FromSoftware’s Elden Ring is well known for its expansive and complex world full of secret locales and winding roads. The Shadow Keep Back Gate is one of these hidden locations. Although navigating the “Lands Between” can be difficult, you can easily arrive at your objective if you have the correct direction. One of the several exits from the Shadow Keep in Elden Ring’s DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, is the Back Gate, which also serves as the lone entryway to the Hinterlands.
The Scaduview Chalice and the Hinterlands, the elusive top-right of the map in the Realm of Shadow—which is necessary for the Ruins Map (2nd) in the Count Ymir questline—are just a couple of the sights you’ll see when you enter through the back gate.
You know that the only way to get to the back gate is through the Shadow Keep, but getting there is difficult in and of itself because the map doesn’t show a clear entrance.
This is a detailed walkthrough on how to reach Elden Ring’s Shadow Keep Back Gate.
Step 1: Get ready
Make sure you’re ready before you go out on your journey:
- Level Up: Make sure your character is equipped for the task at hand. Shadow Keep’s surrounding adversaries can be quite difficult to defeat.
- Assemble the Correct Equipment: The appropriate armour and weaponry can make a big impact. Think about purchasing gear that improves your defence and agility.
- Invest on Extra Consumables: Bring plenty of healing items and status effect cures.
Step 2: The closest location of Grace is the starting point
Start at the closest Site of Grace to start your adventure. If you haven’t already, try searching for:
- The Way to Shadow Keep is not too far from this Site of Grace, which is known as the Lost Grace of Shadow Ridge. If you still haven’t located it, look around you until you do.
Step 3: Traversing the Terrain
Proceed as follows from the Shadow Ridge Site of Grace:
- Go West: Continue westward until you come to a thick forest.
- Step into the Forest: Proceed cautiously through the woodland. Watch out for ambushes and covert adversaries.
- Track Down the Secret Trail: Find a narrower, less-traveled trail near the forest’s western boundary. Stones that glimmer just a little bit indicate this way.
Step 4: Coming Against Opponents
Along the secret trail, you will come across a variety of adversaries, including:
- Wolves and Forest Spirits: If you don’t deal with these monsters right away, they may overrun you. Use ranged assaults and crowd control strategies to reduce their numbers before they get to you.
- Forest Sentinel: Path is guarded by a mini-boss named Forest Sentinel. This opponent moves slowly yet may launch devastating assaults. Avoid its blows and target its weak spots.
Step 5: Making It to the Shadow Keep
After overcoming the adversaries, you will arrive at Shadow Keep’s base:
- Ascend the Hill: Climb the hill by taking the narrow path. It becomes a more hazardous and steep terrain.
- Find the Back Gate: The main entrance to Shadow Keep will be strongly guarded as you get closer to the summit. Disregard this and continue around the structure to find the less conspicuous back gate.
Step 6: Opening the Rear Gate
The rear gate is secured and needs a particular key:
- Locate the Shadow Key: The Shadow Key is required to open the back gate. This key is concealed in a cave close to the hill’s base. Search for a hidden entryway indicated by peculiar rock formations.
- Defeat the Cave Guardian: There is a guardian inside the cave. To obtain the Shadow Key, defeat it.
Step 7: Stepping Into the Shadow Hold on
Return to the back gate after obtaining the Shadow Key:
- Unlock the Gate: To enter Shadow Keep, use the key to open the back gate.
- Get Ready for Difficulties: Shadow Keep’s interior is rife with traps and strong enemies. Proceed with caution and make careful explorations to uncover valuable loot and lore.
Success Advice
- Patience is Key: Elden Ring rewards thorough exploration, but patience is key. Spend some time planning your movements and observing your surroundings.
- Employ Stealth: In some situations, using stealth can help you avoid pointless conflicts and save resources.
- Recognise Enemy Trends: Every adversary has a unique way of attacking. Acquiring these skills will enable you to counterattack and evade more skillfully.
You can successfully enter the Shadow Keep Back Gate and carry on with your journey in Elden Ring by according to this guide. Good travelling, Tarnished!