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At a Glance
- Genre: Action RPG (DLC Expansion)
- Single/Multiplayer: Primarily single-player with optional online co-op/invasion
- Average Playtime: ~20–30+ hours (depending on exploration and boss attempts)
- Original Release Year: 2024 (DLC)
- Developer/Publisher: FromSoftware / Bandai Namco Entertainment
Table of Contents
Elden Ring – Shadow of the Erdtree – Overview
I’d poured many hours into Elden Ring and felt like I had finally earned a break. And then Shadow of the Erdtree dropped. Of course, I couldn’t resist diving back in.
The DLC does exactly what a great expansion should: it builds on what the base game already did well. It opens up a vast new region, rich with secrets and designed to push your curiosity to its limits. Exploration is just as rewarding—and dangerous—as ever.
🛍️ Ready to check it out? Elden Ring – Shadow of the Erdtree is available on Humble Bundle.
New to Elden Ring?
If you haven’t played the base game yet (or want a refresher), check out my full review of Elden Ring where I share my thoughts on the open world, difficulty, and everything that made it so addictive:
👉 Read my full Elden Ring review here
Elden Ring – Shadow of the Erdtree – Official Launch Trailer
Gameplay Experience
I went in thinking I’d have the upper hand. I was high-level, practically full build, and ready to slice through anything the DLC threw at me. But wow, was I wrong. Shadow of the Erdtree does not go easy, even on seasoned players. The mobs were brutal, the bosses relentless, and it introduced new mechanics and upgrade systems that I actually needed to engage with to survive.
There’s still that familiar Elden Ring rhythm: cautious exploration, thrilling discovery, punishing fights, and the overwhelming satisfaction when you finally conquer something that felt impossible. But this time, it felt like the difficulty jumped several notches higher than I expected. Part of me wished there was a way to scale it down, even just a little—especially after being away from the game for a while.
Image credit: Image from Elden Ring, © Bandai Namco Entertainment / FromSoftware
Story and World Expansion
The new area is stunning and full of FromSoftware’s signature cryptic lore. The world design remains top-tier, and there’s something so satisfying about slowly unraveling what’s going on through environmental storytelling and fragmented dialogue.
But I’ll admit—I didn’t feel as invested this time. Maybe it’s because I’d already been through so much in the base game, or maybe it’s because the sheer intensity of the DLC made it harder to just relax and enjoy the world. The wonder was still there, but it didn’t hit quite the same as it did the first time around.
Visuals and Audio
Just like the base game, the visuals are incredible. The environments are eerie, detailed, and hauntingly beautiful. Cutscenes were cinematic and impactful—I actually put the controller down a few times just to take it all in.
The soundtrack is still phenomenal and adds a ton of weight to boss encounters and major story beats. It’s one of those elements that just works, even if you don’t consciously notice it.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Massive, beautiful new area to explore
- Classic Elden Ring gameplay with even more challenge
- Stunning visuals and cutscenes
- New systems that add depth to builds and progression
Cons
- Difficulty spike can feel punishing, even for high-level players
- No adjustable difficulty settings
- A bit overwhelming if you’ve already spent a ton of time in the base game
- The sense of awe isn’t quite as fresh as it was the first time around
Final Thoughts
Shadow of the Erdtree is a fantastic expansion—but it’s not necessarily for the faint of heart. If you loved Elden Ring and still have the itch for more, it delivers in all the right ways: gorgeous environments, brutal fights, and that signature FromSoft feeling of dread-turned-triumph.
That said, it’s not easy to come back after so many hours in the base game. I felt a little burnt out at times, and the overwhelming difficulty didn’t help. Still, there’s no denying the quality and care that went into this DLC. It’s more Elden Ring—but more punishing, more mysterious, and somehow even more beautiful.