Can you start Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree in New Game+

Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree will be releasing on June 21, 2024, bringing more content and new areas to explore in the Lands Between. Many players have embarked on and already finished the journey of the Tarnished and might wonder if it's possible to embark on the Realm of Shadow in a New Game+ walkthrough.

Yes, you can start the DLC via a new NG+ or New Game+ playthrough, but it will take a while to venture into the Realm of Shadow eventually. Keep reading this article to know all the available information on how to start Shadow of the Erdtree in a New Game+.

In an interview with Famitsu (translation courtesy: u/theangryfurlong on r/Eldenring), Hidetaka Miyazaki stated the following:

So yes, although you can access the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion in New Game+, you do have some work cut out for you. Accessing the DLCs of the previous FromSoftware titles requires you to defeat certain bosses to unlock the expansions. You cannot access the game from the menu, and the only way to get into the Realm of Shadow is by progressing the story.

You need to beat certain enemies to enter the Realm of Shadow, namely Starscourge Radahn, whom you will face in Redmane castle located in Caelid, and Lord of Blood, Mohg, who resides in Mohgwyn Palace. Both bosses are quite hard to beat, and once you defeat the latter, you can venture into the Realm of Shadow.

Additionally, Miyazaki mentioned in the same interview (translation courtesy: u/theangryfurlong on r/Eldenring):

So be very careful of the difficulty, and do not rush if you intend to do a New Game+ playthrough for Elden Ring. Shadow of the Erdtree trailer also showcased new weapons, among many things, which you can obtain while playing the DLC.