Exploring the Shadow Realm in Shadow of the Erdtree is much more difficult than the Mid-Land in Elden Ring. Gathering map fragments and following our routes should help you reach almost any location, as long as you kill the bosses that try to block your path. There is, however, one special obstacle to overcome in a chapel dedicated to Marika, behind the Black Castle. This is a required step to complete the second stage of Ymir’s quests.
Where to find the emote to open the passage?
If you don’t already have it, go get the emote “Oh, mother“, which is located north of Bonny Village in Altus Occulte. You’ve already passed nearby on your way to Manus Metyr Cathedral.
How to reach the Back Gate of the Black Castle?
If this is the step that is blocking you, here is what to do. Enter the Black Castle through the East gate, north of the Manus Metyr Cathedral. After a very long corridor, you will reach the flooded religious district. Jump from roof to roof until you reach the valve of the lock, which will allow you to evacuate the water from the area. This should bring back memories for those who played the first Dark Souls. This step is not strictly necessary to reach the back of the castle, but it makes things easier.
Go down to the neighborhood, then use theElevator leading to the second section of the Seed Warehousewhich cannot be reached by going through the main gate and the Golden Hippopotamus. There are several elevators in the area, so explore carefully to find out where they lead. One of these elevators will take you to the Avatar of the Occult Tree, but it is a dead end.
Walk on the beams above until you reach a hole in the wall, allowing you to exit the tower, and reach an elevator leading to the back door of the Black Castle, with a Grace Site. One door leads to the fearsome boss Commander Gaius, while the other opens to a statue of Marika, which hides a secret passage.
Open the secret passage to the north of the map
A white plaque on the ground gives you a clue on the procedure for opening the secret passage.
Stand in front of the statue, then use the emote “Oh, mother“, which you should have in your possession.
Shamans’ Village
The northern section of the map has a few mini bosses, with Marika’s Blessings, and one of the best sorceries to find, not to mention the ruins Ymir is looking for. But the Shaman Village is probably the most fascinating place, with a special Incantation, as well as one of the best talismans, the equivalent of a +3 Holy Resistance talisman. You can also go down the cliff to the south of the village, in order to reach a secret room at the top of the tower below. It is recommended to go there after completing Jolàn’s quest.