In order to access Shadow of the Erdtree – the first (and almost certainly last) slice of Elden Ring DLC – you must first defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood. In order to defeat Mohg, you must first reach Mohgwyn Palace. In order to reach Mohgwyn Palace, you must first complete a totally-missable early game questline after which you'll reach the optional area depressingly under-powered.
Or, failing that, you must first access a secret Waygate located in one of the farthest-flung corners of the late-game area, Consecrated Snowfield. In order to access the Consecrated Snowfield, you must first locate both halves of the Hildtree Secret Medallion. In order to locate both halves of the Hildtree Secret Medallion, you must first travel to Village of the Albinaurics, and then Castle Sol – the latter of which requires you to overcome optional boss Commander Niall, who is as hard as fucking nails.
And all of this is merely to access Elden Ring's additional content . Now try explaining all of that to someone who's just emerged from the Cave of Knowledge starting area, with a save file minutes-long and who fancies their chances against that first roaming Tree Sentinel making its way down the grassy hill in the distance on horseback. Oh, you sweet summer child, you've no idea what you've gotten yourself into.
Root and branches Which is the essence of Elden Ring's beauty. It is absolutely massive, and eschews everything we once knew about typical FromSoftware games in terms of level design, p.
