Summary
Despite early claims by Hidetaka Miyazakicomparing the Land of Shadow to Limgrave,Shadow of the Erdtreeturned out to be a truly massive expansion, packing several huge regions that are brimming with secrets and can be challenging to reach. The newElden Ringmap has even more verticality than the base game ever had and features deep undergrounds, the highest peaks imaginable, dark catacombs, and sky-reaching towers. Exploring these new lands is a treat for every soulslike fan, yet some of the new areas inShadow of the Erdtreestand out more than the rest.
From new Legacy Dungeons to open areas that offer a fresh experience and can’t even be compared with anythingElden Ringincluded before,Shadow of the Erdtree’s map isdivided into 16 different locations, the vast majority of which are entirely optional for the main plot. It’s also worth noting that some areas inShadow of the Erdtree, like the enormous andbreathtakingly beautiful Finger Ruins, take up a vast chunk of the map space but don’t offer exciting exploration and can even feel disappointing to roam. Here are some of the best areas found in the expansion that are as visually pleasing as they are interesting to explore.
5Abyssal Woods & Midra’s Manse
A Unique Elden Ring Area That Doesn’t Quite Deliver
Abyssal Woods can be a controversial choice as one of the better areas inShadow of the Erdtree. Some players find this location not too intimidating or exciting to explore, but instead too large, unrewarding, and quite empty. While these statements aren’t too far from the truth, theAbyssal Woodsearn their place due to their one-of-a-kind position inElden Ring, demanding players to rely on a stealth approach while providing a haunting andpressing atmosphere reminiscent ofBloodborne.
Another aspect that elevates the Abyssal Woods is the Legacy Dungeon Midra’s Manse, which players can discover here. Not only is it a great location in its own right — packing the ultimate “abandoned ghost mansion” mood full of secrets and illusory walls — but the optional boss fight againstMidra, Lord of Frenzied Flameis easily one of the highlights of the entire expansion. Unforgettable and rewarding, with an intense and beautiful soundtrack, it exemplifies FromSoftware’s boss design at its best, so it’s highly recommended not to overlook this area.
4Cerulean Coast & Stone Coffin Fissure
A Stunningly Colorful Vista That Doesn’t Offer Too Much To Do
It’s hard to forget one’s first entrance into theCerulean CoastinShadow of the Erdtree: a huge landmass covered in beautiful blue flowers as far as the eye can see, with ancient tombstones and enormous coffins lying around in a chaotic yet harmonious way, all accompanied by a peaceful ambiance. However, it’s not long before theGhostflame Dragonarrives, raising an army of undead to make the fight more challenging than players might expect.
Soon, players will discover there isn’t much to do in Cerulean Coast aside from gathering Glovewort from hard-to-reach coffins and fighting some rare enemies like Trolls. However, the area is once again elevated by its special dungeon, theStone Coffin Fissure, where players will finally find St. Trina, alongside a great memorable boss, thePutrescent Knight. This dungeon is quite an adventure to explore and visually striking, offering extremely potent rewards and Thiollier’s questline. With all that, the entirety of Cerulean Coast deserves its place as one of the better areas inElden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.
3Ancient Ruins Of Rauh
A Fresh Type Of Open Area In Elden Ring
Now, we reach the bestShadow of the Erdtreeareas that don’t need any adjustments: they’re just great, with no caveats. TheAncient Ruins of Rauhis one of those, standing somewhere in between the classicElden Ringopen areas and intricate dungeon layouts, allowing players to traverse its shattered beauty while riding Torrent amid the tangled web of underground tunnels and passages, sometimes even covered in scarlet rot.
This area has everything fans love about FromSoftware’s level design:several impressive boss fights, generous rewards at every step, great enemy variety (sadly, none are unique to this area), breathtaking vistas with cliffs and waterfalls, hard-to-reach corners requiring careful platforming, puzzling navigation, and sudden Golem arrows wrecking players when they’re least expecting it. Fans should just take their time and don’t rush to clear this area to get the most out of it, and they won’t regret it.
2Shadow Keep
Dark, Grim, Intricate, And Immensely Satisfying To Explore
Undoubtedly, one of the best areas in the entirety ofShadow of the Erdtreeis themassive Shadow Keep, the domain of the menacingMessmer the Impaler. With its dense, gothic atmosphere essential to dark fantasy, this enormous castle serves as a crossroad for several NPC questlines and passages to distant areas on the Land of Shadow’s map. This Legacy Dungeon is so huge that it is actually divided into three largely independent sections (the Main Plaza, the Church District, and the Specimen Storehouse) that players can explore at their own pace, leaving and returning as they please.
Shadow Keep can be tricky to navigate due to its multi-story, intersective nature and the abundance of well-hidden pathways and illusory walls, but it never feels boring, largely thanks to the omnipresence of the Fire Knights, who are extremely tough and aggressive enemies players should always watch out for. Awesome boss encounters with theGolden Hippopotamusand Messmer himself is just the cherry on top of this wholesome experience thatElden Ringplayers will get from exploring the Shadow Keep.
1Belurat Tower Settlement & Enir-Ilim
Easily Among The Best Legacy Dungeons In Elden Ring
Some players might argue that Belurat Tower Settlement andEnir-Ilimare two separate locations inElden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, but given how closely connected these areas are, with several passages flowing between them as well as shared story beats, this is basically one giant Legacy Dungeon akin toLeyndell, the Royal Capital, only split into two parts due to plot reasons. It’s yet another example of FromSoftware utilizing its greatest strengths to create a crumbling environment packed to the brim with locked doors, secret ledge falls, and well-hidden powerful rewards,like the Euporia twinblade.
And, of course, there are boss encounters players won’t forget. Belurat is home to the first spectacularDivine Beast Dancing Lionboss fight, while Enir-Ilim holds the mighty final boss of the expansion on its very top. Beautifully looping as the first and final destination for everyShadow of the Erdtreeplayer, Belurat and Enir-Ilim are the best new areas in the expansion that few base game locations can match.
