How to get to the Abyssal Woods in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

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(Image credit: From Software)

Elden Ring Abyssal Woods - a character is standing at the entrance to Abyssal Woods

Erdtree map fragments: Uncover the Land of ShadowScadutree fragments: How to level up in ErdtreeErdtree bosses: A full hit list for the DLCLeda quest: Track the Erdtree main questSir Ansbach quest: Help the former servant of MohgHornsent quest: Complete the quest for vengeance

Erdtree map fragmentsScadutree fragmentsErdtree bossesLeda questSir Ansbach questHornsent quest

Getting to this optional area is pretty rough and it’s not somewhere you can access until you’ve progressed as far as theShadow Keep. It’s also not a good idea to rush to this area if you care about NPC quests either, as getting near the imposing castle triggers the message “Somewhere, a great rune has broken,” an event that progresses the story.

To start, look for thecourtyard with the flaming boats inside Shadow Keepat Scadu Altus. Then:

(Image credit: From Software)

Elden Ring Abyssal Woods

Beneath the Shadow Keep

(Image credit: FromSoftware)

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree - Coffin

InShadow Keep, from theMain Gate Plazasite of grace, head out the door on the right if you’ve unlocked the shortcut, otherwise head left and follow the path around until you reach the burning boats. Look for theladder leading downon the northeast side of the courtyard. There’s a corpse lying on the ground next to it.

At the bottom of the ladder, turn right and head through thedoorway behind the waterfall. There’s another ladder ahead, again leading downwards. At the bottom, head left through a door to see a painting ahead. Hit theillusory wallon the right, between the two torches and head through here until you reach acoffin. Now it’s time to take a ride, so climb inside.

You’ll emerge in a partially flooded room. Head out of the door to the southeast to find theCastle Watering Holesite of grace, then head south across the shallow lake. Be warned, you will meet some Furnace Golems here, so brace yourself to be bombarded with fire as you run past. You’ll find theRecluses' River Upstreamsite of grace at the top of the waterfall.

(Image credit: From Software)

Elden Ring Abyssal Woods

These catacombs are more like those you encounter in the main game on your way to the Consecrated Snowfield. They don’t technically have a boss—you just need to make your way through them until you reach the other side.

Once you emerge from the catacombs, a boss will be waiting for you. To take the pressure off, however, a Stake of Marika will save your progress, so don’t stress too much if you don’t get it first time.

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Beneath the Shadow Keep#

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Beneath the Shadow Keep

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