Its not easy to progress through the main story inElden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.
It turns out that the seemingly simple question Where do I go next inShadow of the Erdtree?
is anything but simple.
Shadow of the Erdtrees new leveling system is based around collecting Scadutree Fragments.
Scadutree Fragments can be turned in at Sites of Grace to increase your Scadutree Blessing Level.
The max Scadutree Blessing Level is 20.
The first Scadutree Level increase will cost you one Scadutree Fragment.
Levels 2-9 will cost you two Scadutree Fragments each.
Levels 10-20 will cost you three Scadutree Fragments each.
The only way to stop that from happening is to raise your Scadutree Blessing Level.
It is technically possible to beatShadow of the Erdtreewithout collecting Scadutree Fragments.
For many, beating the game means collecting Scadutree Fragments.
That also makes outlining a clear progression path surprisingly difficult.
How many Scadutree Blessing Levels do it’s crucial that you beatShadow of the Erdtree?
That is based entirely on your comfort level.
Theyre incredibly valuable though not as necessary as the Scadutree Fragments.
If youre curious about where to find those, though,this guidewill help.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree What Is A Progression Path?
However, most players will want to do most of these things before leaving this area.
When youre ready, heres where to go next.
it’s possible for you to either go to Castle Ensis or Belurat Tower.
Technically, Castle Ensis is the way forward.
Some have said that it’s possible for you to skip Belurat Tower and still beat the game.
you’re free to find the Belurat Tower entrance in the image above.
Belurat Tower is a pretty straightfoward area by Legacy Dungeon standards.
Just follow the Site of Grace arrows, and youll be fine.
At the end of the area is the Divine Beast Dancing Lion boss.
To put it mildly, this will not be an easy fight.
After defeating the Divine Beast Dancing Lion, youll receive his Remembrance and additional rewards.
For now, youll need to ignore the mysterious locked door in that area.
This is another Legacy Dungeon area, though its much smaller and more linear than Belurat Tower.
That said, its filled with tiny side paths that often contain valuable gear and items.
Of particular note in this area are Milady, the Glintblade Trio spell, and Moonrithylls Knight Sword.
Prepare to hate life for a while at this point.
She is basically a magically-infused Malenia.
At one point, she even depletes about 95% of your health bar for the fun of it.
Summons are highly recommended.
Once youve defeated her, youll unlock a Site of Grace in her boss arena.
Use it, and then proceed through the path that just opened behind that Site of Grace.
This will take you to the next required area.
Ultimately, though, youre trying to reach Shadow Keep in the northern area of the map.
Youll find it marked on the map above.
Its near the entrance of the castle and is one ofShadow of the Erdtrees required bosses.
After that, things get tricky.
In fact, this is where we have to split this guide into two parts.
Technically, you’re free to reach the end of the game simply by proceeding through Shadow Keep.
However, doing so means you will miss quite a few areas and bosses that are only technically optional.
You will likely need more upgrades and better gear to make it any further.
For everyone else, heres where to go next.
However, its ultimately optional.
Everyone on the Scadutree hunt will want to head to Cerulean Coast.
Head South and East down the lower path (not the one that leads up along the cliffside).
Youll eventually be able to hang a left along a smaller path that leads to a ravine.
From here, you should probably follow a narrow path full of jumps and ledges.
Its incredibly difficult to navigate this area, so I highly recommend checking outthis videoif you need help.
Eventually, you will reach Cerulean Coast and will be able to reach the Scadutree fragments in this region.
To get there, head South in Cerulean Coast until you reach the Fissure Site of Grace.
Near that Site of Grace is what gives the impression of a bottomless pit.
Once you reach the bottom of that area, youll find the Stone Coffin Fissure Site of Grace.
Theres also a Remembrance boss in that dungeon if youre interested in diving deep enough.
Its up to you.
Head South as you did before, but this time, take the high road that you previously avoided.
This will eventually lead you to the Dragons Pit dungeon Site of Grace.
If you already found that Site of Gace, you could travel straight to it.
Defeat him, and kick off the door that appears in the boss area.
This dragon-filled area also has a Scadutree Fragment in it.
You dont have to fight the dragons, but you will need to move quickly to get past them.
Keep riding and youll come across a dead dragon.
This path will lead to a ledge where you should see a field of red flowers.
Head towards that field of red flowers, and youll be in Charos Hidden Grave.
Theres a Scardutree Fragment in this area youll get from killing the hippo enemy in the lake.
In any case, proceed through Shadow Keep from the Main Gate Plaza.
Youll eventually reach the Specimen Storehouse Site of Grace.
Slowly work your way across the bridge until you get to another lift.
Ride that lift up, head forward, and youll be in Ancient Ruins of Rauh.
There is also a yellow mist boss fight in this area that Ill discuss later.
If you need the extra boost, its certainly worth exploring.
To get there, go to the Main Gate Plaza Site of Grace in Shadow Keep.
Head left through the same area you proceeded through to reach the Ancient Ruins.
Eventually, youll reach a bridge filled with boats on fire and little Imp enemies.
At the very end of that bridge, look for a small ladder to your left.
Go behind the waterfall you see on your left and take the ladder down.
Take a right and proceed forward until you reach the next room.
The wall on the right of this room is an illusionary wall.
It may also be marked by player messages if youre playing online.
In any case, strike it and move forward.
Heres where things get tricky.
Youll soon be able to hop to the other side of the cliff.
Always aim for the ledge that is closest to you.
You wont need to make any leaps of faith or major jumps here.
Again, its easiest to do this while you are mounted.
Head to the next waterfall, and youll spot another series of ledges that lead down.
Youll need to slowly work your way down these ledges again until you reach solid ground.
You may also be able to skip ahead a bit if youve discovered subsequent Sites of Grace.
Eventually, youll reach the Dark Chamber Entrance Site of Grace.
Behind that Site of Grace is Messmer the Impaler.
Its also worth noting that there are Scadutree Fragments scattered throughout Shadow Keep including 5(!)
that you might get from defeating an optional boss and accessing a secret area.
If you need help,this videowill show you exactly how to get there in just a few minutes.
Otherwise, the Sites of Grace arrows will lead the way.
Just know that Romina is a ridiculously tough boss fight.
After you defeat her, you will be prompted to interact with a nearby tree by using Messmers Kindling.
Once youre ready, though, Burn the Sealing Tree and head into Enir llim.
Eventually, you will reach the Divine Gate Front Staircase in front of a yellow mist wall.
Behind that wall are the final fights in the game.
After you beat the final boss, your journey is over.
