Shadow of the Erdtree: An Expansion or Development?

New content, new bosses, new lore to chew on, but above all – that same Elden Ring magic that has you contemplating whether to throw your controller or give it another shot.

Taking a Step Back Into the Lands Between, Does It Still Feel Special?

Let’s get the uncomfortable part out of the way first. Shadow of the Erdtree is not drastically different from the base game. If you have already explored the strange lands of Elden Ring and fought through The Troll and other brutal bosses, you may think that you have seen this before. And it’s not wrong. But what’s odd, almost nostalgic, is how much Shadow of the Erdtree feels just right in terms of the weight of discovery. The same landscapes somehow feel so familiar. The same excitement when you encounter a new boss who is powerful enough to crush their enemies.

Everyone knows the world of Elden Rings is vast, especially with the new upcoming Shadows of the Erdtree DLC. Opening this game always feels like opening a new chapter of a beloved book, as the misty terrains perfectly pair with the ancient castle views. It feels like something new is always around the corner and every step I take makes me feel a sense of wonder in combination with a deep sense of dread.

The combination of all these elements allows for every single addition in the game to feel like a love letter to the game itself. Some people argue that it is a “scaled editor-down version” which I would have to disagree with. It allows for the game to maintain the core essence of Elden Ring which makes it feel special. This type of formula does not require any additional changes as it is so perfect and potent on its own. There’s no reason to tweak it in any way. The Shadows of the Erdtree DLC was crafted to remind every player why they fell in love in the arid world of Elden Ring in the first place.

The Premium Bundle: Is The Additional $10 Justifiable?

On a slightly more serious note, let’s contemplate that extra $10. When compared to the standard edition, is the Shadow of the Erdtree Premium Bundle worth the extra expenditure? If you happen to belong to a minuscule group of people who have never played Elden Ring, then yes. For $79.99, you get both the expansion and the base game for this bargain price. If for some reason you have already completed Elden Ring, the answer tends to get a little more complicated. The Premium Bundle comes with some extra features like additional talismans, bonus weapons, and even a few cosmetics, but in relation to the core gameplay, the real exceptional features lie within the DLC itself.

Would I recommend this? Sure, you can get this if you have been waiting for those tiny FromSoftware gifts in the form of some extra trinkets and in-game items. But let’s be real, this is not the strongest selling feature. The weight is carried by the DLC itself, and those few other pieces of content do not change the experience fundamentally. What you are really paying for is the opportunity to dip your toes back into the Elden Ring magic, and if that is what to seek, then ten dollars is a small price mistake for that privilege.

The Erdtree Calls: The Heart of the DLC

You are going to die a lot. That is the easiest way to summarize what is waiting for you in Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. But those deaths, those soul-crushing, controller-throwing, brutal deaths, are not without purpose. They are the hallmark of FromSoftware: it is what they do best, bringing you to the fringes of despair and compensating you with moments of triumph.

Although I will try not to ruin any major bosses for you, some of the new threats in this expansion are simply put, nightmares. Some of the bosses from these expansions seem to be both the same and different at the same time – it's funny and disturbing. Some of these fights provide pure chaos whereas others toy with me using slow rhythms, which does slow me down. At one point, a massive nosebleed-inducing creation wielding a sword as big as my body is attacking me, while in the next, I am fighting a sentient ruin’s limbs. It’s the same brutal challenge that makes these fights entertaining.

And then there are some fights that feel heavily lacking – you are able to calm down, better yet, rejoice because the Elden Ringworld with all of its DLC still maintains that brain-melting beauty. A person would be able to wander for several hours without having to encounter any enemy and still be amazed by the sights. It is not only about the fights but the atmosphere as well, something very few games offer.

Each new expansion to the game continues to surprise me - and this is the last one according to developers and probably the best. Just when I think I have gotten the hang of the new bosses, I find out that I do not. The new weapons and talismans also provide ways of getting around situations the players are already familiar with, and while they are great additions, I do not think Shadow of the Erdtree had an intention of making things easier. The purpose of the DLC is to support and reward players who are brave enough to traverse into the unknown, which is something that is characteristic of From software After all, the experience is meant to be brutally difficult.

Conclusion: A New Chapter In an Old Story

Shadow of the Erdtree feels like a fresh breath of air for me. And while they stood it up promising new things over and over again, Elder Ring’s impact in the gaming world was too strong and broad. The expansion does not overdo it and adds unnecessary things. Instead, it reminds us what truly made Elden Ring a masterpiece. For me, this DLC is a blend of old Soulsborne difficulty with a new world and brutal charm that I have been yearning for.