Shadow of the Erdtree – early weapons and armor

When you first step into the Land of Shadow in Elden Ring's massive DLC, there are many directions for you to travel in. It can feel overwhelming. Where should you go first? What should you do? What if you miss something cool?

Of course, it's a little easier to handle if you're armed to the teeth. Here are some early weapons and armor you can pick up in the opening areas of Shadow of the Erdtree — Gravesite Plain and Castle Ensis.

One of the first weapons you can pick up is also one of the easiest to miss. In the southern forests fairly close to where you spawn, there's an NPC called Logur, The Beast Claw. He's a nifty little foe, but you can break his poise easily and take him out to get access to his weapon, a Beast Claw for dexterity and bleed builds that swipes with ridiculous speed.

Defeat the Blackgaol Knight in the Western Unmarked Mausoleum, almost directly west of the Scorched Ruins.

You can pick up one of the new reverse grip swords in a small mausoleum directly north of where you fought Logur.

Head for the lake northwest of where you picked up the Backhand Blade, just past the bridge, and you'll come across the Ghostflame Dragon. Fighting the dragon is optional, as the hulking katana can be found on a corpse nearby.

Now head back to the bridge to the south and cross it. Head into the east side of the Castle Front encampment and you'll find the new weapon type in a chest.

You can farm the encampment enemies for the Messmer Knight set and Messmer Soldier set.

From the camp, head into Castle Ensis itself. Follow the main path until you come to some wooden stairs leading to a tower's top. Milady is up top.

You can find this spell around the center of Castle Ensis by climbing across the chapel roof and dropping down on the northern side. Look for a corpse.

At the end of Castle Ensis, you'll find the Lord's Chamber Site of Grace. From there, you need to jump over the eastern balcony and climb the tower, where you'll find this powerful Ash of War in a chest. Look for player messages.