Unlock Hidden Gems: A Complete TreasureBowl Tutorial for Modern Collectors
The first time I stumbled upon a TreasureBowl in Shadow of the Erdtree, I had that familiar FromSoftware moment—the one where you realize you’ve been overlooking something extraordinary. I’d just spent the better part of an hour navigating a particularly treacherous cliffside, convinced I was heading toward some grand narrative revelation, when there it was: tucked behind a crumbling statue, almost glowing with quiet significance. It’s moments like these that define the expansion for me—not just the epic boss fights or sprawling legacy dungeons, but these small, deliberate pockets of discovery. And honestly? That’s what makes Shadow of the Erdtree feel less like an expansion and more like a full-fledged game in its own right.
When I first heard about TreasureBowls, I assumed they’d function like the collectibles we’ve seen in other titles—neatly categorized, maybe tied to an achievement or two. But what I found was far more nuanced. These aren’t just items; they’re narrative anchors. Each one tells a story, whether it’s through the item description, its placement in the world, or the subtle environmental clues surrounding it. Take the Cerulean Pearl Bowl, for instance. I discovered it deep within the Shadow Keep, resting near a dormant, moss-covered golem. It didn’t just give me a useful crafting material—it hinted at a culture that valued preservation and ritual, something the main questline barely touches on. That’s the genius here: these bowls aren’t filler. They build out the world in a way that feels organic, almost secretive.
I’ve played through Shadow of the Erdtree three times now, logging roughly 80 hours in total, and I’m still finding bowls I missed the first time around. On my initial run, I probably located around 60% of them—maybe 20 out of an estimated 35. Part of what makes hunting them down so compelling is how the game subverts your expectations. You’ll be making your way through a poison swamp, bracing for an ambush, and instead you’ll find a small, sheltered alcove with a single TreasureBowl waiting. It’s those moments of calm—the ones the expansion is so good at delivering—that make the exploration so rewarding. I remember one bowl in particular, the Whispering Marble Bowl, hidden behind an illusory wall in a catacomb I’d almost written off as empty. It’s these subtle twists that keep the experience fresh, play after play.
From a collector’s standpoint, TreasureBowls also serve a very practical purpose. They often contain rare upgrade materials, unique talismans, or even spells you won’t find anywhere else. I’ve noticed that certain bowls seem to respawn under specific conditions—maybe after defeating a major boss or during a particular weather event—though I’m still testing that theory. What’s clear is that they’re integrated into the core loop of exploration and progression. If you’re the kind of player who loves to min-max your build, you can’t afford to ignore them. I’d argue that skipping the TreasureBowl hunt is like playing with one hand tied behind your back—you’ll miss out on some of the most powerful tools the DLC has to offer.
What strikes me most, though, is how the TreasureBowl mechanic reflects the broader philosophy of Shadow of the Erdtree. This isn’t a modest-sized expansion. It’s a 30-hour journey crafted by a team that clearly understands what makes their worlds so compelling. The bowls are a microcosm of that—small, intentional details that reward curiosity and persistence. They’re hidden in plain sight, waiting for you to slow down and really look. In an age where so many games handhold or over-explain, this approach feels refreshingly respectful of the player’s intelligence.
I’ll admit, I have my favorites. The Gilded Offering Bowl, found near the Grand Altar of Dominion, is one I make a beeline for on every new playthrough. It’s not just because of the rare Larval Tear it contains, but because of the vista you get when you pick it up—a sweeping, almost melancholic view of the lands you’ve yet to conquer. It’s moments like these that elevate the TreasureBowl from a simple collectible to a memorable part of the journey. And isn’t that what we’re all here for? Those hidden gems that make us pause, appreciate the artistry, and remember why we fell in love with these worlds in the first place.
So if you’re diving into Shadow of the Erdtree—or even if you’re midway through—don’t rush. Take the winding path. Peer behind that suspicious-looking tree. Check every corner of that ruin you think you’ve cleared. The TreasureBowls are more than just items; they’re invitations to engage with the world on a deeper level. And in my experience, they’re what transform a great game into an unforgettable one.
