Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is full of mysteries, and one of the first you’ll encounter after defeating Divine Beast Dancing Lion is in Belurat, Tower Settlement. Upon defeating this formidable foe, a gate opens, allowing you to ascend to the Tower of Shadow.
This tower, shrouded in darkness and blocked by black thorns, presents an obstacle. A letter from Needle Knight Leda reveals the tower has been sealed by shadow, and another path must be found. The note concludes, “I will follow the crosses east,” indicating that you need to head towards Castle Ensis to continue on Miquella’s trail. Here’s how to remove the seal and enter the Tower of Shadow.
Steps to Enter the Tower of Shadow
Tower of Shadow Overview:
Accessing the Tower of Shadow is crucial to the storyline in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. According to Needle Knight Leda, it is where the Gate of Divinity lies and where Miquella has gone. Messages from Leda and her followers reveal that the tower is sealed by a tree located in the Ancient Ruins of Rauh, which must be burned with special kindling from Messmer, a descendant of Queen Marika.
Path to Enter the Tower of Shadow:
Go to Castle Ensis:
Defeat Rellana, Twin Moon Knight, to open the path to Scadu Atlas.
Head to the Shadow Keep:
Ride north from Highroad Cross, through the enemy camp, to the Shadow Keep.
Defeat the Golden Hippopotamus guarding the Main Gate Plaza to progress further.
Alternatively, follow Miquella’s Crosses east to Moorth Ruins, find the hole leading to Bonny Village, and detour to the Church District of the Shadow Keep, bypassing the Golden Hippopotamus fight.
Reach the Dark Chamber of the Shadow Keep:
Defeat Messmer the Impaler to obtain Messmer’s Kindling.
Enter the Ancient Ruins of Rauh:
From the West Ramparts of the Shadow Keep, proceed to the Church of the Bud.
Defeat Romina, Saint of the Bud.
Burn the Sealing Tree:
Use Messmer’s Kindling on the sealing tree at the back of the church.Once the tree is burned, the Tower of Shadow (Enir-Ilim) will be revealed. You’ll be transported to its outer wall with a Site of Grace, allowing access to this Legacy Dungeon without needing to fight the Divine Beast Dancing Lion initially.
Alternative Entry:
After burning the tree, you can either face the bird warrior on the outer wall or return to the Theatre of the Divine Beast Site of Grace and head back up the lift and stairs. The previously blocked tower gateway will now be open, leading to a lift that takes you to the First Rise Site of Grace.
With access to the Tower of Shadow (Enir-Ilim) secured, you’re ready to uncover the fate of Miquella’s followers and face the challenges at the Gate of Divinity at the top of the tower. Enjoy the adventure! Defeat it and you’ll be rewarded with generous Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring Items.
