Support NeoGAF

[Draugoth]

​

Standard and premium versions of the DLC are currently available to pre-order through Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation, which can include digital extras, with some versions even being bundled with the base game. Placing a pre-order for any edition of Shadow of the Erdtree grants access to the Ring of Miquella gesture when the DLC launches.

The stand-alone version of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is only $39.99 and is available digitally through Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation. However, if you’re picking up the Steam version, you can reserve a copy through Green Man Gaming for $35.19. For an extra $10, you can pre-order the $49.99 Premium Bundle for Steam, Xbox or PlayStation. The Premium Bundle includes the DLC in addition to a digital soundtrack and artbook, but just note that you’ll still need to purchase a copy of the base game to play. The Steam version of the premium bundle is also discounted through Green Man Gaming for $43.99.​

Shadow of the Erdtree collector’s edition​

Finally, the $249.99 Collector’s Edition is available exclusively for Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation from the Bandai Namco online store. The collector’s edition includes a 40-page physical art book, a digital copy of the soundtrack, and a 46 cm figure of Messmer the Impaler. Just note that this bundle doesn’t include a copy of the base game, so you’ll need to purchase that separately.

ELDEN RING Shadow Of The Erdtree Helmet Of Messmer The Impaler is an extra colelctible available for $189.99 at Bandai Namco Store

​

Is Shadow of the Erdtree a prequel?​

No, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is not a prequel. Though many fans believed we might be time traveling for this expansion as we did in Dark Souls' Artorias of the Abyss DLC, Miyazaki confirmed in the aforementioned Famitsu interview that it will take place at the same time as the vanilla game.

"It takes place in the same time as the main title. The setting is not in the distant past or future," he said. "The shadow lands and Queen Marika's past will be told in the same manner as The Shattering was in the main title."

Will Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree be on Xbox One and PS4?​

Yes, Shadow of the Erdtree will release on all of the platforms Elden Ring is available on, including Xbox One and PS4.

A Tarnished approaches a mysterious figure in Shadow of the Erdtree. (Image credit: Bandai Namco) Elden Ring is available on last-gen systems like the Xbox One and PS4 as well as newer ones such as the Xbox Series X|S and PS5, but Shadow of the Erdtree is coming out a full two years after the base game did. Thus, many players are worried that the DLC won't be playable on older consoles — a concern heightened by the fact Xbox One and PS4 logos don't appear in any of the expansion's existing marketing material.

How will you access the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC?​

Best answer: To access the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, players will need to touch Miquella's "withered arm" after defeating Mohg, Lord of Blood in the Mohgwyn Palace area.

Can you play Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree if you beat the game?​

Best answer: Though it hasn't been confirmed officially, it's very likely you can play Shadow of the Erdtree after beating Elden Ring since the game doesn't force you to begin a NG+ cycle.

Will Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree add a new map?​

Best answer: Yes, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree will feature a new map that's separate to the existing one in the game currently. Director Hidetaka Miyazaki has said that it's "larger even than Limgrave" and will have open-ended locations, massive Legacy Dungeons, and medium-sized areas that sound like a middle ground between these two.

Will Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree add new weapons?​

Best answer: Yes, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree will add new weapons. Specifically, eight new categories of weapons are coming in the DLC, and there will be plenty of new armor, spells, Ashes of War, and other types of gear to collect, too.

How long will Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree be?​

Best answer: Elden Ring Shadow of Erdtree Offers 50 hours of content

Will Shadow of the Erdtree bring balance changes to Elden Ring?​

Best answer: There's no way to say for sure if balance changes will come to Elden Ring with Shadow of the Erdtree, but it wouldn't surprise me if FromSoftware wants to make some adjustments to the sandbox.

​

Arabhardware - Ahmed Yousry - Arabic - 10 / 10

It's not an expansion, it's a whole new game that elevates everything elden ring presented on all fronts while also making it even better

---

Bazimag - Hamidreza Ghaneei - Persian - 10 / 10

Shadow of the Erdtree is a remarkable expansion that compellingly concludes the unfinished tale of Miquella and his followers. The meticulously crafted stages, deep narrative, rich character development, diverse array of new items, and distinctive soundtrack elevate this add-on to the same stellar quality as the original game.

---

Boomstick Gaming - Boomstick Alex - 5 / 5

Video Review - Quote not available

---

CGMagazine - Zubi Khan - 9.5 / 10

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree elevates the already stellar base game to new and challenging heights, adding a wellspring of content that cannot be missed, making it an essential must-play for all Elden Lords.

---

COGconnected - COGconnected - 97 / 100

It’s a continuation of what made the Elden Ring fantastic in the first place. An epic adventure!

---

Cerealkillerz - Gabriel Bogdan - German - 9.3 / 10

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree exceeds all expectations and overshadows every other expansion out there. With around 20-30 hours of new challenging content and areas, designed for veteran players, is the label "expansion" a bit of an understatement. Considering the sheer amount of new elements, including some of the most spectular boss fights of the series, smaller shortcomings such as reused enemy types that could've used a bigger facelift, or that upgrades only give you a generic boost for two values, carry no weight in the full picture.

---

Checkpoint Gaming - Omi Koulas - 10 / 10

Shadow of the Erdtree not only expands upon Elden Ring's lore and gameplay mechanics but also enriches the experience with its atmospheric storytelling and intricate world design. It beckons players to embrace the daunting journey through the Shadow Realm, promising a gripping adventure that resonates with the hallmark blend of challenge and discovery. What's on offer is one of the best FromSoftware experiences to date, capturing everything that made Elden Ring special and more.

---

ComicBook.com - Tanner Dedmon - 5 / 5

There's no doubt in my mind that there's more to do still in Shadow of the Erdtree if not in this playthrough than definitely the next. If anything, all those missed connections and areas unexplored only make the prospect of returning to the Realm of Shadow on New Game+ with a bunch of new toys to play with that much more enticing.

---

Destructoid - Chris Carter, Steven Mills - 9.5 / 10

I think that’s the biggest point here, is that even though my expectations were high, Shadow of the Erdtree still managed to exceed them. From Software probably could have just added more Elden Ring and that would have been solid enough, but instead, Shadow of the Erdtree is yet another innovative iteration of the genre.

---

Dexerto - Sam Smith - 5 / 5

Shadow of the Erdtree is a fitting tribute to Elden Ring and a stunning finale that manages to surprise and shock us all over again. Those who enjoyed the base game will find much more to get their teeth into. This signs off the Elden Ring chapter of FromSoftware’s journey so conclusively and impressively, that it invokes questions about how they will ever top it again.

---

Digital Trends - George Yang - 4.5 / 5

Shadow of the Erdtree is so packed with new content that it almost feels like a sequel to Elden Ring.

---

Eurogamer - Alexis Ong - 3 / 5

Much of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is more of the same gruelling beauty - but a shift to explict storytelling and signposting means its essence as a living, evolving shared text is lost.

---

FandomWire - Tanay Sharma - 10 / 10

The culture around FromSoftware suggests that we should never expect stories to be directly told to us, and that remains true with Shadow of the Erdtree. I've always been an admirer of art that mimics life. In the context of Hidetaka Miyazaki's undying legacy, I do believe that Shadow of the Erdtree is yet another work of art that builds on the studio’s history of delivering polished gameplay.
Whether you choose to wield a fresh, exciting weapon like the Death Knight’s Twin Axes or play with something trustworthy like the Rivers of Blood from the base game, Shadow of the Erdtree will still be a fulfilling journey worthy of your time, attention, and courage.

---

GamingBolt - Rashid Sayed - 10 / 10

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is an excellent follow up to the base game. Shadow of the Erdtree's focus on great level design and fantastic boss fights makes it a must play for the fans of the genre.

---

GamingTrend - Henry Viola - 85 / 100

I'm both happy and sad that Shadow of the Erdtree is the first and last expansion for Elden Ring. On one hand, it's a masterfully woven experience that expands on the contents of the base game, whereas on the other it leaves much more to be desired with its disappointing final boss. That being said, it's still very much worth your time if you're craving some more Elden Ring.

---

Generación Xbox - David Fernandez - Spanish - 10 / 10

Shadow of the Erdtree is everything the community wanted it to be

---

IGN - Mitchell Saltzman - 10 / 10

Like the base game did before it, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree raises the bar for single-player DLC expansions. It takes everything that made the base game such a landmark RPG, condenses it into a relatively compact 20-25 hour campaign, and provides fantastic new challenges for heavily invested fans to chew on.

---

INVEN - Korean - 9 / 10

An already near-perfect game gets a 30-hour expansion with this DLC. Adding a wealth of new stories within its mysterious world, 'Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree' will also challenge you with its formidable difficulty. The newly added equipment further enhances the enjoyment of the base game.

---

Impulsegamer - Nathan Misa - 5 / 5

A must-play DLC expansion with an impressively hand-crafted new region filled with fun new quests, characters, and lore.

---

Kakuchopurei - Jonathan Leo - 70 / 100

Elden Ring's big expansion just adds more beautiful brutality and action RPGing carnage to its already-tough base. Shadow of the Erdtree is meant to test the mettle of the game's hardcore audience and isn't going to let up soon. This isn't going to change your mind about From Software's approach to its dungeon crawlers: it's either "get good" or go home and it intends to keep the messaging that way with its Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.
The expansion's new offerings and updates, as well as epic boss fights, are still as grand and challenging as ever to the point that you may see optional boss Malenia (both versions) from the base game as a "walk in the park".

---

Kotaku - Unscored

FromSoftware’s highly anticipated DLC could be a standalone game, it's just that good

---

Merlin'in Kazanı - Samet Basri Taşlı - Turkish - 96 / 100

The best game of recent years is back with the best expansion pack in recent years

---

Metro GameCentral - GameCentral - 9 / 10

Exactly as engrossing and meticulously designed as you'd expect of FromSoftware but even by their standards this is an enthralling slice of DLC that underlines and enhances the achievements of the original.

---

PC Gamer - Tyler Colp - 95 / 100

A masterfully designed expansion to one of the best action RPGs of the last decade that not only complements the base game but expands its thematic and systemic scope even further.

---

PSX Brasil - Portuguese - 90 / 100

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is the biggest and most ambitious expansion ever developed by FromSoftware. However, it could have been flawless if it weren't for the over-the-top recycling of enemies. Even so, the challenging boss fights and the great sense of exploration with the addition of new layouts on the maps make Shadow of the Erdtree an excellent conclusion to the Elden Ring journey.

---

PlayStation Universe - David Carcasole - 10 / 10

Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree is far more out of an expansion than I ever thought it would be, and my expectations were already a little high. While I have personal gripes with what I see to be missed chances, that doesn't stop it from being spectacular on the whole. This expansion feels like it fully completes Elden Ring, a game that already felt like a whole project, in a way I didn't even know it needed to be completed. I can no longer imagine Elden Ring being without Shadow Of The Erdtree, almost like the Realm Of Shadow was there the whole time.

---

Polygon - Michael McWhertor - Unscored

Even 40-plus hours in, I’m still figuring out how to tackle a particularly nasty dragon. And despite cursing all the bosses I’ve felled so far, as they’ve beaten me into submission dozens of times, I’m looking forward to going back and starting it all over at some point, ready to take on the challenge again.

---

Press Start - Harry Kalogirou - 10 / 10

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is yet another masterpiece by FROMSOFTWARE. It doubles down on all of the best parts of Elden Ring and bolsters them through an inviting new world, an engaging story, and a ridiculously moreish gameplay loop. It won't change your mind on Elden Ring if it never clicked for you, but will undoubtedly wow you if it did.

---

Push Square - Liam Croft - 8 / 10

Shadow of the Erdtree delivers more of the same style of content you loved two years ago rather than introducing new ways to engage. That's enough to consider it a fantastic expansion, though it's hard not to feel like you're just going through the motions again. With a new land to explore, a fresh set of bosses to fight, and extra lore to consume, it's so much more Elden Ring.

---

 

[NeverYouMind]

I wonder how long before there is a full playthrough aired or uploaded? Reviews are probably not going to be very helpful at determining the quality of the added content.

 

[dreamstation]

What Scores do you think Hellblade 2 will get?

 

[Draugoth]

What Scores do you think Hellblade 2 will get?

 

[GHG]

What Scores do you think Hellblade 2 will get?

Me after re-reading the poll having already voted on it:

 

[Jaybe]

What Scores do you think Hellblade 2 will get?

4/10

 

[LectureMaster]

Lightning fast as always, my man. Hope you received the CE.

Update:

What Scores do you think Hellblade 2 will get?​

So you actually wanted Hellblade Collector's Edition.

 

[Fake]

Lets fucking git gud.

 

[Hrk69]

I totally forgot about Hellblade 2 and so should you

 

[DaleinCalgary]

You better be qualified to review this expansion if some shmuck gaming site posts a review.

 

[TheDarkPhantom]

94.

Soon Tarnished, soon, can't fucking wait, FromSoft for life, Praise the Erdtree.

 

[Saber]

94% baby, I'm going big this time

 

[Bojji]

Easily above 90%. Too bad it doesn't have trophies, I have platinum in ER so few more trophies wouldn't hurt. But before that I have to complete SMT5, fuck FOMO.

 

[Dirk Benedict]

50 hours of content, by Fromsoft, DLC for Elden Ring. Locked and loaded. It's no wonder they don't plan to release anymore DLC. It's not needed.

 

[RoboFu]

There seems to be a mistake. The scores listed only go up to 100%.

 

[LavitzSlambert]

92 after all is said and done.

 

[Danjin44]

This last game I EVER need reviews for….this game can get 0/10 and still play it.

 

[Sgt.Asher]

Don't forget to complete this quest before going in

 

[NeverYouMind]

Don't forget to complete this quest before going in

 

[TerribleAtThisGame]

It's more Elden Ring. We all know this'll be DLCmageddon, come on!

 

[Shtef]

We are so close Dlc drops on friday morning in my region, friday is public holiday and i will have extended weekend to enjoy this masterpiece.

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

In Miyazaki we trust so I'll go with 94 on this one.

 

[GrayChild]

93%

 

[REDRZA MWS]

95%

 

[Lucifers Beard]

I'm almost ready for this. Level 99 and went through Verre's quest to get to Mohgs palace sooner than the snowfields. Probably not ready to fight him though to be honest. The guy is a tough cookie.

 

[skneogaf]

I don't care what other people think of shadow of the ERDTREE, I already know it's absolutely perfect.

I've spent over a grand on this game and it's memorabilia and I've enjoyed every penny.

Actually it's £993.89 or $1,260.53 or €1,175.93 to be precise.

 

[RoadHazard]

Man, it's been two years since I touched ER, not sure I could just jump back in. Also not sure about starting over from scratch.

 

[ssringo]

I wonder how long before there is a full playthrough aired or uploaded? Reviews are probably not going to be very helpful at determining the quality of the added content.

FightinCowboy says he'll have a review, Let's Play episodes, a walkthrough and guides up this week for "a certain game".

 

[Mr Hyde]

92-93 most likely. Got a fresh build ready for the expansion, but not sure I'm gonna have time for it come release. FF7 Rebirth is having all my attention right now.

 

[Mephisto40]

RIP the 70% of players that never defeated Mohg

 

[J3nga]

RIP the 70% of players that never defeated Mohg

didn't find him to be that difficult

 

[Hrk69]

I don't care what other people think of shadow of the ERDTREE, I already know it's absolutely perfect.

I've spent over a grand on this game and it's memorabilia and I've enjoyed every penny.

Actually it's £993.89 or $1,260.53 or €1,175.93 to be precise.

 

[Mephisto40]

didn't find him to be that difficult

Neither did I, I cheesed him by jumping into the boss arena

 

[Johnny Concrete]

didn't find him to be that difficult

It's more like finding him to be the difficulty. At least, I never found the quest that brought you there.

 

[kikkis]

I have tried mohg few times but I haven't beaten him. I guess I might need some items.

 

[Bloobs]

It's more like finding him to be the difficulty. At least, I never found the quest that brought you there.

There are two ways

 

[skneogaf]

You mean nice flexible payment options when I bought it all? Yes... PayPal pay in three.

 

[winjer]

 

[Hrk69]

You mean nice flexible payment options when I bought it all? Yes... PayPal pay in three.

 

[Polygonal_Sprite]

Finally beat the game a couple of months ago. It truly is something special.

I think 96 for the expansion.

 

[skneogaf]

Damn right okay, you seem affected by my elden ring purchases, so much to go out of your way to post gifs, jealousy? You really don't have to be.

 

[Hudo]

 

[The Cockatrice]

Damn right okay, you seem affected by my elden ring purchases, so much to go out of your way to post gifs, jealousy? You really don't have to be.

 

[AJUMP23]

Tippy Top.

 

[Draugoth]

I have tried mohg few times but I haven't beaten him. I guess I might need some items.

To defeat Mohg you need a flash buff that nullifies his blood attack.

 

[Ulysses 31]

To defeat Mohg you need a flash buff that nullifies his blood attack.

You don't need that, if your flask is upgraded enough you can heal through.

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

So the Shadow of the Erdtree reviews are dropping exactly when the Nintendo Direct starts.

 

[Lucifers Beard]

I have tried mohg few times but I haven't beaten him. I guess I might need some items.

Go to the subterranean shunning grounds at the Royal Capital and get Mohgs Shackle if you haven't already. Use it during the first phase of the fight

Might also want to get an item to increase robustness to help stave off the blood loss.

 

[Punished Miku]

So the Shadow of the Erdtree reviews are dropping exactly when the Nintendo Direct starts.

Elden Ring Reviews: "It's pretty much more Elden Ring."

You're welcome.

 

[Lucifers Beard]

You don't need that, if your flask is upgraded enough you can heal through.

Yeah im going to boost my health flasks from 9 to 12 tonight in my next attempt. Should see me through the fight.