanied by the display message, "Somewhere, a great rune has broken...". This signifies the lifting of the enchantment that binds the subplot characters together, and from this point on, their individual tales will evolve as they commence to intersect in conflict.
Finishing the Shadow Keep: Since numerous subplots unravel within the Shadow Keep, completing this dungeon by defeating Messmer the Impaler signifies the second crucial narrative juncture in Shadow of the Erdtree, where one might inadvertently propel the story forward. If subplot intricacies are significant to you, you may want to decelerate your approach here.

To avoid overlooking important developments, we’ve cataloged each region relative to the non-player characters you might encounter there while amidst their subplots. This offers insight into plot overlaps and can inform your decisions on which territories to investigate first, particularly if you are drawn to a specific character’s arc.