After triumphing over the Divine Beast Dancing Lion in Belurat, Tower Settlement, a significant challenge in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Tarnished may find themselves at a crossroads, unsure of the next destination. The elevator beyond the boss arena leads to a seemingly impassable doorway, blocked by ominous shadowy vines, creating a sense of being stuck. Many players wonder, “Where do I go after the Dancing Lion?”.
This guide will illuminate the pathways forward, detailing the primary intended route and also unveiling hidden alternative paths to new and exciting areas within the Shadow of the Erdtree. While that vine-covered passage remains sealed initially, progression through the main narrative and achieving certain milestones will eventually unlock it.
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Navigating Your Path After the Dancing Lion Boss Fight
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Upon defeating the formidable Divine Beast Dancing Lion, you’ll discover there are primarily four distinct paths available to explore in Shadow of the Erdtree. Each route offers unique challenges, environments, and opportunities for progression. Let’s delve into each of these options to help you decide where to venture next.
1. Venturing Towards Castle Ensis: The Main Story Path
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To follow the most direct route of the main storyline after the Dancing Lion, head northeast from the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace. This is the location where you first encounter Needle Knight Leda near Miquella’s Cross. Continue towards the Ellac Greatbridge. Crossing this bridge will lead you directly into Castle Ensis.
Castle Ensis serves as the second major area within the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Here, you will face Rellana, Twin Moon Knight, another significant boss encounter. Overcoming Rellana is crucial as it unlocks the main path leading to Scadu Altus. Progressing through Scadu Altus will eventually guide you inland towards the imposing Shadow Keep, the domain of Messmer the Impaler, a key figure in the DLC’s narrative. Castle Ensis is therefore a vital step for players looking to advance the core story of Shadow of the Erdtree.
2. Exploring Jagged Peak: A Southern Route to New Discoveries
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For players seeking a different direction after Castle Ensis, exploring Jagged Peak offers an expansive southern route. To reach Jagged Peak, follow the road south from Castle Ensis until you arrive at the Dragon’s Pit cave. This cave is a dungeon in itself, culminating in a boss fight against the Ancient Dragon-Man. Defeating this boss grants access to the Jagged Peak region.
Jagged Peak is a branching area with multiple paths to explore. Heading north will lead you to a challenging encounter with Bayle the Dread, another optional boss fight. Alternatively, venturing south opens up a significant portion of the map, leading to locations like the Grand Altar of Dragon Communion, Charo’s Hidden Grave, the Cerulean Coast, and the Southern Shore Map Fragment. This southern route effectively unlocks the entire lower section of the Shadow of the Erdtree map, offering a wealth of exploration and content. If you intend to challenge Bayle the Dread, consider speaking to the Priestess at the Great Altar of Dragon Communion beforehand, as she provides a questline that can reward you with the ability to transform into a dragon after defeating Bayle.
3. Bypassing Castle Ensis: Direct Path to Scadu Altus via Spiritspring
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For those who prefer to skip Castle Ensis or explore Scadu Altus earlier, there’s a way to bypass the castle altogether. South of the Castle Front Site of Grace, you can discover a sealed spiritspring. Unlocking this spiritspring provides direct access to Scadu Altus.
The spiritspring will launch you to a section of the Fort of Reprimand that is normally inaccessible, placing you near the Behind the Fort of Reprimand Site of Grace. From here, carefully descend into the Ramparts and proceed to the main Fort entrance. Using the front door of the Fort will lead you directly into Scadu Altus. Just north of the Fort entrance, you may encounter a battle between Messmer’s soldiers and a Ghostflame Dragon. Defeating this dragon yields valuable rewards, including a Dragon Heart and a Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone. Alternatively, you can avoid this fight by sticking to the outskirts while riding Torrent, your spectral steed. This route offers a quicker way to reach Scadu Altus, bypassing the challenges of Castle Ensis.
4. Ancient Ruins of Rauh: A Late-Game Destination
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It is also possible to reach the Ancient Ruins of Rauh directly from Scadu Altus via a hidden path, even without defeating any major bosses after the Dancing Lion. However, be warned: the Ancient Ruins of Rauh are designed as a late-game area. Enemies here are significantly stronger and are intended for players who have already collected a substantial amount of Scadutree Fragments to increase their Shadow Realm Blessing level.
The Ancient Ruins of Rauh are best approached after you have progressed further in the main story and ideally after you have defeated Messmer the Impaler in the Shadow Keep. Attempting this area prematurely might lead to a very difficult experience if your character is not sufficiently prepared. Consider exploring other areas first to gather resources and strengthen your character before venturing into the Ancient Ruins of Rauh.
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