In the world of RPGs, it's become something of a tradition, hasn't it? The credits roll, the final boss falls, and yet, the adventure is far from over. Elden Ring, already a titan of content, took this concept and ran a marathon with it, especially with its monumental 2024 expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree. This DLC isn't just an add-on; it's a whole new realm brimming with secrets, stories, and challenges that truly begin after you've toppled its climactic foe, the formidable Promised Consort Radahn. For the Tarnished who have achieved this great feat, the Realm of Shadow still holds countless wonders. Here are fifteen things to do to ensure you've truly conquered every shadow.

15. Delve into the DLC Lore

Learn More About The Lands Between

Shadow of the Erdtree is a lore hunter's paradise, packing a staggering amount of new history and context into the world of Elden Ring. The story isn't handed to you on a silver platter—oh no, that's not FromSoftware's style. You've got to piece it together the old-fashioned way: by talking to every NPC you can find and scrutinizing every item description you pick up. But here's the thing, the community aspect is half the fun. Don't just rely on your own findings; jump into forums and social spaces. Share your wild theories about Miquella's intentions or the nature of the Scadutree, and soak up the interpretations of other players. Building this story together is, frankly, what makes these games so special in 2026.

14. Exchange Radahn's Remembrance

Choose Between A Greatsword And An Incantation

So, you've bested what many consider FromSoftware's toughest boss ever. Your reward? The coveted Remembrance of a God and a Lord. Now, you could just gobble it up for 50,000 runes, but let's be real—that's the boring option. Head back to Enia at the Roundtable Hold and trade it for one of these epic prizes:

• 🗡️ Greatsword of Radahn (Lord): A colossal blade with a devastating unique Ash of War.

• ⚔️ Greatsword of Radahn (Light): A similar but distinct greatsword with its own spectacular skill.

• ✨ Light of Miquella Incantation: Unleash the very beams of light Radahn used in his second phase.

The greatswords offer a familiar yet fresh moveset for veterans of Starscourge Radahn's weapon, and they are an absolute blast in PvP. The incantation? Perfect for completing that Promised Consort cosplay. The choice is yours, but choose wisely!

13. Look For All DLC Exclusive Items

There Are Hundreds Of Unique Items

The Realm of Shadow is littered with goodies, and I mean littered. We're talking hundreds of unique items across all categories—weapons, armor sets, spells, incantations, cookbooks, you name it. Finding them all is a project that can easily swallow dozens of hours. But what a delightful project it is! The DLC's exploration is so masterfully crafted that checking every nook and cranny feels rewarding, not tedious. That hidden path behind a waterfall? Probably leads to a new pyromancy. That suspicious-looking corpse on a cliffside? Might be wearing a stunning new helmet. Leave no stone unturned.

12. Collect Each DLC Larval Tear

Expand The Options For Your Builds

With all these wild new weapons and spells, you're gonna want to experiment. That's where Larval Tears come in. These precious items let you completely respec your character, and the DLC generously adds nine more to the pool from the base game. Think of them as keys to new playstyles. Found a crazy new great katana that scales with Intelligence? Use a Tear and rebuild your stats to try it out. Don't get stuck in your old Elden Ring ways; the Realm of Shadow demands flexibility. Tracking down all these Tears should be a top priority for any aspiring build-crafter.

11. Collect All Scadutree Fragments & Revered Spirit Ashes

Achieve The Maximum Power Within The Realm Of Shadow

Here's the DLC's unique twist: a separate power-up system. Your regular character level matters, but in the Realm of Shadow, Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes are king. These items are scattered across the map and rewarded for beating certain tough enemies. Collecting them boosts your damage and damage negation significantly. Plus, the Revered Spirit Ashes empower your trusty steed, Torrent, making those chaotic horseback battles much more manageable. If you're eyeing those brutal optional bosses or just want to feel like a true god in the land, maxing out these blessings is non-negotiable.

10. Help Other Players

Jolly Cooperation Is The Way

You know the struggle. You've felt the pain of Radahn's onslaught and triumphed. Now, it's time to pay it forward. The Soulsborne community thrives on solidarity. Plop down your summon sign outside a boss fog—be it for the Consort himself, the haunting Dancing Lion, or the elusive Romina. Helping others conquer these nightmares is one of the most rewarding ways to re-experience the content. You get runes, you get practice, and you get that warm, fuzzy feeling of shared victory. It's also the best training for...

9. Defeat All Major Bosses

Most Of Them Are Optional And Secret

FromSoftware has always loved hiding its best bosses, but Shadow of the Erdtree? It took this philosophy to another level entirely. Get this: of the 11 major bosses in the DLC, only three are required to reach the ending. The rest are tucked away behind hidden walls, convoluted quests, and secrets so obscure you'll think you're dreaming. Chances are, you finished the story without even seeing half of them. Bosses like the Divine Beast and the Putrescent Knight are experiences you simply cannot miss. After Radahn, grabbing a guide and hunting down every last one of these magnificent fights should be your first mission.

8. Finish All NPCs Questlines

From Vile Dragons To Fingers' Grieving Mothers

The characters in the Realm of Shadow are some of FromSoftware's most compelling yet. Their stories are tragic, complex, and deeply intertwined with the world and its hidden bosses. Want to fight a certain legendary warrior? You might need to complete a specific NPC's journey first. The quests are famously easy to break or miss, so yes, you'll likely need external help. But trust me, seeing the tales of characters like the mysterious Needle Knight or the sorrowful Hornsent through to their conclusion—and reaping their unique rewards—is an effort that pays off in spades.

7. Complete All Gaols, Mausoleums, And Ruined Forges

The Best Dungeons In The Game

If the base game's dungeons felt a bit repetitive, the DLC heard the feedback loud and clear. Shadow of the Erdtree focuses on quality over quantity with its dedicated dungeons: the Gaols, Mausoleums, and Ruined Forges. Each type has a distinct theme and thrilling gameplay twist. The Gaols are tense, trap-filled prisons. The Mausoleums are haunting, puzzle-like experiences. The Ruined Forges are brutal, combat-focused gauntlets. They house unique bosses, legendary loot, and some of the most inventive level design in the entire game. Skipping them means missing a huge chunk of what makes this expansion so brilliant.

6. Engage In PVP

Testing New Weapons And Builds

Alright, confession time: I've never been a huge PvP guy in these games. By 2026, my reflexes aren't what they used to be, and I usually stick to PvE. But the new arsenal in Shadow of the Erdtree is just too much fun to ignore. I finally gave the Colosseums and invasion scene a proper shot, and you know what? It was an absolute blast. The new weapon skills are spectacular, the build variety is insane, and there's a chaotic joy to it all. For the PvP veterans, you're already there. But for my fellow PvE enthusiasts, take that powerful new build you crafted, step into the arena, and give it a try. You might just surprise yourself with how much fun you have, messing around with all this crazy new gear.