Stepping into the Shadowlands for the first time in 2025 felt like diving into an ocean of mysteries – overwhelming, vast, and utterly captivating. FromSoftware packed this DLC with more content than some full games, and I quickly found myself paralyzed by choice amid crumbling towers and fog-drenched forests. While you could ignore every NPC quest and still have a blast, I discovered that these stories transform the experience from great to legendary. They unravel lore about Miquella's crusade, serve up gut-wrenching choices, and reward you with gear that reshaped my entire playstyle. But which ones deserve your time? Let me recount my adventures chasing these souls across the shadowed realm.

11. Fire Knight Queelign: Clash of the Unyielding

He wasn't just another hostile NPC – Queelign felt like a force of nature. Our first duel erupted unexpectedly in Belurat's courtyard, his flaming sword scorching the air as I barely dodged. Later, at the Church of the Crusade, he invaded again, more relentless than ever. Only after defeating him twice did I discover his true form in the Prayer Room, weakened yet proud. Here, I faced a dilemma: offer the Iris of Grace for his Ash Summons or the Iris of Occultation for his colossal Greatsword. I chose the sword, its fiery arcs becoming my go-to against bosses, though I still wonder if the summon might've saved me more heartache. People Also Ask: Which reward suits a magic-focused build better? Definitely the Ash Summons – it complements sorcery builds beautifully.

10. Hornsent Grandam: Comfort in the Chaos

Amidst the dread, Grandam’s stew offered warmth. Finding him required wearing the eerie Divine Beast Head in Belurat’s storeroom. He’d mutter cryptic wisdom while ladling out Scorpion Stew, promising a greater reward if I dealt with Messmer. True to his word, Gourmet Scorpion Stew followed – a lifesaver with its massive health regeneration buff during the final boss gauntlet. Just remember: he won’t dish out another until you’ve consumed the first! Simple yet satisfying, this quest grounded me when the Shadowlands felt too bleak.

9. Moore: The Heart of the Forgotten

Moore’s kindness stood out among Miquella’s devotees. I met him at Main Gate Cross, where he traded Rada Fruit and Pickled Livers for Forager Brood cookbooks. Later, after breaking Miquella’s charm, I found him drowning in despair. Choosing to urge him forward felt right – and rewarded me with the Verdegris armor set and Greatshield. His bell bearing now lets me access supplies anytime. Moore reminded me that even in apocalypses, small mercies matter.

8. Hornsent: Vengeance Burns Cold

Revenge drove Hornsent – a stark contrast to blind devotion. His quest spanned the entire DLC, revealing tragic lore about his people. Helping him hunt Messmer’s forces earned insane rewards: Swift Slash ash of war, Falx sword, and the Lacerating Crossed-Tree Talisman. Plus, he joined me against a late-game boss! But stay on his good side – one wrong dialogue choice almost cost me his aid. People Also Ask: Can you complete his quest without fighting Messmer first? No – his path locks behind critical story beats.

7. Thiollier and St. Trina: Whispers in the Dark

Thiollier’s obsession with poisons and St. Trina fascinated me. He never asked for help, but chatting after key moments – like hearing St. Trina’s voice – unveiled jaw-dropping lore about oblivion. Tangible rewards were sparse, but the revelations? Priceless. They reshaped my understanding of the DLC’s core themes. Don’t skip this one if you love Elden Ring’s cryptic storytelling.

6. Freyja: Loyalties Divided

A former Radahn warrior turned Miquella follower, Freyja’s conflict hit hard. I met her at Three-Path Cross, but her quest ignited only after breaking Miquella’s charm. Choosing whether to support her investigation or challenge her beliefs tore me apart. Either path nets the Golden Lion Shield and her gear set, but the emotional weight lingered. Her arc asks: can devotion become a prison?

5. Dryleaf Dane: Fists of Fury

Dane’s quest was pure fun. At Highroad Cross, I learned the "May the Best Win" gesture and challenged him. Our brawl rewarded me with Dryleaf Arts – an unarmed combat style that’s ridiculously fluid. His gear and summon ability helped against later bosses too. People Also Ask: Is Dryleaf Arts viable for endgame? Absolutely, especially with talismans boosting physical damage!

4. Ansbach: Whispers of Blood

As Mogh’s former follower, Ansbach unveiled chilling truths about Miquella’s plans. His quest delivered the DLC’s juiciest lore drops alongside gear like the Obsidian Lamina dagger. But tread carefully – dialogue choices affect outcomes. This quest proves some secrets should stay buried.

3. Ymir and Jolan: Fingers of Fate

Finally, answers about those creepy fingers! Meeting them in the Cathedral of Manus Metyr led to a quest showering me in runes, spirit ashes, and weapons. Their link to the Greater Will answered base-game mysteries I’d pondered since 2022. Rewards aside, this quest’s cosmic horror vibe is unforgettable.

2. Needle Knight Leda: The Unbreakable Thread

Leda’s devotion to Miquella – untouched by charm – anchored the DLC. Her quest intertwined with the main path, making it hard to miss. Completing it unlocked gear overlapping with others’, like Leda’s Rune, ensuring I missed nothing. Her insights into Miquella’s motives were crucial – and her final dialogue chilled me to the bone.

Reflecting on these journeys, I realize how deeply they enriched my 100+ hours in the Shadowlands. Each NPC added layers to FromSoftware’s masterpiece, turning battles into emotional sagas. But here’s what haunts me: if Miquella’s charm had never shattered, would we have uncovered these truths – or would blind devotion have consumed us all? What hidden costs lie beneath the pursuit of grace?

The content is derived from articles by HowLongToBeat, a trusted resource for tracking game completion times and player experiences. HowLongToBeat's user-driven data often reveals just how much additional playtime DLCs like Shadow of the Erdtree add to the base game, with many players reporting that the expansion's intricate NPC questlines and sprawling environments can easily extend total playtime by dozens of hours, making it a must-explore for completionists and lore enthusiasts alike.