Rise, Tarnished. The wait is finally over.
Shadow of the Erdtree, the expansion to Elden Ring (the 2022 Game of the Year if you’ve been living under a rock), is here– and it’s everything we hoped for.
IGN claims it raises the bar for single-player DLC expansions; GameSpot is stunned to realize it contains an “entire new game’s worth of content, all of which is exceptionally executed;” and Kotaku describes Shadow of the Erdtree as simply “massive, menacing, and magnificent.”
Now is the best time ever to begin Elden Ring for the first time, or to pick up your journey where you left off. If you think you’re ready to begin the DLC, skip down to the end of this blog for info on where to start the new content added with the expansion. CAUTION: slight spoilers abound for those who have not yet played the base game.
If you already own the base game, pick up the expansion. Or grab the Shadow of the Erdtree Edition for everything you need to start playing.
Buy Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Now
Shadow of the Erdtree Release Date and System Requirements
Shadow of the Erdtree is the first, and only, DLC for multiple Game of the Year (2022) winner Elden Ring. And as a result, this “expansion” is basically the size of a full-fledged sequel. It releases June 20, 2024, for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Shadow of the Erdtree expands on the critically acclaimed universe of Elden Ring, offering players a host of exciting new features. Delve into a richly detailed, expansive new region teeming with enigmatic lore, treacherous landscapes, and formidable enemies. This massive DLC also introduces new game mechanics, including dynamic weather systems and environmental interactions; adding even more depth and realism to the world. You can expect many new weapons and spells too, each with unique abilities and strategic potential… which you’re definitely going to need for the many new rage-quit-inducing boss battles…
Wondering if your rig can handle it? Here are the system requirements for all the PC players venturing into The Lands Between:
Minimum:
- Windows 10
- Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 3 3300X
- 12GB RAM
- Nvidia GeForce GTA 1060 3GB, AMD Radeon RX 580 4GB, or Intel Arc A380 6B
- DirectX 12
- 80GB storage space
- Windows-compatible audio device
Recommended:
- Windows 10 or 11
- Intel Core i7 8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
- 16GB RAM
- Nvidia GeForce 1070 8GB, AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 8GB, or Intel Arc A750 8GB
- DirectX 12
- 80GB storage space
- Windows-compatible audio device
Finally, Some Answers
For those continuing their Elden Ring journey, perhaps one of the best things the DLC provides is more clarity on what the f@#k is going on.
We don’t want to spoil anything, but game director Hidetaka Miyazaki has confirmed that in general, Shadow of the Erdtree will answer some of the biggest questions we’re left with at the end of the base game:
[The DLC] provides a lot more context and a lot more of the answers to people’s theories, and the fragments of information that people experienced through the main game.
Shadow of the Erdtree introduces a compelling new storyline that delves into the mysteries surrounding the Erdtree. Players will encounter new characters, factions, and lore that expand the narrative universe. The new questlines are richly detailed, providing more immersive storytelling and complex moral choices that can impact the game world, its inhabitants, and the story we know so far.
FromSoftware’s Biggest Expansion Ever
Shadow of the Edrtree significantly broadens the game’s world by adding new, meticulously designed regions. These areas include dark, enchanted forests, ancient ruins filled with secrets, and of course– a giant poison swamp.
According to Miyazaki, the new additions to Elden Ring’s world are as big or bigger than Limgrave (the base game’s major open-world area).
“This time, we wanted to go more in depth and bring a denser and richer level design,” Miyazaki explained. “There of course will be large open areas, there of course will be legacy dungeons, but we’ve also experimented with something a little more in-between these as well to bring a more diverse gameplay experience.”
Oh yeah, and there are over 10 new major boss fights.
Eight New Weapon Categories
There are not just 8 new intricately animated, gorgeously detailed weapons being added in the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion– there are eight entirely new categories of death-dealing hardwear.
These weapons range from shadow-infused blades and mystical staves to powerful, arcane-infused bows and formidable axes. Each weapon comes with unique abilities and attack patterns, allowing for more varied and strategic combat options. Additionally, these new weapons are designed to complement the expansion’s darker, more mysterious themes, providing players with tools that not only offer fresh gameplay mechanics but also deepen the immersion into the eerie and enigmatic world of the Land of Shadow. Here’s what you can look forward to adding to your build:
- Beast Claws
- Great Katanas
- Hand-to-Hand Arts
- Light Greatswords
- Perfume Bottles
- Reverse-hand Swords
- Throwing Weapons
- Thrusting Shields
How to Start Shadow of the Erdtree
SPOILER ALERT for those who have yet to play the base game of Elden Ring.
…
…
…. Ok we’re good?
If you’re ready to dive into the new Shadow of the Erdtree content, here’s who you’ll need to defeat, and where you’ll need to go to begin:
- Defeat Starscourge Radahn.
- Defeat Mohg, Lord Of Blood.
- Touch the withered arm in Mohgwyn Palace.
Wow it sounds so easy when you put it like that. Why did that take me many, many rage-filled hours…
Check out this list of the best new games in June for more ideas of what to play! Or, this list of our 24 Most Anticipated games of 2024.
And be sure to join us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more updates on the latest releases
