Elden Ring has always given you the freedom to explore at your own pace, and the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is no different.

Whether you prefer collecting every Map Fragment before diving into your adventure, fighting bosses, or hunting down specific items, this DLC lets you skip much of the beginning if you want.

Before we continue, a warning: there are spoilers for some early to mid-game locations, but none for major bosses or story events.

Proceed with caution!

Now, let’s look at how you can bypass Castle Ensis and Rellana entirely and get to Scadu Altus early in “Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree.

How to Skip Rellana & Get to Scadu Altus Early in Shadow of the Erdtree?

If you want to speed through Shadow of the Erdtree – whether you’re on a New Game or aiming for a speedrun, or just eager to explore new areas, you can skip Rellana entirely and reach Scadu Altus early.

Here’s How to Skip Rellana & Get to Scadu Altus Early in Shadow of the Erdtree:

1. Find Ellac River Cave: Start at the Castle Front Site of Grace (in front of Castle Ensis) and head southeast. Your map will show several routes, but you want the middle one. Heading left leads to Thiollier and one of Miquella’s Crosses, while heading right takes you to the Ruined Lava Forge Intake or Dragon’s Pit.
2. Navigate the Poison Swamp: Continue along the middle route until you reach a small poison swamp with a Miranda Bloom in the distance. To find a closer Site of Grace and the south Map Fragment, go left past the Miranda to a cave guarded by another Miranda. This is where the Ellac River Site of Grace is located.
3. Unseal the Spiritspring: Return to where you first entered the poison swamp and go right of the Miranda Bloom. You’ll find a Sealed Spiritspring. Platform up the rocks in front of it and attack the stack of stones to unseal it. Use the Spiritspring.
4. Reach the Fort of Reprimand: A second Spiritspring will be just ahead. Use it to land in the Fort of Reprimand, with the Behind the Fort of Reprimand Site of Grace in front of you. Explore the fort for loot, Spirit Ashes, and the Black Knight Edredd boss.
5. Quick Route to Scadu Altus: For the fastest path to Scadu Altus, go up the stairs and take a left. Jump across the gap where the Omenkiller is to quickly reach the Fort of Reprimand Site of Grace. From here, jump down into the courtyard on your left, avoiding the sewer area (which contains the Messmer Soldier Spirit Ashes and a Shadow Realm Rune). Exit the fort to your right to find the Moorth Highway South Site of Grace.
6. Proceed North: Head through the small cave to the north, where you’ll encounter another Ghostflame Dragon. Continue north to reach Moorth Ruins. Keep going north, following the path, to arrive at the back of Castle Ensis and the Highroad Cross.

By following these steps, you shouldn’t need to Beat Rellana and quickly make your way to Scadu Altus in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree.