The release ofElden Ring’sShadow of the Erdtreeexpansion is giving fans of FromSoftware’s open-world RPG masterpiece reason to celebrate. Not only doesShadow of the Erdtreedeliver more of what players already loved about the base game ofElden Ring, but it also provides a significant challenge to those who had spent dozens, if not hundreds, of hours in The Lands Between. Still, there are enough new features introduced in Shadow of the Erdtree to where players will want to avoid approaching the DLC as if it were the coreElden Ringexperience.
Aside from the general rules that still apply when playing any of FromSoftware’s signature style of action RPG (methodical approaches to combat, learning enemy move sets, character progression with a build and specific goals in mind, etc.), the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion’s new gear and enemy types call for experimentation. While it’s possible to dive right into Shadow of the Erdtree using a favorite build that carried a Tarnished all the way through toElden Ring’s endgame and beyond, the plethora of new weapons, talismans,Ashes of War, Spirit Summons, and other new equipment warrants trying out something new. In many cases, approaching Shadow of the Erdtree as a separate entity entirely can be beneficial for tackling its immense challenge.
Shadow of the Erdtree Requires Endgame Progression and Offers Endgame Challenge
One of the primary unwritten rules ofElden Ring’s first and only DLC is that players should go in expectingShadow of the Erdtree’s substantial difficulty. In fact, it’s so intense that the release of the expansion has reignited the somewhat controversial topic of difficulty in games and how it impacts a title’s accessibility and audience. Hot-button issues aside, though, Shadow of the Erdtree lays out what players should expect from the DLC simply from the requirements to access it. Before players can enter the Shadow Realm and experience everythingElden Ring’s sole expansion has to offer, they need to defeat both Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood, two of the toughest bosses in the base game.
Death is a Regular Part of the Elden Ring DLC’s Experience
The difficulty of Shadow of the Erdtree shouldn’t come as a surprise given the requirements for entry and the difficulty of most FromSoftware games. Still, many players who have been awaiting the DLC may have spent near countless hours in The Lands Between and be seemingly over-leveled. Regardless of what level players are at when accessing the Shadow Realm, death should be expected as a regular occurrence. Even players who are well past the Level 200 mark should expect to suffer defeat at the hands of one ofShadow of the Erdtree’s many new threats, and more so if they happen to be accessing the DLC as part of New Game+ or beyond.
Old Elden Ring Builds Are Still Viable, But New Ones Might Be Better
One of the biggest questions surrounding Shadow of the Erdtree prior to release was how the expansion would deal with the issue of progression and themeta ofElden Ring. With players having spent plenty of time crafting ideal builds that cater to each of their playstyles, the thought of having to start over may have seemed like a daunting prospect. Thankfully, Shadow of the Erdtree keeps players' builds mostly viable, but it also introduces an impressive amount of new gear that begs for experimentation. The inclusion of these items is by no means a coincidence, and FromSoftware likely intended for players to try new strategies and entirely new builds to accommodate the DLC’s exciting new challenges.
Shadow of the Erdtree’s Map is Large, And The Freedom It Affords Encourages Travel
One of the many unwritten rules ofElden Ringthat carries over from the base game into the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion is with regard to the game’s map. The Shadow Realm is a large area housing 5 distinct regions, 3 Legacy Dungeons, and plenty of optional side areas to explore and fight through. If an area is proving to be too much of a challenge, the open-ended nature ofShadow of the Erdtree’s mapallows for players to explore elsewhere and then come back after accruing more of the realm-exclusive Blessings.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
WHERE TO PLAY
Shadow of the Erdtree is the first and only DLC expansion for FromSoftware’s groundbreaking Elden Ring. It takes players to a whole new region, the Land of Shadow, where a new story awaits the Tarnished.
