Elden Ring: Check the Shadow of the Erdtree Entry Requirements

Check the content license before replaying bosses

A base-game update does not itself prove that the expansion is owned or installed. Bandai Namco describes the Nintendo Switch 2 Tarnished Edition as including the base game and Shadow of the Erdtree; it describes the separate Tarnished Pack for PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam as optional extra classes, gear, and Torrent customization. Verify the product name and install state in the store/account used to launch the game.

References: Bandai Namco: How to Get the Tarnished Pack · Bandai Namco: How to Enter the Realm of Shadow

The two boss gates

Bandai Namco's official entry guide names Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood, as the two bosses to defeat before entering the Realm of Shadow. This is an access check, not a claim that the pair is a recommended level or difficulty target.

References: Bandai Namco: How to Enter the Realm of Shadow

Use the cocoon interaction after Mohg

After Mohg is defeated, return to the cocoon in the Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum and interact with the arm. Bandai Namco says Leda appears and invites the player into the Shadow Realm. Defeating both bosses without using this interaction does not mean the game has already transported you.

1. Confirm the DLC/edition for this platform is owned and installed.
2. Confirm Radahn and Mohg are defeated on the intended character.
3. Travel back to Mohg's arena in Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum.
4. Approach and interact with Miquella's cocoon arm; follow the in-game prompt with Leda.
5. After arriving, touch a Site of Grace in the Realm of Shadow; the official guide says map travel between realms becomes available after resting there.

References: Bandai Namco: How to Enter the Realm of Shadow

Diagnose the first missing gate, not every symptom at once

If the cocoon does not offer the transition, check the platform entitlement first, then the two boss flags, then the exact cocoon interaction. These are separate conditions. A local checklist can organize your own observations but cannot prove a license or inspect your character.

1. If the expansion appears unavailable, check the store account and installed add-on for the platform currently launching the game.
2. If Radahn remains, verify the festival route described by Bandai Namco; the guide notes Ranni-related progress or reaching Altus Plateau as ways to activate it.
3. If Mohg remains, compare the official Mohgwyn Palace access routes and confirm the correct character.
4. If both bosses are defeated, return to the cocoon and interact directly rather than only approaching the arena entrance.
5. If all conditions appear satisfied and the prompt is missing, capture the platform, edition, update, and exact in-game message for an official support request; do not post account identifiers publicly.

References: Bandai Namco: How to Enter the Realm of Shadow · Bandai Namco: How to Get the Tarnished Pack

Player reports and evidence limits

Steam Discussions are useful for seeing questions other players are asking, but those posts may cover a different version or entitlement and are not confirmed support fixes. Use the official entry guide for the gate sequence; if sharing a report, include the platform and exact step where the prompt diverges while removing account and purchase details.

References: ELDEN RING Steam Community Discussions · Bandai Namco: How to Enter the Realm of Shadow

Before you play

• Verify Shadow of the Erdtree entitlement/edition on the platform account you launch.
• Defeat Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood, on the intended character.
• After Mohg, return to the cocoon and interact with the arm.
• On Switch 2, distinguish Tarnished Edition bundle content from the other-platform Tarnished Pack.
• Treat Steam discussions as player reports, not verified GamerWin findings.

Frequently asked questions

Sources & revision notes

Editorial revision: November 6, 2026; not a gameplay test date. The reference notes identify source limits and version differences.

1. Bandai Namco: How to Enter the Realm of Shadow (Official)

   Publisher guide states that both Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood, must be defeated; afterward interact with the cocoon arm in Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum. The same source outlines one Radahn-festival route and two Mohgwyn Palace routes.

2. Bandai Namco: How to Get the Tarnished Pack (Official)

   Dated August 28, 2026. Distinguishes paid Tarnished Pack on PlayStation/Xbox/Steam from Tarnished Edition content included on Nintendo Switch 2; local availability and edition entitlements should be verified in the platform store.

3. Bandai Namco: ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition (Official)

   Official product page states that Nintendo Switch 2 Tarnished Edition includes the original game and Shadow of the Erdtree. Confirm the exact product and account in the Nintendo eShop; this site cannot check purchases.

4. ELDEN RING Steam Community Discussions (Community)

   External player-authored discussion board. Posts can be anecdotal, platform-specific, or outdated; they are not verified GamerWin findings or Bandai Namco support answers.