Elden Ring is the culmination of FromSoftware’s experience making some of the best Soulslikes (and, in reality, creating the subgenre). It’s both spectacular and brutal, with a unique world to traverse that remains one of the best open-world maps in video game history, even years later. Shadow of the Erdtree amps that difficulty up to 11, and I’m sorry to say it, but your New Game+ save isn’t ready. At least the discount sweetens the deal.
Stepping back into the well-worn shoes of your Tarnished—and, if they’re anything like my character, blowing the dust off after sitting around for years—it’s time to head to the Realm of Shadow. This new map is a twisted, even more death-filled take on the Lands Between. Considering how much death happens there, well, that’s saying something.
Look, you may have defeated Radahn, and you’ve likely slaughtered Malenia so many times that you’re starting to feel like “Let Me Solo Her.” Good for you. The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion will show you just how unprepared you are. I mean that as someone who beat the final boss of the expansion pre-nerf. Yes, FromSoftware decided the climactic fight was too challenging. Let that sink in.
Fortunately, you won’t simply stumble through the expansion, cheesing bosses and enemies in the hopes of reaching the end. New weapons give you a reason to change up your build, while Scadutree Blessings boost your attack power and damage negation within the Realm of Shadow. Don’t get me wrong; it’s still hard. At least with some upgrades, it isn’t as hard.
Shadow of the Erdtree, all jokes aside, is how an expansion should be done. It addresses one of the biggest mysteries in the base game while introducing a new map, new gear, and an interesting narrative told in familiar FromSoftware style. It’s an Elden Beast of a DLC, one that I can no longer play Elden Ring without.
I’m not alone in my positive thoughts. The Steam reviews put it at 85% positive, earning the expansion a ‘Very Positive’ rating. In our 10/10 Shadow of the Erdtree review, Tamoor Hussain says that the DLC is “FromSoftware’s victory lap, an unmissable tour de force that is every bit as brilliant as the original game.”
If you’re looking to finally play it, you can get Shadow of the Erdtree for just $35.19 / £30.79 at Fanatical. That’s a 12% discount, and while it isn’t massive, Steam hasn’t discounted the expansion. It’s still better than paying full price, and you’ll get a Steam key, so there’s no need to buy an extra copy of the base game on another platform.
Just watch out for the Misbegotten. You’ve been warned.