HIGHLIGHTS
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is undoubtedly from Software Inc.’s best ever add-ons, overtaking Dark Souls: Remastered.
- For a “DLC,” you will get content as much as the base game; the area is vast, enemies are extremely tough, and it offers a new scaling system.
- The only feature lacking in the expansion is Seamless co-op system, which was also missing in the base game.
Elden Ring is probably one of the best RPG games I have ever played, and it has just released its latest expansion: Shadow of the Erdtree.
With the DLC, numerous Elden Ring fans have high hopes, as From Software released its first and final expansion.
Shadow of the Erdtree seems to be highly promising in every regard, from exploration to game mechanism, but will it meet players’ expectations from the base game?
Genre
| Initial Release Date | June 21, 2024 |
| Developer | FromSoftware Inc. |
| Publishers | Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. and FromSoftware Inc. |
| Series | Elden Ring |
| Platforms | PS5 and PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows |
DLC Is As Massive As Base Game
When you normally compare DLC to the base game, it mostly has a small land mass, but the case for Elden Ring is quite different.
Shadows of the Erdtree map are massive, with tons of area, making it feel like you are playing a sequel of Elden Ring rather than the expansion.
You will not get bored once during exploration, as the area’s depth is also incredible, from bottom to top of the platform, which seems familiar and new at the same time.
The interconnected paths, realms, and even varying heights make Shadow of the Erdtree unique to any other RPG’s DLC.
The Shadow realm has even more surroundings to explore and scan for your builds or progression, which often feels like the area is connected infinitely.
You may even feel if From Software Priced the DLC correctly, as it feels like a steal compared to other AAA games.
If you wish to continue just doing the basics, like collecting Scadutree Fragments, Healing Items, or Larval Tears (Yes, it’s on the DLC as well), you will still enjoy the exploration.
During exploration, you will also encounter bosses rather than just the normal consumables, who seem tricky if you create your character from scratch.
I have encountered over 30 new bosses, which seems like an immense number for a DLC, and seven bosses in the main campaign.
If you opt for the same character or have specialized in a particular build, you may try to wrap up game time as fast as possible.
Even though starting the DLC requires quite an effort, as you must beat Morg, Lord Of Blood, and Starscourge Radahn, you will find the start quite easy with your old build.
Each time you find something in the environment, it feels useful while progressing, mostly during the mid-game.
Exploration Is Key To Unique Scaling System
In the Shadow Realm blessing, you will find two categories: Scadutree Blessing and Revered Spirit Ash Blessing, which can go up to 10 and 20 each.
The Scadutree provides you with a Defensive buff and even grants an additional 5% attack power, which can be significant if you switch your character to base Elden Ring for a split second.
You can find Scadutree mostly around Miquella’s Crosses in the Shadow Realm, the game’s main progression theme, alongside Revered Spirit Ash.
These features not only assist your character but also summon with each picked-up currency.
The self-contained scaling system in the DLC plays a massive role rather than the Character level, as bosses may destroy you no matter the build.
Bosses can even kill you at a single slash if you struggle to stack the fragments from the Land of Shadow.
Nonetheless, This feature will allow players to push the limit, beat the game as fast as they can, and explore the Land of Shadows in even more depth.
Combats Are Extremely Tough
You will have that attack sense and fierceness in the DLC and want to hunt even more enemies, whether in Belurat, Gravesite Plain, Abyssal Woods, or Rayh Base.
However, bosses in the DLC are not “walk over the park,” and you will still need to invest hours to overcome tricky missions or bosses.
Even the common enemies are not that easy to beat; even if you are over 100, taking that into context, it may take several tries to beat the Final boss, eventually when you progress.
The combat, as expected From Elden Ring DLC, is highly engaging, no matter how many times you die from the same boss, even if I had a high rank.
However, the scaling system in the DLC can be a deal breaker for many due to the investment in the base game; nonetheless, that aspect seems pretty unique and progressive, so players can engage in even more exploration.
If you encounter enemies of the bosses, they will always have hands of plenty of unique items or incantations for your build.
If you play the DLC just for exploration or the challenge, either way, it’s gonna be a win-win situation.
FromSoftware Inc. also tend to offer the hardest and best game in the segment, which is similar to the DLC as well.
While beating the mini-boss or elite ones, they are full of utilities and may take several tries to get past.
Unlike other RPGs, you can’t beat them with music on, as it requires full focus and strategy.
Almost all of the bosses are extremely fast and versatile and have unique move sets, which can make you look amateur if you have started from scratch.
Even if you have played over 1000 hours of the base game, you will most likely struggle with the main campaign bosses.
All of the bosses are unique compared to the base game, so every boss is a new adventure to learn the pattern and move sets for your progression.
Environment And Graphics
The graphics quality on Shadow of the Erdtree is undoubtedly top-notch, and considering it’s FromSoftware Inc.’s DLC, I don’t think it was even a question.
I didn’t feel any issues for almost 95% of the game, but I often get minor Stuttering or lags during boss fights and exploration.
From the mountain rifts to every tiny detail, the DLC hasn’t missed a thing, and it’s true to its name.
For instance, if you explore the Graveyard Plain, you will encounter endless Graveyard; you may even struggle to get past the location in a short time due to the depth and area covered.
You may also start your journey from the Hinterlands or Coastland; almost all of the locations feel unique and vibrant.
One of the core points of the DLC seems to be the Crosses in almost all of the areas, which Miquella actually forms to abandon the fresh.
The landmark can be a key to help you head in the right direction or be crucial to finding fragments.
If you thought the base game had a better biome and didn’t have high expectations, don’t worry; the latest expansion has even better exploration zones.
While making your way to the Shadow Keep or traversing through the dark dungeon with a weapon, I always thought, Wow, can the Sound Quality even improve from here!
The Sound is head-to-head with the Graphics, the boss-fight music is unique, the weapon sound effects are top-notch, and even the NPC dialogues are on-point.
Whether it be Redmane Freyja’s fierceness or Needle Knight Leda’s calmness, the characters are accurately executed.
The Only Negative
Elden Ring DLC has so much to offer, but it still has a few minor drawbacks that are not yet addressed in the DLC: unique Character Creation and seamless co-op.
Even though the character customization option seems adequate, some unique aspects and designs would have been an icing on the cake.
On the other hand, the multiplayer experience in Elden Ring or even the DLC is quite frustrating; you can only summon with friends during a mission or exploration.
Also, the process of inviting friends or random members is quite frustrating, which could make DLC a perfect 10/10.
Nonetheless, I would say Shadow of the Erdtree was worth the wait, mainly due to the DLC compared to Limgrave.
Map Pieces For More Game Content
Elden Ring DLC feels so familiar and unique to most Dark Souls fans, and it seems like something you have missed for a long time.
While exploring, you will find the items that upgrade your character and the map fragments or pieces to unlock areas.
Even you may see the locations through the map, you will need to collect map pieces for specific locations.
For some locations, one map piece might be enough to unlock the area; for others, it might take four or five pieces, which are scattered around certain map areas.
Even though you can still see the area on the map, discovering new areas can grant you several hours of gameplay with exploration and side quests.
FromSoftware Inc.’s Best Add-on
The DLC is probably the best add-on from FromSoftware Inc. They have substantial add-ons, which necessarily don’t lack in the base game but will still enhance the gaming experience.
You have legacy dungeons to explore, and start at the closed area gravesite plain on your first walkthrough.
The DLC is unique but feels connected to a certain level, mainly the storyline and plot. The NPCs you meet are all of the servants of the Demigods you killed in the main game.
For the requirements for DLc may take hundreds of hours in the main game, as you have to progress to almost 70% of the game.
If you are just trying to jump into the DLC, you can follow the main story campaign. Otherwise, completing the base game 100% is recommended if you have yet to buy the add-ons.
Almost every item or surrounding has that extra layer of visualization and polish, making the graphics much better.
The main game was criticized for the lack of exploration in the mini-dungeons, but the DLC has won over players thanks to the additions of cave depths, jails, secret pathways, and forges.
The mini areas have unique enemies and challenges and feel more substantial to explore without much repetition, almost matching the depth of the legacy dungeons.
These areas include new enemies, weapons, and equipment, including talismans, armor sets, and even great swords.
Whereas, for the weapon upgrade, the mechanics seem pretty much the same to the base game.
You must collect all the Bell Bearings to purchase the upgrade materials. There are over eight types of weapons, with over 100 different weapons, so you must collect enough materials, play quests, and extract as much as possible to get past tougher bosses.
If you wish to wield or customize your weapons, you can use Larval Tears. But there’s a catch: not every weapon you find scales well.
This may have been done to focus on the current build rather than changing characters every time you land a new weapon.
Nonetheless, you can switch up and upgrade the weapon depending on your build strength, dexterity, or magic.
Another essential part of Elden Ring DLC is the Site of Grace, which was present in the DLC and still plays an important role.
Whether you want to reach a specific location faster or track new areas, you can discover and use them instantly.
For Instance, if you want to head to Shadow Keep Backgate, Castle Watering Holes’s site of Grace can come in handy.
The Teleport feature is especially handy during missions or while extracting Fragments and can be used infinitely. The main path and the exploration will most likely benefit you like the base game.
The more areas you explore, the higher the chance you have to unlock the Legacy Dunderons, which include Shadow Keep, Castle Ensis, Midra’s Manshe, Enir Llim, and Belurat Tower Settlement.
Unique Legacy And Standard Dungeons
All standard and legacy dungeons have different attributes and offer a unique set of challenges.
FromSoftware Inc. also took the critics positively, as they have completely revamped the catacombs and even worked on providing worthy rewards for progression to the base game.
Several times, I got high rewards for exploring my curiosity by solving the puzzles rather than the standard boss fight, which seemed pretty satisfying.
You not only get the rewards for getting the dungeon’s vast realism, but you will also find plenty of scaling materials.
The Shadow of the Erdtree is set in an entirely different world than Lands Between. You will be on track to find Miquella in the Shadow Realm. Other NPCs you meet throughout the game are basically doing the same.
Shadow of the Erdtree is worth the wait and will keep you engaged, especially while facing the elite bosses. The more time you invest, the better you get rewarded.
Even if you play hundreds of hours, you might still want to explore more because there’s always a quest to play or a dungeon to explore or find.
