Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (2024): The Review

Overview

Having experienced most of the Souls DLCs, and counting some of them among my all-time favorite gaming moments, Shadow of the Erdtree manages to capture the same sense of awe that made 2022’s Game of the Year feel so groundbreaking on first play. It lives up to the sky-high expectations it sets for itself. The expansion adds new weapons, armor, spells, and other gear, each tempting you to experiment and mix up your playstyle. Beyond that, it delivers challenging new bosses, expansive areas to explore, and a story that fills in some of the lingering mysteries from the base game, particularly around the enigmatic Miquella.

Score: 9,5 out of 10

The Positives ✅

Shadow of the Erdtree is a masterclass in expanding an already colossal game. FromSoftware manages to take everything that made Elden Ring such a landmark experience and build on it with confidence and flair. The DLC introduces a wealth of new weapons, armor sets, and spells, each feeling unique and inviting experimentation. The Light Greatsword and Martial Arts weapons alone transform combat styles, while other additions like Throwing Knives and Perfume Bottles provide midrange alternatives to the usual melee or magic-centric builds. Combined with the new perk systems and progression via Scadutree Fragments, these tools create fresh tactical depth even for characters who’ve maxed out the base game.

Exploration has never been more rewarding. The Land of Shadow is massive, arguably larger than Limgrave stacked on itself, and packed with verticality, hidden nooks, and striking vistas. From the Erdtree looming on the horizon to the Fire Golem wandering the fields, the areas evoke both awe and tension. New dungeons have been designed with care, offering bigger puzzles, platforming elements, and inventive challenges that improve upon the simpler, repetitive dungeons of the base game. Even veteran players are given reasons to explore, thanks to the Scadutree progression system, which scales difficulty and rewards discovery in ways that feel meaningful.

The DLC’s audiovisual presentation is just as strong as the core game. Epic boss music, nuanced weapon and enemy sound effects, and sublime environments enhance every moment of play. Whether facing new bosses, roaming vibrant or bleak landscapes, or testing new builds, the game continually reinforces the identity of Elden Ring as a sprawling, atmospheric, and finely tuned open-world Souls game. Shadow of the Erdtree doesn’t just add content; it elevates the base game’s design, visuals, and combat systems to new heights.

The Negatives ⚠️

For all its brilliance, the DLC isn’t without its minor flaws. Some bosses and enemies are reskins of existing creatures from the base game, which can occasionally undercut the sense of discovery and make certain encounters feel familiar rather than entirely fresh. While this is not a major issue, it does slightly reduce the impact of the otherwise vast and meticulously crafted new areas.

Another potential barrier is accessibility for new players. Accessing the DLC requires defeating challenging optional endgame bosses such as Mohg, Lord of Blood, and Starscourge Radahn. While veterans may breeze through these prerequisites, newcomers could find themselves spending many hours in the base game before even stepping into the new content. This means that while the DLC is incredible, it’s geared more toward those already invested in Elden Ring or Souls veterans.

Finally, while the progression system via Scadutree Fragments is a brilliant addition, it can feel a bit grinding for players with endgame builds, as you’re required to seek out these fragments to survive in the new areas. Though this is intentional to encourage exploration and maintain challenge, it might frustrate some players who expected a more straightforward continuation after finishing the base game.

The Experience 🎮

Playing Shadow of the Erdtree felt like returning to Elden Ring for the first time, but with the added thrill of entirely new tools, challenges, and areas. Even as someone prepared with maxed-out stats and top-tier gear, the DLC quickly humbled me, reminding me why the series is so revered for its difficulty and design. Every encounter, whether a sweeping boss fight, exploring a vertical canyon, or testing out a new weapon type, kept the adrenaline high and the sense of curiosity alive.

The balance between challenge and reward was spot-on. Scadutree Fragments and new progression mechanics ensured that even endgame-ready players had to engage deeply with the content. Exploration never felt like a chore; instead, each new nook or hidden fragment was an invitation to dive further into the beautifully realized world. Combined with epic audio, breathtaking visuals, and combat that constantly encouraged experimentation, the DLC captured the thrill, fear, and satisfaction that make Elden Ring a masterpiece.

Ultimately, Shadow of the Erdtree left me feeling both awe-struck and thoroughly challenged. It’s a perfect example of how to expand a legendary game without diluting its core identity. For returning players, it’s a reason to revisit a world they love; for newcomers, it’s a brilliant introduction to the series’ depth and scope. Every hour spent in The Land of Shadow reinforced why the Souls formula remains one of the most rewarding experiences in gaming.