After a long wait, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is finally upon us, and it’s massive as proclaimed. Whether you’re hopping in after multiple playthroughs or right after beating Radahn and Mohg, one thing is certain – the Realm of Shadow is challenging. Fortunately, some weapons, armor sets, Ashes of War and whatnot are available to chase early on, though not all are death-free. Here are some that you should pursue to make the initial steps of the journey much easier.
Early Talismans
In terms of Talismans, there are two worth picking up early – the Two-Headed Turtle Talisman and Arrow’s Soaring Sting. For the former, go to Gravesite Plain and then to Ellac River. Go to the Rivermouth Cave, then to the northeast to find a waterfall. Behind it is a cave that houses the Talisman, ripe for the picking. You can procure Arrow’s Soaring Sting from a chest holed up in the Fog Rift Fort. It’s stashed right at the top of the tallest tower. Find it by taking a dive off the cliff, then hustle up the ladders to claim your prize.
Early Scadutree Fragments
It’s been said before but bears repeating – Scadutree Fragments will be your best friend in the Realm of Shadow. They reduce the damage taken by enemies but also increase the damage you deal. Even better is that it’s a percentage increase on top of your defense and attack, so you can expect some big returns depending on the build. Since the number of required Fragments increases per blessing level, your first order of business should be to find at least one. Go to Belurat, Tower Settlement, reach the upper floor and go past the rubble to find a door. Another can be found in Castle Ensis near the Checkpoint Site of Grace, while another can be found in Pillar Path Cross Site of Grace, south east, Castle Ensis.
Early Revered Spirit Ashes
Revered Spirit Ashes are also noteworthy since they increase the damage and defense of your Spirit Summons (which could be useful if the new bosses prove too overwhelming on your own). They follow the same logic as Scadutree Fragments – get one for the first level of blessing, three for the second and so on. Go to the Abandoned Ailing Village in the north part of Gravesite Plain for one. Another is found to the east of the Scorched Ruins on a cliff edge – look for a corpse holding it. You’ll find a third at the Belurat, Tower Settlement Legacy Dungeon, just pass the entrance.
New Spirit Summons
As for noteworthy Spirit Ashes, consider picking up Black Knight Commander Andreas for his defensive capabilities. He’s in the Fog Rift Catacombs, but you need to jump on the first ceiling spike trap on the second floor. Ride it up to reach a hidden room, where he’s located on a sarcophagus. The Bloodfiend Hexer is worth pursuing next. First, go to the Ellac River in Gravesite Plain. Look for the Rivermouth Cave and defeat the Chief Bloodfiend boss to obtain the Spirit Summon.
Recommended Weapons
The Backhand Blade is notable for its ability to split into dual blades, with its Weapon Art executing a quick stab on enemies from the side. Whether it’s for damage or the cool factor, you can travel northeast from the Scorched Ruins and pick it up from a mausoleum. The Star-Lined Sword is a little trickier, as it involves going to the Cerulean Coast Site of Grace and then traveling northeast from there on a somewhat precarious path.
Eventually, you’ll meet the Demi-Human Queen Marigga (which may sound similar to another queen’s name, but ignore that), who must be slain to retrieve the sword. Finally, for katana users, go to Castle Ensis and explore the cliffs to its southeast until you find the Dragon’s Pit. Enter inside and take down its boss to earn the Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana, and if that doesn’t sound appealing enough, nothing will.
New Wondrous Physicks
Wondrous Physicks can sometimes mean the difference between life and death, as anyone who’s ever been Nihil’d by Mohg will tell you. The Realm of Shadow has some good new additions, starting with the Perfumed Oil of Rannah. It’s available on a small island near the Southern Unmarked Mausoleum, but first, you need to go to the Cerulean Coast West Site of Grace, then southeast to find an underground passage that takes you all the way. Upon reaching, look for a rock formation.
Next up is the Viridian Hidden Tear, which improves Stamina recovery but puts you at odds with a Furnace Golem, which can be a challenge early on. Look for it near Ellac River’s lowest section. Finally, the Crimsonburst Dried Tear – which heals you upon slaying enemies – can be found by beating another Furnace Golem in the Castle Front encampment near the Shadow Keep in Scadu Altus.
Early Armor Sets
Whether for fashion or to suit a specific playstyle, you want to indulge yourself with the Realm of Shadow’s new armor sets. The Blackgaol Set is more suited for the armored warriors and can be found northwest of the Gravesite Plains Site of Grace in a mausoleum. The only problem is, you need to defeat the Blackgaol Knight, who hurts a lot.
Succeed, however, and you can also obtain the Blackgaol Greatsword. The Messmer Soldier Set is another option, though you’ll need to slay various soldiers in the Gravesite Plains to get its pieces. Go to the Castle Front near Castle Ensis and travel to the nearby encampment. The soldiers there should be easy enough to kill repeatedly to farm the set. Finally, you can get the Dancer Set from the same island where the Perfumed Oil of Ranah is found. Look for a mausoleum and take out Dancer of Ranah within to claim it for yourself.
Useful Early Incantations
In terms of Incantations, Heal From Afar is worth picking up and can be obtained with minimal headache. Go to Scadu Altus and look for the Moorth Ruins. Travel northeast from there to find the Rauh Ruins entrance. Enter the cave near its base, and you’ll find the Incantation near a golden tree that’s mysteriously underground. Ghostflame Breath is useful for offensive magic, and it’s easy to acquire. Head to the Cerulean Coast, then search the Jagged Peak area for an Altar of Dragon Communion. Purchase it for just three Dragon Hearts. If you’re having trouble farming the same from the Ghostflame Dragons in the area, head back to The Lands Between and kill the many dragons, Magma Wyrms and whatnot roaming the lands. Aspect of the Crucible Thorns is another one you would need. You can procure it by defeating the Golden Hippopotamus in the Shadow Keep.
New Ashes of War
Finally, there are the new Ashes of War that you should pick up early, starting with Wing Stance. It’s in Castle Ensis at the top near the Lord’s Chamber Site of Grace. From there, go to the east balcony and jump down to the tower nearby. Climb it, and you’ll find a chest at the top with the Ash of War. Finally, you can pick up the Shriek of Sorrow in Belurat, Tower Settlement, behind the twisted trees. Be careful of the invading enemy, though.
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