Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated DLCs of the year. This expansion to the 2022 Game of the Year promises new adventures in the open-world action RPG that captivated millions.

Available on June 21st for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series, does this DLC live up to the high expectations of fans?

Does it successfully extend the exceptional experience delivered by Elden Ring? Let’s dive into our comprehensive review.

The Story: Whispers in the Shadows

The adventure begins in the mysterious Shadow Realm, a new and unknown location absent from the original game. Players retain their Tarnished character from the base game and follow the traces of Miquella, a demigod known primarily for his family connections. His mother, Marika, triggered the Shattering (the main backdrop of Elden Ring’s story), while his sister, Malenia, the Goddess of Rot, is considered the hardest boss in the base game.

True to FromSoftware‘s style, the narrative remains fragmented and mysterious. The DLC introduces seven new characters, each with their own quest lines offering multiple branches and impactful choices. However, these new protagonists lack the charisma and presence of memorable characters like Ranni or Melina from the original game, making emotional investment more challenging.

The overall narrative framework of the DLC, while intriguing, doesn’t significantly advance the player’s understanding even after 40 hours of gameplay.

Yet, the influence of our choices and encounters with these characters throughout their journeys in the Shadow Realm often becomes a subtle driving force, complementing the exploration of this new region.

A Three-Dimensional Kingdom: Masterful (and Sometimes Overwhelming) Architecture

The Shadow Realm is vast and varied, with distinct zones in terms of architecture and design. The verticality of the map is impressive, literally adding an extra dimension to exploration. While the map that appears on our screen is 2D, it doesn’t show the multiple additional layers coexisting within the realm.

The Black Castle, located at the center of the map, serves as the main hub connecting different areas. This complexity, however, can sometimes lead to confusion. Some passages are difficult to find without a guide, with several requiring significant detours. Some even demand special items, leaving players at a loss about where to go next. The game’s director himself acknowledged that improvements could be made to facilitate the complete discovery of content.

Despite some areas being less rich in content, the DLC introduces interesting new features. Forges, for example, allow players to collect materials to upgrade weapons, while hidden Nameless Mausoleums house mini-bosses offering valuable rewards. Spirit Seals block updrafts that need to be unlocked to access treasure chests, adding an extra layer of mystery and challenge to exploration.

Between Light and Shadow: A Breathtaking Artistic Direction

The artistic direction of Shadow of the Erdtree is truly breathtaking. Each zone offers a unique visual identity, from landscapes reminiscent of the Garden of Eden to apocalyptic scenery. This visual feast constantly pushes players to explore every nook and cranny of the Shadow Realm, no matter how inhospitable or dangerous it may be.

While the soundtrack remains discreet during exploration, it particularly shines during boss fights, with memorable compositions that accentuate the intensity of these encounters.

The DLC features twelve major bosses (seven of which are mandatory), slightly less than half the number in Elden Ring. However, these encounters are possibly even more impressive than those in the original game, leaving players eager to start new playthroughs just to experience the adrenaline rush and spectacle of each fight again.

Gameplay and Difficulty: FromSoftware’s Expertise on Full Display

Shadow of the Erdtree continues to dazzle visually and aurally while also maintaining the challenging gameplay FromSoftware is known for. The DLC presents a significant difficulty spike right from the early hours, serving as the studio’s way of welcoming players back. This judicious choice immediately immerses everyone back into the game’s atmosphere and challenges even veteran players who might have grown complacent.

Enemies are formidable, demanding caution and strategy from players. The most experienced can count on new weapon categories, equipment, spells, and incantations. These additions, including throwing weapons, light greatswords, and reverse blades that can bypass enemy guards, provide numerous options to test against stubborn bosses who might resist magic or sleep status effects.

The DLC introduces a progression system based on collecting shards and ashes, which allows players to improve their offensive and defensive capabilities. This system creates a satisfying progression curve, with demanding and punitive fights that are far from insurmountable.

Visual and Audio Design

The visual design of Shadow of the Erdtree is stunning, with FromSoftware outdoing itself in graphics and unique art style that brings the world to life. The attention to detail in environments, character models, and animations is remarkable, with each location being visually distinct and immersive.

The audio design is equally impressive. The soundtrack, composed by industry veterans, perfectly matches the game’s atmosphere, enhancing the emotional impact of key moments. From the clashing of swords to the ambient sounds of the environment, every audio element is carefully crafted.

Conclusion

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