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What level should you be for Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree?

Here's the recommended level for Shadow of the Erdtree

A tarnished hoists a spear at some gravebirds while on Torrentback in Elden Ring Shadow Of The Erdtree.
Image credit: Bandai Namco
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Guide by Ollie Toms Guides Editor
Additional contributions by Jeremy Blum
Updated on

What recommended level should you be for Elden Ring's DLC? Elden Ring's gargantuan Shadow Of The Erdtree DLC makes an already grand game even grander with another 100 hours of playtime and an expansive map designed to put veteran Tarnished to the test.

Whether you've just begun your quest in the Lands Between or are itching to enter the Shadow Realm, we've put together this guide answering the frequently asked question: what character level do you need to reach in order to play Shadow Of The Erdtree? And how much does level even matter in the DLC? We'll answer both of these questions below in our guide on the recommended level for Shadow Of The Erdtree.

The recommended level for Elden Ring's Shadow Of The Erdtree DLC is 120-150.

However, you don't need to be a certain level in order to access the DLC. As you'll know from our guide on how to start the Elden Ring DLC, there are two prerequisites for beginning Shadow Of The Erdtree: beat Radahn and beat Mohg. Our Elden Ring area order guide recommends you reach at least Level 120 before tackling Mohgwyn Palace, but if you can beat Mohg then you're probably in a good position to start Shadow Of The Erdtree.

A close-up of a withered hand hanging from the cocoon in Mohg's arena in the Shadow Of The Erdtree trailer.
To start Shadow Of The Erdtree, you must first defeat Mohg, Lord Of Blood, and touch the withered arm in the cocoon on his throne. | Image credit: Rock Paper Shotgun/Bandai Namco

That said, your character level is not as important in Shadow Of The Erdtree as it is in the base game. Instead of solely relying on levels, your Tarnished must collect Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes to become stronger in the DLC. These resources are scattered across the map, and you can combine them into Shadow Realm Blessings at Sites Of Grace to increase your overall attack power and defence. See our Shadow Realm Blessing guide for more information.

In other words, even if you begin the DLC at Level 150 or higher, you'll still have a tough time if you don't collect Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes. Likewise, even if you begin the DLC at Level 120 or lower, you can still have a fighting chance as long as you prioritise collecting Scadutree Blessings to increase your attack and defence.

So to summarise:

  • We recommend you start the Elden Ring DLC at level 120-150, but if you can beat Mohg then you're likely ready for the Shadow Realm.
  • Don't collect any Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes for an extreme challenge.
  • Collect Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes as you see them for a balanced experience.
  • Hunt down every Scadutree Fragment and Revered Spirit Ash for a more forgiving experience.

That wraps up our guide on what level you should aim to be for Elden Ring's DLC. If you're just getting your feet wet in the Lands of Shadow, check out our guide on what to do first in Shadow of the Erdtree, or our guide on the fastest way to reach Shadow of the Erdtree's starting point. For those working their way through the base game, consult our Elden Ring walkthrough and our Elden Ring beginner's guide. Or, for a recap of the story and everything you may have missed, check out our Elden Ring lore and story explainer.

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