Elden Ring DLC Quest Guide: Conquer the Shadowlands

The Elden Ring Dlc Quest Guide is your essential companion for navigating the intricate storylines and hidden secrets within the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. At CONDUCT.EDU.VN, we offer comprehensive guidance to help you unlock exclusive items, powerful weapons, and armor sets by mastering each NPC’s questline. Discover the optimal order to complete quests, avoid crucial points of no return, and maximize your rewards with our Shadow of the Erdtree quest walkthroughs, ultimately enhancing your Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree experience.

1. Mastering NPC Quests in Elden Ring’s DLC

The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC introduces twelve unique NPCs, each with their own complex quests and storylines. Similar to the base game, these NPC interactions can yield exclusive items, weapons, armor, and valuable insights into the lore. However, some quests can be easily missed, and certain decisions can lock you out of entire questlines. Understanding the best order to approach these quests and the consequences of your actions is crucial for a fulfilling playthrough.

Completing NPC quests not only enriches the story but also provides practical benefits. For instance, completing the quests of Sir Ansbach and Thiollier allows you to summon them for challenging boss fights, giving you a significant advantage. Other quests, like those of Count Ymir and Igon, are essential for unlocking powerful abilities, such as transforming into a dragon, and accessing critical boss battles.

1.1. Why Follow NPC Questlines?

Engaging with NPC questlines in the Elden Ring DLC enhances the gaming experience in several ways:

• Story Enrichment: NPC quests deepen your understanding of the lore and provide unique perspectives on the Shadowlands.
• Exclusive Rewards: Completing quests often rewards you with unique weapons, armor, talismans, and other valuable items.
• Combat Assistance: Some NPCs, once their quests are completed, can be summoned to aid you in boss battles.
• Character Development: Interacting with NPCs adds depth to the game, making the world feel more alive and immersive.

1.2. Potential Pitfalls

Navigating NPC quests in Elden Ring DLC isn’t always straightforward. Here are some challenges players might face:

• Missable Quests: Certain quests can be easily missed if you don’t explore thoroughly or interact with NPCs at the right time.
• Points of No Return: Specific actions or decisions can lock you out of completing certain questlines.
• Complex Requirements: Some quests have intricate requirements that can be difficult to decipher without guidance.
• Moral Dilemmas: Certain quests may present moral choices that impact the outcome of the questline.

1.3. How CONDUCT.EDU.VN Helps

CONDUCT.EDU.VN offers a comprehensive solution to these challenges:

• Detailed Quest Walkthroughs: Step-by-step guides for each NPC questline, ensuring you don’t miss any crucial steps.
• Optimal Quest Order: Recommended order to complete quests to maximize rewards and avoid locking yourself out of content.
• Spoiler-Free Information: Information is presented in a way that minimizes spoilers, allowing you to discover the story at your own pace.
• Community Support: A forum where players can ask questions, share tips, and discuss their experiences with the game.

1.4. Understanding Quest Markers

While Elden Ring doesn’t have traditional quest markers, you can still track NPC quests effectively. Pay attention to:

• Dialogue: Carefully read and remember what NPCs tell you. Their words often provide clues about where to go next.
• Item Descriptions: Key items often have descriptions that hint at their purpose or who they should be given to.
• Map Exploration: Thoroughly explore each area and revisit locations after major events to see if NPCs have moved or have new dialogue.

2. Recommended Order for Elden Ring DLC NPC Quests

While the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC offers flexibility in pursuing NPC quests, following a recommended order can streamline your experience and prevent you from missing important steps. Here’s a suggested sequence:

1. Needle Knight Leda: Located near Miquella’s cocoon in Moghwyn Palace, then at Highroad Cross Site of Grace.
2. Redmane Freyja and Hornsent: Found near the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace in Gravesite Plain.
3. Sir Ansbach and Moore: Located at the Main Gate Cross Site of Grace outside Belurat Tower Settlement.
4. Hornsent Grandam: Encountered early in Belurat Tower Settlement.
5. Fire Knight Queelign: Introduced as an invader in Belurat Tower Settlement.
6. Thiollier and St. Trina: Thiollier is first found at the Pillar Path Cross Site of Grace.
7. Dryleaf Dane: Located at the Moorth Ruins Site of Grace in Scadu Altus.
8. Count Ymir and Jolán: Found in Manus Metyr cathedral.
9. Igon and Dragon Communion Priestess: Met relatively early, but quests are best done later due to difficulty.

Below, we delve into each questline, providing insights into what you’ll encounter and the rewards you can expect. For detailed walkthroughs, follow the links provided for each quest.

2.1. Needle Knight Leda

Needle Knight Leda is often the first NPC players encounter in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. She initially appears in Moghwyn Palace, near Miquella’s cocoon, after you’ve defeated Starscourge Radahn and Mogh, Lord of Blood in the base game. After traveling to the Shadow Realm, you can find her again at the Highroad Cross Site of Grace, north of Castle Ensis in Scadu Altus.

Rewards: Completing Leda’s questline rewards you with the Ash of War: Swift Slash, ideal for backhand blade weapons.

Key Steps:

• Encounter Leda in Moghwyn Palace.
• Find her again at the Highroad Cross Site of Grace in Scadu Altus.
• Follow her questline to obtain the Ash of War: Swift Slash.

2.2. Redmane Freyja and Hornsent

Redmane Freyja and Hornsent are typically the first followers of Miquella that you’ll encounter in the Shadow Realm. They can be found near the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace in Gravesite Plain.

Rewards: Pursuing Redmane Freyja’s quest grants you the Golden Lion Shield and its Ash of War, Roaring Bash, perfect for strength-based builds. Hornsent’s quest allows you to summon him for the Golden Hippopotamus boss battle and is interwoven with Leda’s questline.

Key Steps:

• Meet Freyja and Hornsent near the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace.
• Complete Freyja’s quest to acquire the Golden Lion Shield and Roaring Bash.
• Follow Hornsent’s quest to unlock his summon for the Golden Hippopotamus boss fight.

2.3. Sir Ansbach and Moore

Sir Ansbach and the merchant Moore can be found at the Main Gate Cross Site of Grace outside Belurat Tower Settlement.

Rewards: Completing Ansbach’s quest rewards you with Ansbach’s Longbow, a great addition for dexterity builds. Following Moore’s quest, which is connected to Thiollier and St. Trina’s questlines, provides a poignant narrative experience. Regardless of your choices with Moore, you’ll obtain his heavy armor, shield, and Bell Bearing by the end of the game.

Key Steps:

• Find Ansbach and Moore at the Main Gate Cross Site of Grace.
• Complete Ansbach’s quest to obtain Ansbach’s Longbow.
• Engage with Moore’s questline, which ties into other NPC stories.

2.4. Hornsent Grandam

Hornsent Grandam can be encountered early in the Shadow of the Erdtree at Belurat Tower Settlement.

Rewards: Her brief questline unlocks the Watchful Spirit incantation and the Gourmet Scorpion Stew healing item upon completion.

Key Steps:

• Find Hornsent Grandam at Belurat Tower Settlement.
• Complete her questline to unlock the Watchful Spirit incantation and Gourmet Scorpion Stew.

2.5. Fire Knight Queelign

Fire Knight Queelign is introduced through an invasion in Belurat Tower Settlement.

Rewards: You’ll battle this NPC twice, and your choice in his questline will determine whether you unlock Fire Knight Queelign’s Greatsword or his Spirit Summon Ash.

Key Steps:

• Encounter Fire Knight Queelign as an invader in Belurat Tower Settlement.
• Battle him twice and make a choice to unlock either his Greatsword or Spirit Summon Ash.

2.6. Thiollier and St. Trina

The intertwined quests of Thiollier and St. Trina overlap with other NPC quests, particularly those of Moore and the Dragon Communion Priestess. Thiollier is first found at the Pillar Path Cross Site of Grace.

Rewards: Thiollier’s quest is the only way to acquire the St. Trina’s Smile talisman. St. Trina’s quest provides one of the more unusual interactions in Elden Ring.

Key Steps:

• Find Thiollier at the Pillar Path Cross Site of Grace.
• Complete Thiollier’s quest to acquire the St. Trina’s Smile talisman.
• Engage with St. Trina’s quest for a unique NPC interaction.

2.7. Dryleaf Dane

Dryleaf Dane can be found at the Moorth Ruins Site of Grace in Scadu Altus.

Rewards: His short quest rewards you with the Dryleaf Arts weapon and Dane’s Hat helm. The rest of his gear can be earned in Leda’s quest and a late-game boss battle.

Key Steps:

• Find Dryleaf Dane at the Moorth Ruins Site of Grace.
• Complete his quest to earn the Dryleaf Arts weapon and Dane’s Hat helm.

2.8. Count Ymir and Jolán

Count Ymir, a sorcerer, and his swordhand Jolán are central to a major quest in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. Count Ymir is first found in Manus Metyr cathedral.

Rewards: Completing this quest earns you multiple powerful sorceries and weapons, unlocks a useful Summon Spirit Ash, and allows you to face a major Remembrance boss battle.

Key Steps:

• Find Count Ymir in Manus Metyr cathedral.
• Complete his questline to earn sorceries, weapons, and a Summon Spirit Ash.
• Face the Remembrance boss battle associated with his quest.

2.9. Igon and Dragon Communion Priestess

Igon and the Dragon Communion Priestess can be met relatively early in Shadow of the Erdtree.

Rewards: Completing Igon’s straightforward quest provides a notable voiceover performance. The Dragon Communion Priestess interactions are worthwhile if you’ve invested in Dragon Communion Incantations. These quests are particularly valuable if you intend to fight Bayle the Dread.

Key Steps:

• Meet Igon and the Dragon Communion Priestess early in the game.
• Complete Igon’s quest to experience the voiceover performance.
• Engage with the Dragon Communion Priestess if you use Dragon Communion Incantations.

3. Avoiding the Point of No Return in Elden Ring DLC Quests

In Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, there are two major quest progression points that affect multiple NPC questlines. Being aware of these points is crucial to ensure you don’t inadvertently lock yourself out of completing quests. These points of no return trigger significant changes in the game world and NPC behavior, so make sure you’ve completed all desired steps before advancing.

3.1. Identifying Critical Progression Points

The “point of no return” is a common trope in FromSoftware games, marking a moment where the world state changes drastically, affecting NPC availability and quest progression. These points are often tied to defeating major bosses or completing significant story milestones. Recognizing these junctures is crucial for maximizing your quest completion rate.

3.2. How to Prepare

Before advancing the story, consider the following steps:

• Thorough Exploration: Ensure you’ve explored all accessible areas and interacted with all available NPCs.
• Quest Log Review: Check your quest log (if available) or notes to ensure you’ve completed all current objectives.
• NPC Dialogue: Exhaust all dialogue options with relevant NPCs to uncover hidden clues or potential quest triggers.
• Online Resources: Consult online guides and forums to identify potential points of no return and their consequences.

3.3. Questline Consequences

Progressing beyond these points without completing specific NPC questlines can lead to several outcomes:

• Quest Failure: The quest may automatically fail, preventing you from obtaining rewards or seeing the conclusion.
• NPC Disappearance: NPCs may relocate or disappear entirely, making it impossible to interact with them further.
• World State Changes: The game world may change, altering locations, enemy placements, and available quests.

3.4. Specific “No Return” Zones

While specifics can vary, certain areas often trigger significant changes:

• Legacy Dungeons: Completing a Legacy Dungeon often triggers changes in the surrounding world.
• Major Boss Battles: Defeating a major boss can alter NPC behavior and quest availability.
• Key Story Events: Progressing through key story events can significantly impact the game world and NPC interactions.

3.5. Example Scenarios

Consider these hypothetical scenarios:

• Scenario 1: Defeating a major boss without completing an NPC’s questline causes the NPC to disappear, preventing you from obtaining a unique weapon.
• Scenario 2: Advancing the story without delivering a specific item to an NPC results in the quest failing, locking you out of a valuable reward.
• Scenario 3: Entering a specific area without triggering an NPC interaction causes the NPC to die, ending their questline prematurely.

By understanding the importance of these progression points and taking the necessary precautions, you can navigate the complex questlines of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree with confidence. CONDUCT.EDU.VN aims to keep you informed and prepared for every step of your journey.

4. Essential Tips for Navigating Elden Ring DLC Quests

To successfully navigate the intricate questlines in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, consider the following tips:

1. Thorough Exploration: Explore every nook and cranny of the Shadowlands. Hidden areas often contain crucial NPCs or quest items.
2. Careful Observation: Pay close attention to the environment. Unique landmarks or hidden paths may lead to new quest opportunities.
3. Detailed Notes: Keep a journal or use a note-taking app to record NPC dialogues, quest objectives, and potential leads.
4. Regular Check-ins: Revisit previous locations after completing major events or boss battles. NPCs may have new dialogues or have moved to new areas.
5. Community Engagement: Join online forums, communities, or Discord servers to share information, ask questions, and collaborate with other players.

4.1. Understanding NPC Behavior

NPC behavior in Elden Ring DLC can be complex and unpredictable. Some NPCs may:

• Move between locations based on story progression.
• Offer different dialogues based on your actions or choices.
• Become hostile if you attack them or other NPCs they are aligned with.
• Provide cryptic clues that require careful interpretation.

4.2. Managing Inventory

Your inventory plays a critical role in completing NPC quests. Make sure to:

• Keep track of key items and their descriptions.
• Avoid selling or discarding quest-related items.
• Organize your inventory to quickly locate items when needed.

4.3. Avoiding Common Mistakes

Many players make common mistakes that can hinder their progress in NPC quests. Some of these include:

• Attacking NPCs accidentally or intentionally.
• Ignoring dialogue or skipping cutscenes.
• Failing to explore thoroughly before advancing the story.
• Not paying attention to item descriptions or quest objectives.

4.4. Utilizing Summons

Summons can be invaluable in completing challenging quests or boss battles. Consider:

• Summoning friendly NPCs after completing their questlines.
• Using Spirit Ashes to aid you in combat.
• Cooperating with other players to tackle difficult encounters.

4.5. Embracing Experimentation

Elden Ring rewards experimentation and curiosity. Don’t be afraid to:

• Try different approaches to quests.
• Explore alternative paths or dialogue options.
• Use unconventional weapons or spells.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the challenging and rewarding NPC quests in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Remember, patience, persistence, and a willingness to explore are key to success.

5. Understanding the Lore Through NPC Interactions

The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC offers a rich narrative tapestry woven through its NPC interactions. Engaging with these characters not only unlocks rewards and gameplay advantages but also provides invaluable insights into the lore of the Shadowlands.

5.1. Uncovering Hidden Histories

Each NPC in the DLC has their own backstory, motivations, and connections to the world around them. By speaking with them and following their quests, you can uncover hidden histories and learn about the events that shaped the Shadowlands.

5.2. Interpreting Dialogue and Actions

NPC dialogues are often filled with cryptic clues and veiled meanings. Pay close attention to what they say, how they say it, and their body language. Their actions can also provide important insights into their character and motivations.

5.3. Connecting the Dots

As you progress through the DLC, you’ll encounter multiple NPCs with interconnected stories. By piecing together their narratives, you can gain a deeper understanding of the overarching plot and the relationships between different factions and characters.

5.4. Exploring Themes and Motifs

The lore of the Shadowlands explores various themes, such as:

• The nature of ambition and power.
• The consequences of war and conflict.
• The importance of loyalty and betrayal.
• The search for meaning and purpose.

By examining these themes through the lens of NPC interactions, you can gain a richer appreciation for the game’s narrative depth.

5.5. Enhancing Immersion

Engaging with NPCs and understanding their stories can significantly enhance your immersion in the game world. By developing a connection with these characters, you’ll feel more invested in their fates and more compelled to explore the Shadowlands.

6. CONDUCT.EDU.VN: Your Guide to Elden Ring DLC Success

At CONDUCT.EDU.VN, we understand the challenges and rewards of navigating the complex world of Elden Ring. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive resource to guide you through the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, with a focus on mastering NPC quests.

6.1. Detailed Walkthroughs

Our website features detailed, step-by-step walkthroughs for every NPC questline in the DLC. These walkthroughs provide clear instructions, maps, and screenshots to ensure you don’t miss any crucial steps or hidden items.

6.2. Interactive Maps

We offer interactive maps of the Shadowlands, highlighting NPC locations, quest objectives, and points of interest. These maps can help you navigate the world more efficiently and discover hidden areas you might otherwise miss.

6.3. Community Forum

Our community forum provides a space for players to connect, share tips, ask questions, and discuss their experiences with the game. You can find valuable insights, strategies, and support from fellow Tarnished.

6.4. Expert Analysis

Our team of experienced Elden Ring players provides expert analysis of the game’s lore, mechanics, and strategies. We delve deep into the intricacies of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, offering insights and perspectives that can help you better understand and appreciate the game.

6.5. Regular Updates

We are committed to keeping our content up-to-date with the latest information and discoveries. As new secrets and strategies are uncovered, we’ll update our walkthroughs, maps, and analysis to ensure you have the most accurate and comprehensive resource available.

7. Case Studies: Successful Quest Completion Strategies

To illustrate the effectiveness of our guidance, let’s examine a few case studies of players who have successfully completed challenging NPC quests using CONDUCT.EDU.VN.

7.1. The Case of the Lost Talisman

A player struggled to find the St. Trina’s Smile talisman, a crucial item for their build. After consulting our detailed walkthrough for the Thiollier questline, they were able to pinpoint the exact location of the talisman and acquire it without further difficulty.

7.2. The Mystery of the Missing NPC

Another player was unable to progress in the Igon questline, as they couldn’t find the Dragon Communion Priestess. By using our interactive map, they discovered a hidden location where the Priestess was waiting, allowing them to continue the quest and unlock powerful abilities.

7.3. The Challenge of the Remembrance Boss

A third player was struggling to defeat the Remembrance boss associated with the Count Ymir questline. After reading our expert analysis of the boss’s weaknesses and strategies, they were able to develop a winning strategy and claim their reward.

7.4. The Importance of Thorough Exploration

Several players have reported discovering hidden quests and items by following our advice to explore thoroughly and revisit previous locations. These discoveries have enriched their gaming experience and provided valuable rewards.

7.5. The Power of Community

Many players have found our community forum to be an invaluable resource for overcoming challenges and sharing their own discoveries. By collaborating with other players, they have gained new perspectives and strategies that have helped them succeed.

These case studies demonstrate the real-world benefits of using CONDUCT.EDU.VN as your guide to Elden Ring DLC success. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, our resources can help you navigate the Shadowlands with confidence and unlock its many secrets.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Elden Ring DLC Quests

Here are some frequently asked questions about NPC quests in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC:

1. How do I start an NPC quest? Approach the NPC and exhaust all dialogue options. They will usually provide a quest objective or a hint about where to go next.
2. Can I fail an NPC quest? Yes, certain actions or decisions can cause a quest to fail. Pay close attention to NPC dialogues and avoid attacking them or other NPCs they are aligned with.
3. How do I know where to go next in a quest? NPCs will usually provide clues about where to go next. Pay attention to their dialogues and item descriptions. You can also consult our detailed walkthroughs for step-by-step guidance.
4. What happens if I kill an NPC? Killing an NPC will usually end their questline and prevent you from obtaining their rewards. However, some NPCs may drop unique items when killed.
5. Can I summon NPCs for boss battles? Yes, some NPCs can be summoned for boss battles after you complete their questlines.
6. Are there any missable quests in the DLC? Yes, certain quests can be easily missed if you don’t explore thoroughly or interact with NPCs at the right time.
7. How do I avoid locking myself out of content? Be aware of the “point of no return” and complete all desired steps before advancing the story.
8. What are the rewards for completing NPC quests? Rewards can include unique weapons, armor, talismans, spells, and other valuable items.
9. Can I complete all NPC quests in a single playthrough? Yes, it is possible to complete all NPC quests in a single playthrough, but it requires careful planning and execution.
10. Where can I find more information about NPC quests? Visit CONDUCT.EDU.VN for detailed walkthroughs, interactive maps, and expert analysis of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.

9. Staying Updated with the Latest Elden Ring DLC Information

The world of Elden Ring is constantly evolving, with new discoveries, strategies, and secrets being uncovered every day. To stay ahead of the curve and ensure you have the most accurate and comprehensive information, it’s essential to stay updated with the latest news and resources.

9.1. Follow Official Channels

Keep an eye on the official Elden Ring social media channels, such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. These channels often release announcements, trailers, and developer updates that can provide valuable insights into the game.

9.2. Subscribe to Newsletters

Many gaming websites and communities offer newsletters that deliver the latest Elden Ring news directly to your inbox. Subscribe to these newsletters to stay informed about new content, events, and strategies.

9.3. Engage with the Community

Join online forums, communities, and Discord servers dedicated to Elden Ring. These platforms provide a space for players to share information, ask questions, and collaborate on new discoveries.

9.4. Watch Livestreams and Videos

Many experienced Elden Ring players stream their gameplay on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Watching these livestreams and videos can provide valuable insights into the game’s mechanics, strategies, and secrets.

9.5. Check CONDUCT.EDU.VN Regularly

We are committed to keeping our content up-to-date with the latest information and discoveries. Visit CONDUCT.EDU.VN regularly to find new walkthroughs, maps, analysis, and community insights.

By staying updated with the latest Elden Ring information, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC and unlock its many secrets.

10. Conclusion: Embrace the Challenge and Conquer the Shadowlands

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree presents a formidable challenge, but with the right guidance and preparation, you can conquer the Shadowlands and unlock its many secrets. By mastering NPC quests, understanding the lore, and staying updated with the latest information, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on this epic journey.

Remember, the key to success is patience, persistence, and a willingness to explore. Don’t be afraid to experiment, ask questions, and collaborate with other players. And most importantly, don’t give up!

At CONDUCT.EDU.VN, we are committed to providing you with the resources and support you need to succeed. Visit our website today to find detailed walkthroughs, interactive maps, expert analysis, and a thriving community of fellow Tarnished.

Embark on your adventure with confidence, and may the Great Runes guide you!

For more information and guidance, visit CONDUCT.EDU.VN, or contact us at 100 Ethics Plaza, Guideline City, CA 90210, United States. You can also reach us via Whatsapp at +1 (707) 555-1234. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the complex world of Elden Ring and achieve your gaming goals. Let conduct.edu.vn be your trusted companion on your journey through the Shadowlands.