Progression in Shadow of the Erdtree is very different from Elden Ring, it is much more direct, which makes sense for a DLC. But without knowing where to go, it is still possible to wander for dozens of hours.
How to reach the Shadow Tower?
This first step should already be familiar to you. You have to cross the Belurat dungeon, northwest of the Burial Plains. The fearsome boss Dancing Lion of the Divine Beast will block your path at the end of the latter. After defeating him, all you have to do is climb the stairs leading to the tower.
At the top, you will find a message from Leda, with instructions on what to do. If you try to open the door anyway, a message will warn you that the tower is sealed and hidden by shadows. There is nothing else to do there.
Walkthrough
The map below shows you the shortest path to take if you want to open the tower. Of course, there are major obstacles along the way, and it is highly recommended to take detours and explore the rest of the continent beforehand. Collecting Map Fragments will help you find your way.
- Cross the large stone bridge leading to Ensis Castle.
- Kill her boss Rellana, Knight of the Twin Moons. This will give you access to the central region, Occult Altus.
- Follow the road north to reach the Black Castle, the main dungeon of the DLC. Take the elevator.
- Kill the Golden Hippo guarding the entrance, then climb the stairs to reach the next elevator.
Messmer the Impaler
You will arrive in the Seed Warehouse, climb its many floors, to the top. You will have to pass by the hanging statues, and turn the beams via a valve. You will reach the entrance to Messmer’s room at the top.
Kill Messmer the Impaler, and retrieve his Burning Seed. It is possible to summon one or two NPCs directly into Messmer’s room to assist you, depending on the quests you have started. The Kerastian, and Jolan from Ymir’s quests will make the fight much easier.
Messmer Elden Ring: How to beat this boss?
The headliner of ER’s SotE DLC awaits you atop the Black Castle, with its flames and snakes. Check out a video of the fight, as well as a written guide with tips and tricks, to kill him more easily.
How to burn the seal tree?
- Return to the ground floor of the Seed Warehouse, but take the door on the left, in order to reach the long bridge going west. It leads to the Ruins of Rauh. A knight will rain down fire during the journey.
- Upon arriving at the Ruins of Rauh, enter the buildings on the right. Your goal is to find the exit on the lower level, which will lead you to the next Miquella’s Cross.
- Cross the bridges, being careful of the Furnace Golem who will send a veritable tornado of flames at you from the other end of the map.
- Enter the second set of buildings, this time your goal is to reach the roof. You will have to cross an area full of scarlet rot, in order to remember good memories.
- You will reach the entrance to a boss arena, Romina, saint of the bud. She is much simpler than Messmer. She can technically be killed before him.
- All you have to do now is climb the stairs to reach a small black tree, which you can set on fire if you have Messmer’s fiery seed.
All you have to do is admire the pretty cinematic, with the revelation of the White Tower, Elen-Ilim. You will be automatically teleported inside, directly onto the ramparts. They lead to the entrance, which is the same place as the sealed door encountered at the beginning of the DLC.
