How to get to the Abyssal Woods in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

By James On Jul 1, 2024

The Abyss forest by Elden Ring‘s-DLC, Shadow of the Erdtreeis a land of horror and madness. Raging Flame Minions inhabit the forests and nightmarish creatures prowl the land. It can be tricky to reach, requiring a bit of exploring, but when you find the entrance you are warned to return the way you came.

Should you heed their warnings and withdraw? Or should you press on and brave the madness? Read on to find out how to get to the abyssal woods in Old Ring.

How to get to the Abyssal Woods in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

To find the Abyssal Woods, you must first reach the Ruins of Unte, which is hidden behind an illusionary wall in the Shadow Keep.

Graphics: Johnny Yu | Image source: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Jeffrey Parkin

Starting from the Warehouse, first floor Place of gracetake the elevator down behind you, which will take you back to the main entrance of the Shadow Keep.

Defeat or run past the Fire Knight and head left towards the golden boats. On the left side of the path you will find a ladder that leads to a lower level of the Shadow Keep. Climb down the ladder and walk into the waterfall to reveal a hidden area.

Ladder leading to the hidden wall in the Shadow Tower of Shadow of the Erdtree.

Go down the ladder in front of you and follow the path to find a room with the “Domain of Dragons” painting. On the southwest wall you will see two torches and a seemingly normal wall between them. Hit the space between the two torches to reveal an illusion wall.

Hidden doorway in the Shadow Keep of Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree.

Follow the path to find a stone chest that will take you to the Castle Watering Hole Place of Mercy.

From Grace’s Castle Watering Hole Site, head southeast to find a path along the rock face, that the The upstream spot of the hermit river’s grace. Follow the path and jump over the gaps until you can cross the path on your right.

Path from the Castle Watering Hole Site of Grace to the Abyssal Woods in Elden Ring's DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree.

Continue along the path and leave the southern end to find the Recluses’ River downstream Site of Grace. Look over the eastern edge of the cliff to find gravestones leading to the bottom of the waterfall. Jump down to the bottom and head southeast to find another set of gravestones on the edge of the cliff.

Path along the Recluses' River leading to the Abyssal Woods in Elden Ring's DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree.

Make your way to the bottom of the cliff and cut through the forest to the east to find the cliff entrance Dark Light Catacombs. Progress through the Darklight Catacombs and defeat Jori, Elder Inquisitor to make it to the Abyssal forest.

Access the Darklight Catacombs and the boss, Jori, Elder Inquisitor in Elden Ring's DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree.

Looking for more Shadow of the Erdtree Guides? Check out our guides on new Old Ring DLC weapons, armor, map fragments, sites of grace and talismans. We also have location guides on where to find Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes, and an interactive Old Ring DLC map.