Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree — A Masterpiece Expanded

A DLC That Feels Like a Full Game

When FromSoftware announced Shadow of the Erdtree, the gaming world held its collective breath. Elden Ring had already cemented itself as one of the greatest games of all time, winning Game of the Year at virtually every major awards ceremony and selling over 25 million copies. How do you expand upon perfection? As it turns out, you create something that rivals the original in ambition, scope, and sheer quality.

Shadow of the Erdtree takes players to the Land of Shadow, a realm hidden from the Lands Between that holds the secrets of Queen Marika's past. This isn't some recycled area with a new coat of paint — it's an entirely new map that rivals many standalone open-world games in size and density. From the moment you step into the Realm of Shadow, it's clear that FromSoftware has once again raised the bar for what downloadable content can be.

The new area is breathtaking in its variety. You'll traverse scorched wastelands, explore ancient ruins overgrown with otherworldly flora, navigate treacherous mountain paths, and delve into dungeons that are some of the most intricately designed spaces in any Souls game. The vertical design is particularly impressive, with the map featuring multiple stacked layers that reward exploration in ways the base game couldn't quite achieve.

Combat Evolved

Shadow of the Erdtree introduces eight new weapon categories, each feeling distinct and satisfying. The Throwing Blades offer a unique hybrid approach between melee and ranged combat, while the new Great Katana class provides a middle ground between the speed of katanas and the devastating power of colossal weapons. The Dueling Shields, which allow you to attack with your shield while maintaining defense, are perhaps the most creative addition, opening up entirely new build possibilities.

The DLC also introduces the Scadutree Fragment system — a new progression mechanic that functions as a separate leveling system within the expansion. As you explore the Land of Shadow, you'll find these fragments that boost your attack and defense specifically within the DLC. This elegant solution means that even veteran players with maxed-out characters will feel a sense of progression, while also ensuring that the DLC's difficulty remains challenging regardless of your base game level.

Boss design reaches new heights in Shadow of the Erdtree. Without venturing into spoiler territory, there are over 10 major boss encounters, and several would rank among the best in FromSoftware's entire catalog. The final boss, in particular, is a grueling, multi-phase spectacle that demands mastery of every skill the game has taught you. It took us over 30 attempts, and the sense of accomplishment upon victory was unmatched by anything else we played this year.

A World Rich in Lore

The narrative of Shadow of the Erdtree is perhaps its most surprising strength. While Elden Ring's base game told its story primarily through item descriptions and environmental storytelling, the DLC takes a more direct approach. You'll follow in the footsteps of Miquella, one of the most enigmatic characters in the base game, and the revelations about his true nature and motivations add incredible depth to the overarching mythology.

New NPCs are memorable and well-written. Characters like Needle Knight Leda and the mysterious Hornsent provide engaging quest lines that intertwine with the main narrative in meaningful ways. The voice acting is stellar, and several emotional moments caught us genuinely off guard — a rarity in Souls-like storytelling.

Technical Performance

Performance has been a consistent concern for Elden Ring, particularly on PC. We're pleased to report that Shadow of the Erdtree runs smoothly for the most part, though there are occasional stutters in the most densely populated areas. On PS5 and Xbox Series X, the experience is largely rock-solid, maintaining a consistent 60fps in performance mode. The new areas are graphically stunning, with some of the best lighting and particle effects FromSoftware has ever produced.

The Verdict

Shadow of the Erdtree is not just the best DLC FromSoftware has ever made — it's one of the best expansions in gaming history. It takes everything that made Elden Ring special and amplifies it. The world is more intricate, the bosses are more memorable, and the moment-to-moment gameplay is more refined. At 40+ hours of content for a DLC price, the value proposition is staggering.

This is essential content for anyone who loved Elden Ring, and a masterful demonstration of how to expand upon an already legendary game. Shadow of the Erdtree doesn't just live in the shadow of the Erdtree — it stands tall as a monument to FromSoftware's unparalleled craft.

"Shadow of the Erdtree is FromSoftware's love letter to the players who made Elden Ring a phenomenon. It's bigger, bolder, and more emotionally resonant than we ever expected."