Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Review

⭐ Rating: 9.5/10

🎮 Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

🗓 Release Date: June 21, 2024

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Expansion

Introduction

The long-awaited expansion to Elden Ring, Shadow of the Erdtree, has finally arrived, bringing new lands, formidable enemies, and a deeper dive into the game’s rich lore. Fans of FromSoftware’s iconic title will find themselves once again immersed in a brutal yet rewarding world, filled with breathtaking landscapes and some of the toughest challenges in the Soulsborne series.

Does Shadow of the Erdtree live up to the hype? Let’s dive into what makes this one of the best expansions in modern gaming.

🔥 What Makes Shadow of the Erdtree a Must-Play?

✅ A Vast New Open-World Area

The expansion introduces a brand-new region, filled with hidden dungeons, mysterious ruins, and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Unlike the base game’s Lands Between, this area offers more verticality and environmental storytelling, making exploration both dangerous and rewarding.

✅ Challenging Boss Battles

Elden Ring has been known for some of the best boss fights in gaming history, and Shadow of the Erdtree raises the stakes even higher.
Expect unpredictable attack patterns, devastating AoEs, and multi-phase battles that test your adaptability and patience.
If you thought Maliketh or Radagon were tough, get ready for new enemies that push your combat skills to the limit.

✅ Expanded Lore and Storytelling

This expansion delves deeper into the history of the Erdtree, shedding light on mysteries surrounding the divine beings of the Lands Between.
Expect new characters, cryptic dialogues, and hidden connections to the base game that enhance the overall narrative experience.

✅ New Weapons, Spells, and Combat Mechanics

Shadow of the Erdtree introduces unique weapons and spells that add more variety to the already vast arsenal of the Tarnished.
Players will discover enhanced Ashes of War, brand-new Sorceries, and never-before-seen melee weapon types.
If you love experimenting with different builds, this expansion opens up fresh possibilities.

👀 What Could Be Improved?

❌ Brutal Difficulty Spikes – Some players may find certain bosses overly punishing, making the expansion more difficult than the base game. ❌ Limited Fast Travel Spots – The new region is massive, and some areas can feel frustratingly far from the nearest Site of Grace. ❌ Story Still Leaves Questions – While the lore is deeper, FromSoftware’s intentionally vague storytelling may still leave some players confused or wanting more.

🔥 Final Verdict: Is Shadow of the Erdtree Worth It?

For fans of Elden Ring, this expansion is a must-play. It expands the world, deepens the lore, and introduces even more of the unforgiving yet satisfying gameplay that made the original a masterpiece.

✅ If you love a challenge, intricate world-building, and epic boss fights, this DLC delivers in every way.

If you’re new to Elden Ring, you may want to finish the base game first before diving into Shadow of the Erdtree—it’s designed for experienced players who crave difficulty.