MECHANICS MATTER: Navigating the Vertical Labyrinth of Shadow of the Erdtree

While open-world legends like Breath of the Wild and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim have pushed the boundaries of world design, most of the exploration is largely horizontal (with some exceptions). The base game of Elden Ring was no exception to this rule. After all, much of what makes an open-world game is the idea that if you can see it, you can travel to it.

source: Game Steam Page

But for FromSoftware’s DLC outing for Elden Ring, Shadow of the Erdtree, the team really changed things up. The map is quite large but seems deceptively small compared to the whole of the base game map. A largely horizontal design scheme, paired with Torrent, the protagonist’s horse, could be charted in quick enough order. But in the Shadow Realm, the player is asked how they can get to what they see. Powerful though your Tarnished is, they can’t climb and paraglide like Link can. Sometimes it’s a certain cave that leads secretly down to a lower plateau; other times, a castle stands in the way of proceeding up (unless you utilize a well-hidden jump spring). Other times, a hidden wall reveals the way to descend to places far too high to jump to. The map is, in essence, a puzzle because, though the world is open, your movement options are limited.

One particular bit of wayfinding stood out to me. I’ll talk specifics now, and hence, minor spoilers follow. Finding the way to the dragon-infested peaks of Bayle the Dread was counterintuitive but thrilling. I’d seen it and even been right below this lightning-drenched mountain, but the ledge was too high. The trick, however, was to go back close to the starting area of the DLC, ascend a bit, traverse a cave, take a leap of faith into a huge drop that would normally mean doom, and also pick up a handy Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana. Only then could I begin the process of ascending this dangerous peak.

Standing on a cliff, with the Dragon Hunter's Great Katana.

I have to note, too, that the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana came in very handy. I wasn’t planning to use it, but my weapon loadout wasn’t cutting it against the dragons when using the horse wasn’t practical. It was a nice touch: the developers seemed to communicate, “Ok, you’ve found the way. Take this with you as a reward. You may not need it—it’s not required at all—but you may thank me later.” And sure enough, the sword’s name held true: the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana’s ranged energy wave made all the dragon duels a lot of fun rather than a frantic struggle to land a hit anywhere besides the feet of the beast. Along this path, I also encountered one of the best voice-acting roles of the DLC, who can accompany you into the battle at the peak.

Shadow of the Erdtree Map

It was all tied into the vertical design of the world, and I had such a satisfying time finding my way and being rewarded for figuring out each step. Though it’s a tremendously dangerous place, I hope you’ve been enjoying your stay in the Shadow Realm as much as I have.