Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: How To Solve The Incursion Painting Puzzle

The Painting puzzles are back in the Elden Ring DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, and if you’re keen on solving these in-game mysteries, the Incursion Painting is one you’ll want to tackle.

Lucky for you, we’ve got a step-by-step guide on how to solve the Incursion Painting puzzle in the Land of Shadow.

Much like in the base game, each painting depicts a real location within the game’s world. You need to find that location and claim the reward. In the case of the Incursion Painting, your prize is a unique shield that’s sure to come in handy in your travels across these dangerous lands.

Where to Find the Incursion Painting Puzzle

The first step in solving the puzzle is finding the Incursion Painting itself. You’ll come across it inside the Artist’s Shack, a location that overlooks the Gravesite Plain in the Shadow of the Erdtree.

To get there, you’ll want to make your way to the Cliffroad Terminus Site of Grace, located on the western plateau of the Gravesite Plain (near Prospect Town). From here, head southeast, going up the cliffs until you reach the shack at the top.

You might not have found the Cliffroad Terminus Site of Grace yet, as it’s a little confusing to find.

Fear not, there’s another path you can take, starting at the Main Gate Cross Site of Grace in front of the Belurat Tower Settlement entrance. This is where you meet NPCs Ansbach and Moore. From this Site of Grace, go south until you find a path at the edge of the cliff that leads upward.

Once you’re inside the Artist’s Shack, approach the painting and follow the on-screen prompt to add it to your inventory.

This painting depicts a specific location in the Gravesite Plain, that you need to visit to unlock the puzzle’s reward. It’s a shield that’ll be very handy when facing some of the Furnace Golems located across the Land of Shadow.

How to Solve the Incursion Painting Puzzle

Now that you’ve got the painting, it’s time to solve the Incursion Painting puzzle. The location shown in the painting is just a short journey away.

Head northwest from the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace until you find a lake with a Ghostflame Dragon slumbering by the water’s edge.

If you’ve already defeated the dragon, this part will be a breeze. If not, be cautious. You can take it on if you’re feeling brave or just run around it. Either way, you just need to get to the west side of the lake.

Looking southwest of the lake, you should see the bridge from the painting, letting you know you’re on the right track.

Follow the slope up and look for a group of trees in the area. You should see a ghost waiting for you to approach. Get close enough and it’ll vanish, leaving behind your reward: the Serpent Crest Shield.

That’s how you solve the Incursion Painting puzzle in Shadow of the Erdtree. The Serpent Crest Shield offers 100% physical block and strong fire resistance, making it ideal for use against fire-based enemies. You do need a minimum Strength stat requirement of 12 though, so keep that in mind.

If you’re on the lookout for more Elden Ring guides, or if you need Elden Ring help with other puzzles or bosses, be sure to check out our other Shadow of the Erdtree guides. Feel free to let us know exactly what part of the game you need help with in the comments below!