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

The Abyssal Woods from Elden Ring’s DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, is a land of horrors and madness. Frenzied Flame followers inhabit the woods and nightmarish creatures skulk about. It can be quite tricky to reach as you’ll need to do a bit of exploration, but should you find its entrance, you’ll be warned to turn back whence you came.

Should you heed their warnings and retreat? Or should you continue on face the madness? Read on to find out how to get to the Abyssal Woods in Elden Ring.

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

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

Starting from the Storehouse, First Floor Site of Grace, head down the elevator behind you, which will lead you back towards the main gate of the Shadow Keep.

Defeat or run past the Fire Knight, and turn to the left towards the golden boats. On the left side of the path, you’ll find a ladder leading down to a lower level of the Shadow Keep. Climb down the ladder and walk into the waterfall to reveal a hidden space.

Graphic: Johnny Yu | Source images: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Johnny Yu

Go down the ladder ahead of you and follow the path to find a room with the “Domain of Dragons” painting. On the southwestern wall, you’ll spot two torches and a seemingly ordinary wall between them. Hit the space between the two torches to reveal an illusionary wall.

Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Johnny Yu

Follow the path to find a stone coffin that will take you to the Castle Watering Hole Site of Grace.

From the Castle Watering Hole Site of Grace, head southeast to find a pathway along the rockface, which has the Recluses’ River Upstream Site of Grace. Follow the path and jump over the gaps until you can cross over to the path on your right.

Graphic: Johnny Yu | Source images: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco

Continue along the path and drop off the southern end to find the Recluses’ River Downstream Site of Grace. Look over the eastern edge of the cliff to find gravestones that lead to the bottom of the waterfall. Hop your way to the bottom and head southeast to find another set of gravestones at the edge of the cliff.

Graphic: Johnny Yu | Source images: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco

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

Images: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Johnny Yu

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