Introduction
Shadow of the Erdtree takes you to the Land of Shadow, a massive expansion with 10 major Remembrance bosses, 40+ new weapons, a new leveling system (Scadutree Blessings), and the most challenging boss fights FromSoftware has ever designed. This guide covers the complete DLC walkthrough, the Scadutree Blessing system, every major boss strategy, all Miquella's Cross locations, and essential secrets.
Entry Requirement: Defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood and Starscourge Radahn in the base game. Touch Miquella's cocoon in Mohgwyn Palace to enter the Land of Shadow.
The Scadutree Blessing System
The DLC introduces a separate power progression system that determines your damage output and damage negation within the Land of Shadow. Your base game level and equipment matter, but Scadutree Blessing level is the most important factor for DLC survival.
Scadutree Fragments (Attack & Defense)
| Scadutree Level | Fragments Required | Damage Buff | Damage Negation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | +5% | +3% |
| 2 | 2 | +10% | +5% |
| 3 | 3 | +15% | +7% |
| 4 | 4 | +20% | +9% |
| 5 | 5 | +25% | +11% |
| 6 | 7 | +30% | +12% |
| 7 | 9 | +35% | +13% |
| 8 | 11 | +40% | +15% |
| 9 | 13 | +45% | +16% |
| 10 | 15 | +50% | +17% |
| 11 | 17 | +55% | +18% |
| 12 | 19 | +60% | +19% |
| 13 | 22 | +65% | +20% |
| 14 | 25 | +70% | +21% |
| 15 | 28 | +75% | +22% |
| 16 | 31 | +80% | +23% |
| 17 | 34 | +85% | +24% |
| 18 | 38 | +90% | +25% |
| 19 | 42 | +95% | +26% |
| 20 | 50 | +100% | +30% |
There are exactly 50 Scadutree Fragments per playthrough. The softcap is level 12 (19 fragments), after which returns diminish significantly.
Revered Spirit Ashes (Spirit Ash & Torrent Buffs)
| Revered Level | Ashes Required | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | +5% damage, +2% defense |
| 5 | 5 | +20% damage, +8% defense |
| 10 | 10 | +50% damage, +20% defense |
There are 25 Revered Spirit Ashes per playthrough. Max level 10 for +50% damage / +20% defense on Spirit Ashes and Torrent.
Priority Fragment Locations (Early DLC)
Gravesite Plain (first area):
- Three-Path Cross Grace: 1 fragment near the cross itself
- Church of Consolation: 1 fragment on the altar
- Belurat Gaol: 2 fragments, one near entrance, one after elevator
- Scorched Ruins: 1 fragment on a corpse in the central ruins
Belurat, Tower Settlement: 5. Small Private Altar Grace: 1 fragment in the room before the Divine Beast 6. After Divine Beast Dancing Lion: 1 fragment on the bridge to Ensis
Gravesite Plain South: 7. Lamenter's Gaol: 1 fragment inside (requires using Lamenter's Mask from Lamenter boss) 8. Finger Ruins of Rhia: 2 fragments scattered around the crater edges
Aim for Blessing Level 5-6 before attempting the first major boss (Divine Beast Dancing Lion) and Level 10-12 for Rellana.
Miquella's Cross Locations
Miquella's Crosses serve as both narrative markers and Sites of Grace. Tracking them reveals the story path:
| # | Location | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Three-Path Cross | Gravesite Plain |
| 2 | Main Gate Cross | Belurat entrance |
| 3 | Castle Front Cross | Before Ensis Castle |
| 4 | Highroad Cross | Scadu Altus |
| 5 | Moorth Cross | Scadu Altus east |
| 6 | Storehouse Cross | Shadow Keep |
| 7 | Ruined Forge Cross | Ancient Ruins |
| 8 | Church District Cross | Shadow Keep |
| 9 | Cerulean Coast Cross | Southern Shore |
| 10 | Jagged Peak Cross | Jagged Peak Mountains |
| 11 | Rauh Ruins Cross | Rauh Ruins |
Each cross is also where you meet specific NPCs and learn more about Miquella's journey.
Major Boss Strategies
1. Divine Beast Dancing Lion
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Belurat, Tower Settlement (Theatre of the Divine Beast) |
| Recommended Blessing | 5-6 |
| HP | ~22,000 |
| Weakness | Physical, Bleed |
The Divine Beast cycles through three elements: Frost, Lightning, and Wind. Each element changes its attack patterns:
- Frost: Ice breath and ground AoE. Frostbite build-up.
- Lightning: Fast lightning dashes and AoE strikes.
- Wind: Tornado spin and vacuum pull attacks.
Strategy: The Lion is highly aggressive but has clear punish windows after each elemental transition and after its spin attacks. Stay close to its hind legs. When it switches elements (audio cue + visual transformation), back away to avoid the transition AoE. Scarlet Rot is excellent — the Rot DoT ticks through all phases.
2. Rellana, Twin Moon Knight
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Castle Ensis, top of the tower |
| Recommended Blessing | 10-12 |
| HP | ~30,000 |
| Weakness | Lightning, Bleed, Strike |
Rellana dual-wields two swords (Glintstone and Messmerfire) with extensive combo chains.
Phase 1: Fast melee combos of 3-8 hits. Her jumping slam (both swords overhead) is the safest punish window — dodge forward, get behind her, 2-3 hits. Her Carian Greatsword sweep has phantom range — dodge into it, not away.
Phase 2: "The twin moons guide me!" Rellana levitates and uses:
- Twin Moon Crash: Dual-moon AoE, massive damage. Sprint to the edge of the arena.
- Carian Phalanx: Floating swords that shoot after a delay. Sprint perpendicular.
- Fire pillar eruptions: Multiple fire columns in sequence. Dodge sideways continuously.
Key tip: She can be parried. Her right-hand sword (Glintstone) attacks have clearer parry windows. Use the Buckler for larger frames. Two parries stagger her.
3. Messmer the Impaler
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Shadow Keep, Specimen Storehouse (top) |
| Recommended Blessing | 12-14 |
| HP | ~38,000 (phase 1: 18,000 / phase 2: 20,000) |
| Weakness | Bleed, Frost, Pierce |
Phase 1: Messmer uses a massive spear with fire-based attacks:
- Spear thrust combo (3-5 hits): Dodge to his right side
- Fire serpent summon: A giant snake appears and breathes fire. Sprint behind Messmer.
- Flame grab: Messmer's hand glows. Dodge backward twice.
- Spear rain: Multiple spears drop from above. Sprint.
- Impaling charge: Dashes across the arena. Roll sideways.
Phase 2: "O lightless creature... embrace thine oblivion!" Messmer transforms:
- Base Serpent form: The serpent becomes his lower body. New snake bite attacks + fire breath.
- Serpent grab: The serpent grabs from underground. Jump when you see the ground rumbling.
- Flame eruption: Massive fire AoE from the serpent's mouth. Sprint to the far edge.
Strategy: Summon Mimic Tear +10 or Black Knife Tiche +10. The fight is heavily endurance-based. Bleed procs help significantly. Use Flame, Protect Me incantation for +60% fire defense. Messmer's fire attacks can be blocked by staying behind pillars during certain phases.
4. Putrescent Knight
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Stone Coffin Fissure |
| Recommended Blessing | 10-12 |
| HP | ~18,000 |
| Weakness | Holy, Fire |
A skeletal knight riding a putrescent horse in a poison swamp arena. The horse spits poison pools, and the knight uses a massive cleaver.
Strategy: Stay on the dry patches of the arena. The horse's charge leaves poison trails. Holy damage (Golden Epitaph, Sacred Blade) deals +50% damage to undead. Kill the knight before the poison overwhelms you. Preserving Boluses or Flame Cleanse Me essential.
5. Commander Gaius
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Scaduview (behind Shadow Keep) |
| Recommended Blessing | 12-15 |
| HP | ~25,000 |
| Weakness | Strike, Lightning |
Gaius rides a massive boar with gravity magic. Key attacks:
- Gravity Charge: The boar charges with purple energy. Roll sideways.
- Gravity Pull: Pulls you toward him, then boar stomp. Roll away after the pull.
- Meteor Crash: Jumps and crashes down with AoE. Dodge when he descends.
Stay behind the boar. The boar's back half is the safe zone. Strike damage (hammers, great hammers) deals extra damage to the armored commander.
6. Scadutree Avatar
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Scaduview (Church District) |
| Recommended Blessing | 13-15 |
| HP | ~32,000 (phases rotate 3x) |
| Weakness | Fire, Holy |
A three-phase boss that cycles through forms: Sunflower Bloom (heals, uses light), Thorn Whip (bleed attacks), and Root Slam (physical).
Strategy: Fire damage is optimal — use Blasphemous Blade, Flame Art weapons, or fire incantations. During the Bloom phase, rush it down — the healing is manageable if you keep pressure. During Thorn Whip, dodge into the attacks (the whip has a blind spot close-in). During Root Slam, stay at mid-range and punish after slams.
7. Romina, Saint of the Bud
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Rauh Ruins |
| Recommended Blessing | 13-15 |
| HP | ~24,000 |
| Weakness | Fire, Slash |
Romina is a butterfly-like boss who spreads Scarlet Rot. Her wing attacks cover wide areas with Rot build-up. The arena has Scarlet Rot pools.
Strategy: Equip Immunizing Horn Charm +1 and carry Rot-curing items. Stay at mid-range to bait her wing slam (long recovery). Fire damage speeds up the fight considerably. The butterfly wings have large hitboxes — wide-sweeping weapons (curved greatswords, colossal) connect easily.
8. Midra, Lord of Frenzied Flame
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Midra's Manse (Abyssal Woods) |
| Recommended Blessing | 14-16 |
| HP | ~28,000 |
| Weakness | Bleed, Physical |
To access Midra, you must travel through the Abyssal Woods (south of Shadow Keep, requires navigating darkness with the Parry mechanic against the Aging Untouchables).
Phase 1: Midra is a Frenzied Flame caster. His Frenzied Burst (single beam) and Unendurable Frenzy (multiple beams) are the main threats. Stay close and strafe. Mid-range is the danger zone.
Phase 2: Midra loses his head (literally) and becomes a Frenzied Lord. He gains Madness build-up on all attacks. Key attacks:
- Frenzied Flame Explosion: AoE around him. Back away.
- Laser Sweep: Sweeping beam across the arena. Jump over it.
- Madness Orbs: Floating eyes that explode. Shoot them with ranged.
Strategy: Equip Clarifying Horn Charm +1 for Madness resistance. Bleed weapons are effective. Stay aggressive — Midra's poise is low, and he staggers from heavy attacks.
9. Bayle the Dread
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Jagged Peak (dragon mountain) |
| Recommended Blessing | 15-18 |
| HP | ~50,000 |
| Weakness | Pierce, Bleed |
Bayle is the hardest dragon boss in Elden Ring history. Access via Jagged Peak (southeast of Gravesite Plain, requires climbing through dragon-infested mountains). Igon's questline provides a summon for this fight.
Phase 1: Bayle uses lightning and fire breath. His lightning slam creates AoE pools on the ground. Stay near his head — it takes double damage. His bite combos are 2-3 hits, punish after the third. Lightning breath is dodged by sprinting sideways.
Phase 2: Bayle's wings catch fire, and he takes flight more often. His aerial fire breath covers massive area. When he's airborne, lock onto his head and prepare to dodge his dive (roll toward him on descent). His lightning nuke at 30% HP covers the entire arena — sprint to the edge.
Use Ancient Dragons' Lightning Strike (faith incantation, each bolt hits 3-4 times on Bayle's massive hitbox) or Pest Threads (physical, shreds large targets). Dragonwound Grease adds +30% damage to dragons. Igon's summon sign appears inside the arena.
10. Promised Consort Radahn
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Enir-Ilim (final area) |
| Recommended Blessing | 18-20 |
| HP | ~46,000 (phase 1: 20,000 / phase 2: 26,000) |
| Weakness | Bleed, Frost, Scarlet Rot |
The final boss of the DLC — widely considered the hardest boss FromSoftware has ever created.
Phase 1: Radahn is faster than his base game version. His gravity magic is enhanced:
- Gravity Pull Into Slam: Pulls then AoE. Roll away immediately.
- Meteor Crash: Same as base game but faster. Sprint + roll.
- Cross-Slash Combo: Bloodflame slashes. Dodge forward-left.
- Gravity Orbs: Twelve floating orbs that shoot in sequence. Sprint sideways.
Phase 2: Miquella joins the fight (appears on Radahn's back). Radahn gains:
- Holy Light Pillars: Beams from the sky. Walk, don't roll.
- Miquella's Charm: AoE that builds St. Trina's Sleep. Back away completely.
- Light Rings: Expanding rings of holy light. Jump over the rings.
- Grab: Miquella reaches out. If caught, massive damage + debuff.
Strategy: This fight requires near-perfect execution. Recommended:
- Mimic Tear +10 with healing incantations
- Scadutree Blessing 18-20 (collect 38+ fragments)
- Lord's Divine Fortification (60% holy defense)
- Haligdrake Talisman +2 (20% holy defense)
- Bleed or Frost weapons for percentage damage
- Opaline Hardtear in Physick (15% all damage negation)
The grab is the run-killer. When Miquella's arms extend, dodge the instant you see movement (not the wind-up). Stay at close range — Radahn's ranged attacks are harder to dodge than his melee.
Hidden Secrets & Missable Content
St. Trina's Questline
In the Cerulean Coast area, find the Stone Coffin Fissure. At the bottom, you'll encounter St. Trina, who provides unique dialogue and the St. Trina's Velvet Sword.
Count Ymir's Questline
Find Count Ymir at the Cathedral of Manus Metyr (Scadu Altus). His questline leads to Metyr, Mother of Fingers (optional boss) and the Fingerprint Nostrum consumable.
Dryleaf Dane Questline
At the Moorth Ruins, defeat Dryleaf Dane to learn the Dryleaf Arts (martial arts weapon type, new to the DLC). You can then challenge him at multiple locations for upgraded versions.
Jolan and the Sword of Night
In the Cathedral of Manus Metyr, speak to Jolan after Count Ymir's quest. She gives you the Sword of Night, which pairs with the Sword of Light for a unique dual-wield weapon art.
New Weapon Types
| Weapon Type | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Light Greatswords | Milady, Leda's Sword | Fast greatswords with fluid combos |
| Thrusting Shields | Carian Thrusting Shield | Shield that attacks while blocking |
| Throwing Blades | Smithscript Cirque, Claws of Night | Ranged melee weapons |
| Beast Claws | Red Bear's Claw, Beast Claw | Fast claw weapons |
| Perfume Bottles | Firespark Perfume, Lightning Perfume | Elemental AoE weapons |
| Hand-to-Hand | Dryleaf Arts, Dane's Footwork | Martial arts fighting style |
| Reverse-Hand Swords | Sword of Night, Sword of Light | Dual-wield reverse grip |
Recommended DLC Build
Blessing Level Target: 12 for most content, 16+ for final boss
Build Type: Bleed/Arcane with Faith Support
Weapons: Backhand Blade (new DLC weapon, exceptional Bleed scaling with Blood affinity) or Rivers of Blood +10
Talismans:
- Lord of Blood's Exultation
- Shard of Alexander
- Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman
- Erdtree's Favor +2
Incantations: Golden Vow, Flame Grant Me Strength, Lord's Divine Fortification (final boss)
Physick: Opaline Hardtear + Thorny Cracked Tear (or Crimsonwhorl Bubbletear for final boss)
The Land of Shadow awaits, Tarnished. Collect those Scadutree Fragments — they matter more than your level.
