Paintings are back in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. As in the base game, players can come across gorgeous vistas depicting actual locations in the Land of Shadow. If you can find that location, you’ll be rewarded with fantastical riches! Or in the case of the Incursion Painting, a really cool shield.
You’ll be able to solve the Incursion Painting puzzle soon after arriving in the Land of Shadow. All you need to do is climb up to the Artist’s Shack overlooking the Gravesite Plain, then head to the depicted location at the northern edge of the Gravesite Plain.
Finding The Artist’s Shack
Your first task in solving the puzzle is finding the Incursion Painting in the Artist’s Shack.
Starting from the Cliffroad Terminus site of grace, head southeast until you reach the top of the cliff overlooking the Cerulean Coast. It'll be at the very top of the mountain beyond several lighting rams and a few Bloodfiends (and their attendant bloodhounds).
If you haven't yet reached the Cliffroad Terminus site of grace, start at the Main Gate Cross site of grace and then head south until you reach a path that takes you up the cliff facing the sea.
Once you find the Artist’s Shack, head inside and interact with the painting. It shows a location that’s actually not too far from you on the Gravesite Plain.
Finding The Incursion Painting Location
To find the spot shown in the Incursion Painting, head to the Greatbridge North site of grace and then head west just past the lake with the sleeping dragon.
Head slightly south to avoid waking the Ghostflame Dragon if you haven't already killed it. If you'd like to, we've got a few pointers here .
You're looking for a ghost who will be just beyond a few trees near the top of the small hill at the south end of the lake. The ghost is invisible until you get enough, and once you get within spitting distance, the ghost will disappear leaving behind your reward: the Serpent Crest Shield.
The Serpent Crest Shield is an excellent medium shield that provides 100 physical guard, great guard boost, and excellent fire protection. It's not great for magic, lightning, or holy damage, however, and it's fairly weighty with a strength requirement of 12.
If you need something that offers decent protection and isn't a Brass Shield, you can't go wrong with the Serpent Crest Shield.
