The Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC has finally arrived, offering players an exciting new region to explore. With many intriguing parallels to discover, it’s time to delve into the Shadow of the Erdtree dungeons of this new area and uncover the major rewards and formidable creatures that lie in wait.
The DLC is filled with deadly enemies like Death Knights, Mutated Prisoners, the Ancient Dragon-Man, Jori, Elder Inquisitor; you name it, all waiting to cut you down when you get near enough, making it a formidable area not to be taken lightly. Thankfully, the DLC offers a wealth of items to help you on your quest, including valuable crafting materials, powerful weapons, and impressive armour sets. Knowing which dungeons yield the best items can significantly enhance your journey.
In this guide, we’ll break down all the optional Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree dungeons in the Realm of Shadow, helping you discover the best strategies and treasures to boost your adventure in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.
Scorpion River Catacombs
The Scorpion River Catacombs can be found in the Rauh Ruins region in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. This dungeon is home to various enemies, including Basilisks, Fanged Imps, Black Knights, and Messmer Soldiers, with a formidable Death Knight serving as the area’s boss. Be prepared for tough encounters, especially in the large hall with the deathblight-inducing eyes, where careful navigation is crucial to survival.
Despite its dangers, the Scorpion River Catacombs offers a range of rewards for explorers to uncover. Valuable upgrade materials like Grave Gloveworts and Ghost Gloveworts can be found throughout, along with unique equipment such as the Imp Head (Lion), Lizard Greatsword, and the powerful Knight’s Lightning Spear incantation. The catacombs also yield the Cerulean Amber Medallion +3 and the rare Black Knight Captain Huw ashes. For those willing to brave its depths, the Scorpion River Catacombs provides ample opportunity to enhance your character and uncover the secrets of the Shadow of the Erdtree.
Taylew’s Ruined Forge
Taylew’s Ruined Forge dungeon in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree can be found in the northern part of Scadu Altus, near Shadow Keep. This difficult dungeon is home to Lava Slimes, Stone Golems, and Elite Stone Golems, so players should be prepared for some hard encounters as they navigate through this treacherous area. While there’s no boss fight, the formidable golem enemies should not be taken lightly and pack a punch.
Despite its difficulties, Taylew’s Ruined Forge offers a wealth of rewards for those brave enough to explore its depths. Treasure hunters can find valuable upgrade materials, including two Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones and various Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones. The forge also yields unique equipment such as the Smithscript Axe, Smithscript Greathammer, and Smithscript Shield. The crowning prize is the Taylew the Golem Smith spirit ash, making the perilous journey through this ruined forge well worth the effort for those seeking to get every possible leg up in their quest to take on the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.
Fog Rift Catacombs
Our next Shadow of the Erdtree dungeon is the Fog Rift Catacombs can be found in the southeast Rauh Ruins region in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. This Shadow of the Erdtree dungeon is home to various enemies, including Inquisitors, Fanged Imps, Black Knights, Bigmouth Imps, and Messmer Soldiers, with a formidable Death Knight serving as the main boss of the dungeon. Be prepared for tough encounters and treacherous traps, particularly the spike platforms that require careful timing to navigate safely.
Despite its dangers, the Fog Rift Catacombs offers many rewards for the trouble. Valuable items such as the Ancient Dragon Knight’s Cookbook (1), Dragonbolt Grease, and Shadow Realm Runes can be found throughout. The catacombs also yield unique equipment like the Stone-Sheathed Sword, which can be transformed at specific altars, and the Ash of War: Blinkbolt. For those willing to brave its depths, the Fog Rift Catacombs provides ample opportunity to enhance your arsenal with rare upgrade materials, including Great Ghost Glovewort, and the chance to obtain the Black Knight Commander Andreas spirit ash.
Rivermouth Cave
Rivermouth Cave can be found in the Gravesite Plain region. To reach this hidden dungeon, players must descend the gravestones on the wall in Gravesite Plain and follow the western wall until they discover the entrance. The cave is home to packs of wolves and dangerous Bloodfiends, so adventurers should be prepared for challenging encounters as they navigate through its winding passages.
Despite its relatively small size, Rivermouth Cave offers some valuable rewards for those brave enough to explore its depths. Players can find items such as Sanguine Amaryllis and a Shadow Realm Rune (1) scattered throughout the dungeon. The cave’s ultimate challenge comes in the form of the Chief Bloodfiend, a formidable boss guarding the coveted Bloodfiend Hexer’s Ashes. While the journey through Rivermouth Cave may be treacherous, the unique spirit ash reward makes it a worthwhile expedition for those looking to build out their character.
Belurat Gaol
Belurat Gaol can be found in the Gravesite Plain region. This underground prison is situated northwest of the map, with its entrance hidden near a water-surrounded area dotted with prison cages. As you descend into the gaol, be prepared to face Living Jars, Revered Spirits, and Mutated Prisoners. The dungeon’s layout is treacherous, with narrow walkways and crumbling floors that may unexpectedly drop you to lower levels.
Despite its parrels, Belurat Gaol offers a wealth of rewards for intrepid explorers. Valuable items such as Smithing Stones, a Lost Ashes of War, and the Greater Potentate’s Cookbook (11) can be found throughout the prison. The dungeon culminates in a boss fight against Demi-Human Swordmaster Onze, a nimble and deadly foe. Defeating this formidable enemy rewards you with 80,000 Runes and the Demi-Human Swordsman Yosh spirit ash, making the journey through Belurat Gaol well worth the effort for those seeking to enhance their Elden Ring playthough.
Ruined Forge of Starfall Past
The Ruined Forge of Starfall Past can be found in the Scadu Altus region, southwest of Moorth Ruins, along the path to Fort Reprimand in the Elden Ring DLC. This dungeon is home to Fire Blobs, Misbegotten, and formidable Golem Smiths, so adventurers should be prepared for tough encounters as they navigate through this treacherous area.
Despite this, the Ruined Forge of Starfall Past offers a wealth of rewards for anyone brave enough to explore its depths. Players can find valuable upgrade materials, including various Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones, with the coveted Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone as the ultimate prize. The forge also yields unique equipment such as the Smithscript Spear, Smithscript Cirque, Smithing Talisman, and the powerful Ancient Meteoric Ore Greatsword, making the perilous journey through this ruined forge well worth the effort for those seeking to enhance their arsenal.
Ruined Forge Lava Intake
The Ruined Forge Lava Intake can be found southeast of Ellac Greatbridge in the Realm of Shadow. This lava-filled dungeon is home to Fire Blobs and Stone Golems, offering a moderate challenge to explorers. While navigating the precarious platforms and lava flows, players can collect a variety of upgrade materials, including Smithing Stones of various levels, Somber Smithing Stones, and even a rare Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone.
In addition to upgrade materials, the Ruined Forge Lava Intake houses unique equipment such as the Anvil Hammer and Smithscript Dagger. Crafting enthusiasts will appreciate finding the Greater Potentate’s Cookbook (13). With no boss fights to contend with, this Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree dungeon serves as an excellent early destination in the DLC for players looking to bolster their arsenal and gather valuable resources, making it a worthwhile stop on the journey through the new content.
Bonny Gaol
Bonny Gaol, an optional Shadow of the Erdtree dungeon in the Realm of Shadow, stands out with its unique location in southern Scadu Altus. It’s accessible via a wooden bridge south of Bonny Village. This challenging spot is home to a variety of enemies, including Giant Rats, Living Jars, and Skeletal Slimes. But what makes it truly special is the valuable loot it offers, such as Innard Meat Silver Horn Tender and upgrade materials like Frozen Maggots and Smithing Stones.
For those brave enough to face its dangers, Bonny Gaol offers significant rewards. Adventurers can acquire the complete Night Set, including armour and shield, as well as the Stalwart Horn Charm +2. Unique items like a Lost Ashes of War and the Curseblade Meera Spirit Ash are waiting to be discovered. To get the best rewards, you will have to take down the boss of the dungeon, Curseblade Labirith, a challenging enemy wielding dual blades with the ability to turn invisible. Defeating this boss rewards players with the Curseblade Meera, making Bonny Gaol a worthwhile destination for those seeking to test their skills and obtain valuable equipment.
Dragon’s Pit
The Dragon’s Pit can be found by following the path southwest of the Pillar Path Waypoint site of grace in the Gravesite Plain region in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. This challenging Shadow of the Erdrtree dungeon is home to Skeletons and a Lesser Magma Wyrm, culminating in a boss fight against the formidable Ancient Dragon-Man. Adventurers should be prepared for tough encounters as they navigate through this treacherous area.
Despite its difficulties, the Dragon’s Pit offers an array of rewards for those brave enough to venture inside. Adventurers can collect various upgrade materials, including Smithing Stones of different levels and a rare Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone. The dungeon also yields valuable items such as Knot Resin, Shadow Realm Runes, and a Dragon Heart. The crowning prize for defeating the Ancient Dragon-Man is the Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana, a powerful weapon that makes the perilous journey through the Dragon’s Pit well worth the effort; just be ready for a fight.
Lamenter’s Gaol
Lamenter’s Gaol can be found in the southwest part of Charo’s Hidden Grave region in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. This challenging dungeon is accessible by heading south down the cliffside near Ensis Castle and following the river or by traversing through Dragon’s Pit and heading southwest. The area is home to Giant Rats and Living Jars, with the formidable Lamenter serving as the dungeon’s boss, so be prepared for some tough fights to get all the area has to offer.
Despite its difficulties, Lamenter’s Gaol offers many rewards, such as valuable items such as the Chilling Perfume Bottle, Clarifying Horn Charm +2, and the mysterious Lamenting Visage that can be found within its depths. The dungeon also yields unique keys, including the Gaol Upper Level Key and Gaol Lower Level Key, which are essential for fully exploring the area. Additionally, players can collect various upgrade materials like Frozen Maggots and Living Jar Shards, as well as interact with a Ghost NPC, making the perilous journey through Lamenter’s Gaol a worthwhile endeavour for those seeking to enhance their arsenal and uncover the secrets of the Shadow of the Erdtree.
Darklight Catacombs
The Darklight Catacombs can be found in the southern part of the Scadu Altus region of the Realm of Shadow. This Shadow of the Erdtree dungeon is home to various enemies, including Inquisitors, Fanged Imps, and the formidable Bigmouth Imps. Adventurers should be prepared for tough encounters as they navigate through this treacherous area, culminating in a boss fight against Jori, Elder Inquisitor.
Despite its difficulties, the Darklight Catacombs offers a wealth of rewards for those brave enough to explore its depths. Treasure hunters can find valuable items such as Glowstone, Dragonbolt Grease, and Shadow Realm Runes. The catacombs also yield a complete set of Death Knight armour and the powerful Viridian Amber Medallion +3. For those looking to upgrade their equipment, various Gloveworts can be found throughout the dungeon, including the rare Great Ghost Glovewort dropped by the giant Bigmouth Imp. The crowning prize for defeating the boss is the unique Bigmouth Imp Ashes, making the perilous journey through the Darklight Catacombs well worth the effort.
