When you create arguably the best open-world action-RPG in video game history, it’s understandable to take time to deliver quality expansion content. Elden Ring, released over two years ago, remains one of the most critically acclaimed games ever. Despite this, fans have eagerly awaited additional content to deepen their experience within this vast universe. Unlike many modern games that monetize through pre-established DLC plans or season passes, Bandai Namco and FromSoftware have taken a different approach with Elden Ring. There’s been no exploitation of the player base; instead, for a single purchase, players gained access to a rich, interconnected multiplayer world where they could engage in cooperative or PvP gameplay—or simply immerse themselves in a solo adventure that remains captivating even after hundreds of hours.
Shadow of the Erdtree Feels Like a True Expansion From Another Era
The announcement of Shadow of the Erdtree as a full-on expansion to Elden Ring promised a substantial addition to an already expansive game. With its release, Elden Ring enthusiasts have received more of what made the base game extraordinary, albeit condensed into a more focused setting. Given the sprawling nature of Elden Ring, this reduction in scale feels appropriate, enhancing the depth and narrative density without overwhelming players.
FromSoftware has spared no effort in crafting Shadow of the Erdtree. The expansion introduces new storylines that delve deeper into the lore, enriching both main quests and side missions with fresh narratives that build upon the intriguing aspects of the base game. Players are treated to new challenges, enemies, and environments that expand the already intricate world of Elden Ring, ensuring that every corner of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC feels meticulously designed and purposeful.
Players have a great reason to rediscover everything great about Elden Ring
Exploring Shadow of the Erdtree feels like rediscovering the magic of Elden Ring all over again. The expansion doesn’t just recycle old content; it revitalizes the experience with innovative gameplay mechanics and refined storytelling. Whether you’re unearthing hidden secrets in forgotten ruins, braving treacherous dungeons, or confronting formidable bosses, each encounter feels meticulously crafted to test your skills and immerse you in the hauntingly beautiful world of Elden Ring.
Moreover, Shadow of the Erdtree enhances the multiplayer experience introduced in the base game. Cooperative play remains seamless and rewarding, allowing players to team up against challenging foes or explore the new content together. PvP enthusiasts will find renewed vigor in the expanded arsenal and build possibilities ensuring that competitive gameplay remains as engaging as ever.
Some new mechanics include a new leveling system built specifically for this content
Not much has changed in terms of the core mechanics of Elden Ring from a combat standpoint. There are quite a few new weapons, spells, talismans, items, and other goodies that allow you to experiment with what seems like an infinite number of builds or stick to your tried and true methods that got you to this point. Since it has been two years since the release of the game, players have had plenty of time to max out their characters and become overpowered for this type of content. With that in mind, FromSoftware has introduced a new mechanic into the game that allows you to pick up Scadutree Blessings, which scale the difficulty of the DLC by increasing your attack power and negating damage take. If FromSoftware aimed to provide players with a challenge, they’ve achieved it with Shadow of the Erdtree. The DLC challenges players of every skill level, whether they barely scraped by beating Mohg and Malenia or have repeatedly conquered them on NG+.
As an Elden Ring PC player, I have to say that I am a little disappointed by the performance of the game. Even on a higher-end rig, the DLC seems to perform more poorly than the base game, with issues such as textures popping in and massive frame rate drops at different points. Such issues do detract from the near-perfect open-world formula that From Software has created here. Given the variety of possible PC configurations out there, it’s hard to determine how widespread these issues are or if I simply had bad luck with my GPU and CPU combination. That said, even these hiccups barely put a chink in the armor of this superb action-RPG.
From Software just keeps getting better in the art department
Visually and atmospherically, Shadow of the Erdtree maintains the high standards set by Elden Ring. FromSoftware’s trademark attention to detail is evident in every shadowy corridor, ancient ruin, and towering citadel. The DLC’s environments evoke a sense of awe and mystery, beckoning players to unravel their secrets and marvel at their haunting beauty. Featuring some of the best skyboxes and backdrops in gaming, the new area, the Shadow Realm, is both breathtaking and foreboding. The DLC area is expansive and diverse in its environments, from lush landscapes to ominous locations. And true to their reputation for creating some of the most challenging bosses in video games, FromSoftware did not hold back in this regard. While the main story content features only a handful of mandatory bosses, there is a diverse roster of new adversaries to encounter in exploration and side missions alike.
The Verdict
Overall, Shadow of the Erdtree stands as a testament to FromSoftware’s commitment to quality and innovation. It not only meets but exceeds the expectations set by Elden Ring fans, offering a compelling expansion that enriches the lore, gameplay, and overall experience. While the technical hiccups that we encountered and the feeling that the new leveling system isn’t quite dialed in for players of all walks in terms of difficulty, it still feels like more than we could’ve asked for. For fans eagerly awaiting more from the Elden Ring universe, this DLC is a definitive must-play, showcasing the studio’s ability to craft immersive worlds and unforgettable adventures even in this smaller form. With Shadow of the Erdtree, FromSoftware reaffirms its position as a master of the action-RPG genre, delivering an expansion that is both captivating and enriching, ensuring that the legacy of Elden Ring continues to grow.
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