Facing the frustrating reality that you can’t start Elden Ring DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, is a common hurdle for eager Tarnished; the Elden Ring game itself, developed by FromSoftware, requires specific prerequisites to unlock the downloadable content. Many players find themselves facing the issue where Melina’s absence prevents access to the Land of Shadow, thus, defeating Mohg, Lord of Blood in Mohgwyn Palace is essential. Understanding these dependencies is crucial to resolve the "can’t start Elden Ring DLC" problem and finally journey into the highly anticipated expansion.
Plunging into Darkness: Addressing the Elden Ring DLC Access Crisis
The arrival of Shadow of the Erdtree was met with unparalleled anticipation. Gamers worldwide braced themselves to return to the Lands Between, eager to explore the mysteries promised within the DLC. Yet, for a significant number of players, this triumphant return has been marred by a frustrating obstacle: the inability to access the DLC content after purchase.
The Core of the Problem: An Unreachable Shadow
The issue manifests in a few key ways. Some players find that the Land of Shadow remains tantalizingly out of reach, despite owning the expansion.
Others are encountering problems at the Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum, the intended gateway to the new content. The trigger simply isn’t working, leaving them stranded.
Still others report that their game flat-out fails to recognize the DLC purchase, as if it never happened.
A Dampered Homecoming: Understanding Player Frustration
The inability to access Shadow of the Erdtree is more than a minor inconvenience; it’s a gut-wrenching disappointment. Players have invested their time, money, and excitement into this new chapter of Elden Ring. To be met with a locked door after doing all the right things understandably generates considerable frustration. The initial euphoria quickly gives way to confusion and anger.
The promise of exploring uncharted territories, battling new formidable foes, and unraveling deeper lore hangs just out of reach. This situation robs players of the gaming experience they’ve been eagerly anticipating for months.
Charting a Course: Our Goal
The purpose of this guide is to provide clarity and concrete solutions. We aim to equip you with the knowledge and steps necessary to troubleshoot this frustrating issue. Consider it your roadmap to cut through the confusion and get you one step closer to venturing into the Land of Shadow.
We will explore a range of potential causes and provide practical fixes. Our goal is to turn this access crisis into a distant memory. Let’s navigate these troubled waters and restore your journey to the Lands Between.
Understanding the Scope: Is This a Widespread Problem?
The initial frustration of being unable to access anticipated DLC can quickly escalate into widespread concern. Is this isolated, affecting only a small fraction of players? Or is it a more systemic issue impacting a significant portion of the Elden Ring community? Quantifying and qualifying the scope of the problem is critical to understanding its severity and prioritizing potential solutions.
Gauging the Extent of the Issue: A Digital Reconnaissance
Determining the true reach of the "Can’t Start Elden Ring DLC" problem requires a comprehensive look across various digital landscapes.
Online forums, such as Reddit’s r/Eldenring and the Steam community pages, serve as valuable barometers of player sentiment and technical issues. A high volume of threads dedicated to DLC access problems signals a widespread concern. Monitoring these threads for trends, common error messages, and proposed solutions provides insight into the types of issues players are encountering.
Social media platforms, including Twitter (X), are another crucial source of information. A surge in tweets mentioning the DLC access problem, especially those directed at FromSoftware or Bandai Namco support accounts, indicates a growing issue. The use of specific hashtags related to the DLC and the access problem allows for efficient tracking of relevant conversations.
Finally, the number of support tickets filed with FromSoftware and Bandai Namco is a direct indicator of the problem’s magnitude. While the exact numbers are not publicly available, an increase in support requests related to DLC access suggests a significant portion of players are affected.
Platform Breakdown: A Tale of Three Consoles (and PC)
The "Can’t Start Elden Ring DLC" issue doesn’t necessarily affect all platforms equally. Analyzing the problem by platform reveals potential disparities in the severity and nature of the access issues.
PC Players: PC players often face unique challenges related to hardware compatibility, driver issues, and software conflicts. Reports of DLC access problems specific to PC may point to these underlying issues. The variety of PC configurations also means that solutions may be more varied and require specific troubleshooting for individual setups.
PlayStation Users: PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 players may encounter issues related to license verification, download errors, or system software compatibility. The process of restoring licenses on PlayStation is a common troubleshooting step, indicating that entitlement problems can be prevalent on this platform.
Xbox Gamers: Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One players might face access issues related to Xbox Live services, game ownership verification, or download problems. The Xbox ecosystem’s focus on digital game ownership means that problems with Microsoft’s servers or account management can impact DLC access.
Identifying which platforms are most affected allows for targeted troubleshooting and prioritization of fixes by FromSoftware.
Regional Disparities and Base Game Progress: Untangling the Web
Beyond platforms, the DLC access problem might be tied to specific geographical regions or a player’s progress within the base game.
Regional Issues: Some regions may experience delays in DLC availability due to server issues, licensing restrictions, or regional content variations. Monitoring reports from different geographical areas helps determine if the problem is localized or global.
Base Game Requirements: While FromSoftware stated that players must defeat Radahn and Mohg before accessing the DLC, confusion or oversight may still cause the problem. Players who have not met these requirements may incorrectly assume the DLC is not working when, in fact, they simply have not unlocked the access point.
Further, there may be an issue with the flag for "defeated" with either boss, that if not set to true, will prevent access to the DLC.
Investigating whether players who have completed the base game requirements are still experiencing access problems is critical to isolating the root cause.
Key Players: Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities in the Elden Ring DLC Access Issue
The initial frustration of being unable to access anticipated DLC can quickly escalate into widespread concern. Before diving into potential fixes, it’s crucial to understand the various stakeholders involved in this situation and the roles they play, both in the problem and the potential solutions. Let’s examine the key players and their impact on the "Can’t Start Elden Ring DLC" issue.
The Tarnished Masses: The Players
At the heart of the matter are the players themselves. They are the consumers who purchased the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, expecting to seamlessly access the new content. Their experience, frustration, and feedback are paramount in understanding the scope and severity of the problem. Players act as the primary data source, reporting issues, testing solutions, and driving the demand for fixes.
The Creative Visionary: Hidetaka Miyazaki
As the guiding force behind Elden Ring, Hidetaka Miyazaki’s creative vision indirectly impacts the situation. While he is not directly responsible for technical troubleshooting, his design choices and overall game philosophy influence the nature of the content and, therefore, potential compatibility issues. His legacy and the expectations he has set play a huge role in how gamers feel about this particular issue.
FromSoftware: The Development Team
The development team at FromSoftware bears the responsibility of addressing the technical issues preventing players from accessing the DLC. They are tasked with identifying the root causes, developing patches, and ensuring the seamless integration of the DLC with the base game. Their responsiveness and effectiveness are crucial in restoring player confidence.
Amplifying Voices: Online Content Creators
Streamers, YouTubers, and gaming journalists hold significant influence. Their coverage of the issue amplifies its visibility, putting pressure on developers to respond. They also serve as valuable resources for players, offering potential solutions, tutorials, and updates on the situation. The attention they bring can accelerate the resolution process.
Digital Gatekeepers: Software Distribution Platforms
Platforms like Steam, PlayStation Network, and Xbox Live are responsible for distributing the DLC and managing user entitlements. Issues with purchase verification, download errors, or account synchronization on these platforms can directly contribute to access problems. Their role in ensuring a smooth delivery process is critical.
The In-Game Trigger: Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum
Within the game world, the Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum serves as the starting point for the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. A malfunction with this in-game trigger, whether due to a bug or unmet prerequisites, can effectively block access for players. This location is crucial in the game’s overall progression.
Shadow of the Erdtree DLC: Its Own Issues
The DLC file itself could contain corrupted code or compatibility issues that prevent it from functioning correctly. Faulty files in the DLC could also be preventing the new content from properly loading. It is essential to ensure that the files themselves are functioning correctly.
Game Updates and Patches: Essential Fixes
Game updates and patches are the primary mechanisms for addressing technical issues and compatibility problems. These updates can resolve bugs, improve performance, and ensure that the DLC functions as intended. Staying up-to-date is crucial for a stable gaming experience.
Save Data: A Potential Culprit
Corrupted save data can sometimes interfere with DLC recognition. This can occur when a player’s save file is damaged, causing the game to not properly register that the DLC has been purchased. This creates issues that can cause players to lose progress or make the game unplayable.
Game Installation: Cracks in the Foundation
A corrupted game installation can lead to various issues, including problems with DLC access. This is often due to incomplete or faulty files, which can disrupt the game’s ability to recognize and integrate the DLC. Ensuring a clean and complete game install is essential for a stable gaming experience. A faulty game installation can compromise gameplay.
Compatibility: Bridging the Gap
Ensuring compatibility between the DLC and the base game is paramount. This involves addressing any technical or design disparities that may prevent the DLC from functioning correctly. It’s the developers’ responsibility to ensure seamless interaction between the original game and its expansion. Compatibility is the key to an integrated gaming experience.
Entitlement: Verifying Ownership
Entitlement refers to the user’s confirmed right to access the DLC content. Issues surrounding entitlement can arise from glitches with purchase verification, account synchronization errors, or problems with the platform’s license management system. Resolving these problems is essential to allow access to purchased content.
Troubleshooting: The Player’s Quest
Players engage in troubleshooting to resolve the access issue themselves. This process includes trying various solutions, such as verifying game files, restoring licenses, and checking in-game requirements. Troubleshooting relies heavily on player knowledge and problem-solving skills.
FromSoftware: The Development Team
FromSoftware, as the game developer, holds the ultimate responsibility for addressing and resolving the DLC access issues. This includes identifying the root causes of the problem, developing patches, and ensuring that the DLC integrates seamlessly with the base game. Their prompt and effective solutions are crucial for maintaining player trust and satisfaction. The developer must create a fix for the issue.
Customer Support (FromSoftware/Bandai Namco): The Front Lines
Customer support teams from FromSoftware and Bandai Namco Entertainment serve as the first point of contact for players experiencing problems. They provide guidance, collect data on reported issues, and escalate problems to the development team. Their responsiveness and support are crucial for managing player frustration and providing timely assistance. They serve as the first point of contact.
Game Launchers (Steam, PlayStation, Xbox): The Launchpads
Game launchers, such as Steam, PlayStation Network, and Xbox Live, play a crucial role in managing and launching the game and its DLC. These platforms are responsible for ensuring that the game and DLC are properly installed, updated, and authorized for use. Any issues with these systems can prevent players from accessing the content they have purchased. They are essential for accessing the game.
By understanding the roles and responsibilities of each of these key players, we can better navigate the complexities of the "Can’t Start Elden Ring DLC" issue and work towards a resolution that allows all players to experience the Shadow of the Erdtree.
Troubleshooting 101: Potential Causes and Fixes
Having explored the scope of the problem and identified the key stakeholders, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and dive into practical solutions. The inability to access the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC can stem from a variety of issues, ranging from simple entitlement problems to more complex compatibility or save data corruption.
Let’s systematically examine each potential cause and provide actionable troubleshooting steps.
Entitlement Issues: Verifying Your Purchase
The first and often simplest culprit is an entitlement issue. This means the game might not be correctly recognizing that you own the DLC, even after purchasing it.
Verifying your purchase is the first step. Here’s how to do it on each platform:
- Steam: Go to your Steam Library, right-click on Elden Ring, select "Properties," then "DLC." Ensure "Shadow of the Erdtree" is listed and checked.
- PlayStation: Go to "Library," select Elden Ring, and check the "Add-ons" section. If the DLC isn’t there, check your purchase history in the PlayStation Store.
- Xbox: Navigate to "My games & apps," find Elden Ring, press the "Menu" button, and select "Manage game & add-ons." Verify the DLC is installed.
If the DLC isn’t showing as purchased, check your order history on the respective platform’s store to confirm the transaction went through successfully.
If the purchase is confirmed but the game still doesn’t recognize it, try restoring licenses (PlayStation) or refreshing your game library (Steam, Xbox):
- PlayStation: Go to "Settings," "Account Management," and select "Restore Licenses."
- Steam: Restart Steam. This forces a refresh of your game library.
- Xbox: Hard reset your console by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then turning it back on.
Installation Problems: Ensuring Proper Download and Verification
A partially downloaded or corrupted DLC installation can prevent access to the new content.
- Ensure the DLC is fully downloaded and installed. Check the download status in your platform’s download manager. Sometimes a download can stall or get interrupted, requiring a restart.
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Verify the game file integrity through the launcher. This process checks for corrupted or missing files and automatically replaces them.
- Steam: Right-click on Elden Ring in your Library, select "Properties," go to "Local Files," and click "Verify integrity of game files."
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If verification doesn’t solve the issue, try reinstalling the DLC or the entire game. This is a more drastic step, but it can resolve deeper installation problems.
- Before reinstalling, back up your save data to avoid losing progress.
Compatibility Problems: Updating Your Base Game and Meeting Requirements
The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC requires a specific version of the base Elden Ring game to function correctly. Compatibility issues can also arise if your system doesn’t meet the minimum requirements.
- Ensure the base game is updated to the latest version. Game developers often release patches to fix bugs and ensure compatibility with new DLC.
- Check the minimum and recommended system requirements for the DLC, especially for PC players. This includes CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage space. Make sure your system meets these requirements.
In-Game Requirements: Meeting the Necessary Progress
The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC has specific in-game prerequisites that must be met before you can access the new content.
- Verify that you have defeated both Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood. These are essential bosses that unlock the trigger point for the DLC.
- Confirm that you are interacting with Miquella’s cocoon at the Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum after defeating Mohg. This is the portal that leads to the Land of Shadow.
- Make sure you are interacting with the correct object. The interaction prompt should appear when you are close enough.
Save Data Corruption: Testing Alternate Saves
Corrupted save data can sometimes interfere with the game’s ability to recognize DLC ownership or trigger the DLC content.
- If you have multiple save files, try loading a different save to see if the DLC can be accessed. This can help determine if the issue is specific to a particular save.
- As a last resort, consider starting a new game to see if the DLC can be accessed from the beginning. This can confirm whether the issue is related to a corrupted save or a problem with your game installation. Back up your original save files before starting a new game.
Platform-Specific Issues: Seeking Dedicated Support
Sometimes, the issue may be specific to the platform you are playing on.
- Check the official forums and support pages for your platform (Steam, PlayStation, Xbox) for any known issues or workarounds. Other players may have encountered the same problem and found a solution.
- Contact Customer Support for your platform if you are unable to resolve the issue on your own. They may be able to provide more specific guidance or escalate the issue to their technical team.
Server-Side Problems: Monitoring Online Services
In rare cases, server-side problems can prevent access to DLC content.
- Check the status of Elden Ring servers or the platform’s online services to see if there are any known outages or maintenance periods. These can sometimes temporarily affect access to DLC content.
- Follow FromSoftware’s official social media channels for updates on server status.
Hardware Issues: Ensuring Compatibility and Performance
For PC players, hardware incompatibility can sometimes be the root cause of DLC access problems.
- Ensure your hardware, particularly your GPU, meets the game’s minimum specifications.
- Outdated drivers are a common culprit. Update your graphics card drivers to the latest version.
- Keep an eye on your system’s performance during gameplay. Overheating or insufficient resources can lead to instability and prevent the DLC from loading correctly.
By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you’ll increase your chances of identifying the root cause of the problem and gaining access to the highly anticipated Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.
Staying Informed: Communication and Support Channels
Having explored the scope of the problem and identified the key stakeholders, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and dive into practical solutions. The inability to access the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC can stem from a variety of issues, ranging from simple entitlement problems to more complex compatibility conflicts. However, equally crucial to finding a fix is staying informed about the situation. Where can you find reliable information? Who should you contact if troubleshooting alone proves fruitless? Let’s explore the avenues for staying abreast of developments and securing the support you need.
Official Channels: The Primary Source of Truth
The first and arguably most important step is to monitor the official channels of FromSoftware and Bandai Namco Entertainment, the game’s developer and publisher respectively. These entities are the definitive source of truth when it comes to acknowledging issues, announcing fixes, and providing official workarounds.
Their websites should be your first port of call. Look for news sections, announcements, or dedicated support pages related to Elden Ring and the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.
Pay close attention to any official social media accounts (Twitter/X, Facebook, etc.). These platforms are often used to disseminate timely updates, especially during periods of widespread issues.
Furthermore, consider subscribing to their newsletters or email lists, if available. This ensures you receive direct notifications of important announcements without having to constantly monitor their websites or social media feeds.
While official channels are often the slowest to react initially, they provide the most accurate and trustworthy information in the long run.
Community Forums: Tapping into Collective Knowledge
Beyond official sources, community forums represent a powerful resource for gathering information and sharing experiences. Platforms like Reddit (specifically the r/Eldenring subreddit), Steam forums, and dedicated game-specific forums can be treasure troves of user-generated solutions, workarounds, and insights.
These forums allow players to share their own experiences. It’s a good place to compare notes, and potentially identify patterns that might hint at the underlying cause of the problem.
However, exercise caution when relying on community forums. Not all information shared on these platforms is accurate or reliable.
Critically evaluate the credibility of the source. Compare information from multiple users before implementing any suggested fixes. Look for solutions that are consistently reported as effective.
That said, the collective knowledge of the community can often surface temporary fixes or unconventional solutions that might not be immediately apparent from official sources.
Reporting Issues: Amplifying Your Voice
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, actively report the issue to Customer Support. Whether through FromSoftware’s official channels or the platform on which you purchased the game (Steam, PlayStation Network, Xbox Live), filing a support ticket helps to quantify the scope of the problem and prioritize its resolution.
When reporting the issue, be as detailed as possible. Include information about your platform, your game version, the troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken, and any error messages you’ve encountered. The more information you can provide, the better equipped Customer Support will be to assist you.
Even if you’ve already found a workaround, reporting the issue is still valuable. It ensures that the developers are aware of the problem and can work towards a permanent fix that addresses the root cause.
Furthermore, consider engaging with other players who are experiencing the same issue. Retweeting their posts, commenting on their forum threads, or simply acknowledging their frustration can help to amplify the collective voice and draw attention to the problem.
By staying informed, engaging with the community, and reporting your experiences, you can play an active role in helping to resolve the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC access issue and ensure that everyone can eventually experience the Land of Shadow.
FAQ: Can’t Start Elden Ring DLC? Shadow of the Erdtree Fix
What are the prerequisites to access the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC?
To access the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, you must defeat Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood in the base game. This unlocks the entrance point in Mohgwyn Palace. If you haven’t completed these, you can’t start Elden Ring DLC.
Where is the entrance to the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC located?
The entrance to the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is found in Mohgwyn Palace. Specifically, it’s at the location where you fight Mohg, Lord of Blood. Look for a cocoon-like structure. Interacting with it will trigger the DLC content. If you don’t see it, ensure Mohg is defeated.
Why does my game say “content not installed” even though I bought the DLC?
This usually means the DLC hasn’t finished downloading or properly installed. Double-check your download status in your platform’s store (PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Steam). Restarting your game or console after installation can also resolve this. If the installation is incomplete, you can’t start Elden Ring DLC.
I’ve met the requirements, but I still can’t start Elden Ring DLC. What else should I check?
Make sure your game is fully updated to the latest version. An outdated game can sometimes cause compatibility issues with DLC. Also, verify that the account you purchased the DLC with is the same one you are using to play the game. Corrupted game files can occasionally cause problems, so consider verifying the integrity of your game files through your platform’s launcher (Steam, etc.).
So, if you’ve been pulling your hair out because you can’t start Elden Ring DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, hopefully one of these solutions did the trick. Now get back out there, Tarnished, and conquer those shadows!