Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Review
When I first entered the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion in Elden Ring, I felt confident and well-prepared, having conquered formidable opponents like Malenia, Mohg, Placidusax, and the Elden Beast.
My character, at level 150, was equipped with fully upgraded gear and the maximum number of flasks. However, I quickly realized that the Realm of Shadow was a humbling experience that challenged every aspect of my skill and preparation.
While the only requirement to access this new area is to defeat Radahn and Mohg—no small task in itself—you will want to be exceptionally prepared before stepping into this brutal new territory.
FromSoftware masterfully balances the line between fair and punishing in its boss designs, providing players with some of the most thrilling and satisfying battles in the Soulslike genre.
The Challenges and Rewards of the Realm
The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion is not only distinguished by the quality of its encounters but also by their abundance. With over 40 bosses to defeat, including 10 major battles that grant a Remembrance upon victory, the DLC offers a significant amount of content.
In comparison to the base game’s roster of over 238 bosses, this expansion represents a substantial addition to the Elden Ring experience.
The Expansive and Layered World of the Realm of Shadow
At first glance, the map of the Realm of Shadow may seem modest in size, but its true complexity lies in its dense and multi-layered structure. The world is intricately designed, with pathways that lead to ruins suspended in the sky, subterranean depths, and unexpected directions that invite exploration beyond conventional boundaries.
Hidden ladders and concealed passages often lead to entirely new and otherwise inaccessible areas, rewarding curiosity and exploration with rich discoveries.
Despite the vastness and complexity of the Realm, the game’s design ensures players are never truly lost or uncertain of their next steps. The main quest revolves around tracing the footsteps of the demigod Miquella, who abandoned his physical form to journey into the Realm of Shadow.
These footsteps are marked by large, elegantly placed crosses that serve as subtle indicators of plot-critical paths, guiding players without hand-holding and allowing for organic progression through the narrative.
New Characters and Rich Lore
In addition to the main storyline, players will encounter a host of new NPCs, including seven followers of Miquella who play integral roles throughout the journey. Each character presents unique questlines that intertwine with the main narrative, and these interactions can influence later boss battles based on the player’s choices.
While I consider myself a casual fan of Elden Ring’s lore compared to some of the dedicated scholars, even my limited understanding allowed me to appreciate the profound revelations and intricate storytelling that unfold as the DLC progresses.
A Compact Yet Comprehensive Adventure
Completing the Shadow of the Erdtree took me approximately 30 hours, culminating in an epic final boss battle. Yet, I anticipate investing an additional 20 hours in exploring optional bosses, uncovering unexplored map areas, experimenting with new weapons and skills, and completing side quests.
This experience mirrors my journey with the base game, which took around 200 hours to review, and reflects how Shadow of the Erdtree encapsulates the full Elden Ring adventure in a condensed form. It is designed to challenge and satisfy end-game players who believed they had mastered the game’s intricacies.
Elden Ring’s Ambition Realized
Elden Ring stands as FromSoftware’s largest and most ambitious project, and this ambition has been realized with remarkable success. After countless hours of intense battles, unexpected surprises, and profound exploration, I still have many challenges left to face, secrets to uncover, and side quests to complete.
The extensive array of weapons, spells, and skills I have yet to explore adds to the richness of the experience. Beyond the single-player content, the potential for PvP and cooperative play offers even more opportunities for engagement.
While the core mechanics of combat remain consistent with previous entries, the variety and design of enemies and bosses elevate the battles to a new level of intensity and excitement. Even with threads left untugged on my first playthrough, I am confident that Shadow of the Erdtree can be celebrated as one of the best open-world gaming experiences available.
