Scholar and Undertaker are the two Nightfarers added in the Elden Ring Nightreign DLC. Unlocking Scholar and Undertaker is the first major task in the Forsaken Hollows DLC. These two Nightfarers open access to the new expedition line and the Shifting Earth events. The process is straightforward once you know each trigger, but the game does not clearly explain the steps. Follow this complete guide to unlock both Nightfarers without missing anything.

1. Install The Forsaken Hollows DLC

Roundtable Hold Elden Ring Nightreign

Before any unlock sequence can begin, the game must detect the DLC content. Even if you already own the Deluxe Edition, the Forsaken Hollows pack may still need to be manually installed.

1. Check your platform’s add-ons page and confirm The Forsaken Hollows is installed.
2. Restart the game after installation so Roundtable Hold triggers load correctly.
3. Load your character and confirm that the DLC title screen appears.

2. Defeat Tricephalos (Gladius, Beast of Night)

To play the Forsaken Hollows and unlock the new Nightfarers first, you need to make sure the Tricephalos(Gladius) expedition has been completed. This boss acts as the story gatekeeper, and the Roundtable NPCs will not update until it is defeated.

1. Begin the Nightlord expedition that ends with Tricephalos.
2. Defeat the boss or complete the expedition results screen.
3. Reload your game if the Roundtable Hold does not update immediately.

3. Return to Roundtable Hold

After Tricephalos is completed, the Roundtable Hold gains new NPC dialogue; Iron Menial will appear with a message that points you to the Small Jar Merchant. This conversation is the trigger that tells the game to open the next door and begin the chapel sequence.

1. Return to Roundtable Hold.
2. Find Iron Menial, who now appears with updated dialogue.
3. Listen to his message about the Small Jar Merchant waiting for you.

4. Talk to the Small Jar Merchant

Small Jar Merchant Elden Ring Nightreign

The Small Jar Merchant is the NPC you need to talk to trigger the Nightfarers quest. After talking with him, he will move to a sealed door in the west wing of the Roundtable Hold. 

1. Go to the west wing where the Small Jar Merchant sits.
2. Talk to the merchant until the dialogue ends, and he motions toward the door.
3. Stand in front of the door and press the interact prompt to begin the event.

NOTE: Be sure to exhaust all the dialogues of Small Jar Merchants in the west wing; otherwise, the sealed door interaction and event will not trigger.

5. Fight Dreglord

Dreglord Fight

Opening that door places you in the arena where Scholar and Undertaker are already fighting the Dreglord. The meeting is intended as an intro and is not meant to be a standard boss fight. You do not need to win this scripted encounter — even if you manage to defeat Dreglord here, you will not unlock any achievement or reward.

6. Talk to the Scholar and Undertaker

Talking to Scholar

After the Dreglord fight, the door becomes a proper entrance to the chapel interior, where both new Nightfarers are present. Speaking to both characters registers them as unlocked Nightfarers and adds them to your DLC roster so you can play them and continue DLC quests.

1. Re-enter the open door to access the full chapel room.
2. Approach Scholar and speak to him.
3. Approach the Undertaker and speak to her.
4. Confirm both are added to your Nightfarer roster while starting an expedition.

7. What You Unlock with Forsaken Hollows DLC 

Unlocking Scholar and Undertaker opens the DLC’s expedition line: the Balancers and Dreglord boss will become available, and the DLC’s Shifting Earth event, the Great Hollows, will begin. The Great Hollows is the Forsaken Hollows’ map/event chain (new zones, crystals/events, and bosses) you must complete to progress the DLC storyline. 

• The Balancers and Dreglord expedition appears on your expedition list.
• The Great Hollows event (DLC Shifting Earth) begins, and new map areas unlock.

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