Trying to achieve everything in a single playthrough of Elden Ring demands well over 150 hours. With the announcement of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, players trying their luck in the new game plus might want to complete their journey as quickly as possible.

However, those who do not wish to challenge every field boss, explore every cryptic dungeon, and are comfortable skipping some main bosses can complete the new game plus journey in a comparatively short time. Outlined below is a streamlined progression path that players can follow to meet the necessary requirements and beat the new game plus in Elden Ring.

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Preparation Before Embarking On New Game Plus

Character visiting smithing master Hewg in Elden Ring

Players preparing to dive into a new journey in Elden Ring and take on the dangers of the Lands Between a second time must consider the following:

  • Ensure that the player-character is at least above level 150.
  • Players are advised to upgrade their favorite weapon at the Roundtable Hold.
  • Players may also want to upgrade their favorite spirit summon while they are in the Roundtable Hold.
  • Reallocation of character attributes may be required to meet specific build needs.

This should set players up for a comfortable new game plus experience.

It's recommended to pursue White Mask Varre's questline to acquire the Pureblood Knight's Medal , which allows the player to teleport to the Moghwyn Palace . This is the exact location they'll need to be to kick off the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.

Acquire Two Great Runes in Elden Ring

Since reaching the end game only requires the possession of two great runes, two early bosses that drop great runes upon defeat are Godrick and Renalla:

Acquiring First Great Rune

Godrick, the Grafted challenges the Tarnished

After spawning at the Stranded Graveyard, players are advised to bolt straight to the Stormveil Castle, where they'll need to challenge and defeat Margit, the Fell Omen.

Next, they'll need to reach the end of the castle to face off against Godrick the Grafted . Defeating Godrick rewards players with Godrick's Great Rune .

Acquiring Second Great Rune

Rennalla, Queen of the Full Moon challenges the Tarnished

Players can now transition to Liurnia of the Lakes and must chart their path to Raya Lucaria. Gaining access to Raya Lucaria involves picking up the Glintstone Academy Key from under Glintstone Dragon Smarag.

After gaining access to Raya Lucaria, players are advised to reach the Grand Library. Along the way, they must also defeat the Red Wolf of Radagon in the Debate Parlor before proceeding to defeat Renalla, Queen of the Full Moon in the Grand Library.

Defeating Renalla of the Full Moon rewards players with the second great rune — the Great Rune of the Unborn .

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Reach Altus Plateau

Player takes the Grand Lift of Dectus to reach the Altus Plateau

The next destination on this journey involves traveling to the Altus Plateau. There are three ways players can reach this location:

  • Grant Lift of Dectus: Acquire both halves of the Dectus medallion and activate the Grand Lift of Dectus. This is among the easiest methods, requiring minimal combat in exchange for time-consuming exploration.
  • Ruin-Strewn Precipice Dungeon: The Ruin-Strewn Precipice in Liurnia of the Lakes provides an alternative but moderately challenging route to the Altus Plateau. The Ruin-Strewn precipice is a huge dungeon with a Magma Wyrm Makar guarding its exit. Defeating the Magma Wyrm, players gain access to a ladder that leads straight to the Altus Plateau.
  • Abductor Virgin: The third approach to reach the Altus Plateau involves submitting the player character to the Abductor Virgin at Raya Lucaria. The Abductor Virgin transports the player to the Volcano Manor on Mt. Gelmir. While this is the quickest way to reach the Plateau, it's equally challenging as players must defeat two Abductor Virgins before exiting the manor.

Defeat Morgott, The Omen King

Tarnished confronts Margott, the Omen King in Elden Ring

After reaching the Altus Plateau, players are advised to head straight for the Leyndell Capital. Players must, however, defeat two mandatory enemies before facing off against Morgott, the Omen King:

  • Draconic Tree Sentinel: The Draconic Tree Sentinel is a field boss guarding the entrance to Leyndell Capital.
  • Godfrey, First Elden Lord: Upon reaching the Erdtree Sanctuary, the players must prepare for an ambush by the spectral version of Godfrey. Defeating Godfrey, the First Elden Lord, opens the path to the Elden Throne.

Once at the Elden Throne, players must challenge and defeat Morgott, the Omen King, before setting off to burn the Erdtree.

Reach Mountaintops of the Giants

Tarnished witnesses fallen Gaints on the Mountaintops of the Giants in Elden Ring

Having defeated Morgott, the Omen King, players can rest at a site of grace and speak to Melina, who gives the Rold medallion to the Tarnished. The Rold Medallion enables the player to activate the Grand Lift of Rold, taking them to the Mountaintops of the Giants.

Accessing the Grand Lift of Rold requires traveling through the Forbidden Lands. Players can blaze past everything in this location, as there are no mandatory bosses blocking the Tarnished's path.

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Defeat The Fire Giant & Burn The Erdtree

Fire Giant rips off his leg in Elden Ring

A long ride to the east of the Mountaintops of the Giants awaits players after they disembark off the Grand Lift of Rold. To the very east of the Mountaintops of the Giants is a colossal boss, the Fire Giant, blocking access to the Forge of the Giants.

Players must defeat the Fire Giant before making their way to the top of the forge, where they must request Melina to burn the Erdtree.

Defeat Maliketh The Black Blade

Tarnished confronts Maliketh, The Black Blade in Elden Ring

With the Erdtree burnt, the player will be transported to the Crumbling Farum Azula, where they must find and defeat Maliketh, the Black Blade.

There's just one mandatory boss fight players must overcome before reaching Maliketh — the Godskin Duo.

Defeating Maliketh, the Black Blade frees the rune of death, allowing the player to bestow true death upon Radagon and the Elden Beast.

Defeat Radagon & Elden Beast

Radagon and Elden Beast Showcased for Elden Ring

Having defeated Maliketh, players will be teleported back to Leyndell, which is now turned into the Capital of Ash.

Reaching the Erdtree Sanctuary, players will confront Sir Gideon Ofnir, the All-Knowing. Defeating Sir Gideon allows players to reach the Elden Throne, where they must challenge Godfrey, the First Elden Lord — this time in the flesh.

With the defeat of Godfrey, First Elden Lord , players can now enter the Erdtree and challenge Radagon of the Golden Order, followed by the Elden Beast, ultimately completing their new game plus journey.