Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Review (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S & PC)

Following a diverse release of noble RPG titles in 2024, the sequel, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree came with the same force as its anticipation strength. Stemming from the gaming industry giant, Elden Ring, the sequel had n immense shoe to fit in. For gamers all over, you will recall that Elden Ring was taken the title for the Game of the Year in 2022. With such a grasp, FromSoftware knew they had no way to look but ahead.

As players go into the scene with much anticipation, we are left to wonder whether Shadow of the Erdtree lives up to its prequel. Following Elden Ring's fame on offering challenging levels, gamers already feel intimidated by the incoming Shadow of the Erdtree. Anyway, enough with the chit-chat, let's get into this deep review of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.

Where It All Started

The original Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware, received widespread acclaim. It captivated players with its vast world and challenging gameplay. The game's balance of difficulty and accessibility made it a hit among both veterans and newbies. Players loved its rich environments, diverse enemies, and deep customization options.

Now, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree builds on the foundation of its predecessor. The DLC expands the Elden Ring world and deepens the story, adding new areas and characters. This seamless integration allows players to transition smoothly from the original game to the latest content. Similarly, the expanded gameplay and new challenges keep the experience fresh and engaging.

A critical link between the original and the DLC is the difficulty. Shadow of the Erdtree ups the challenge with more formidable enemies and bosses. This tests the skills players developed in the original game. Therefore, you can not dive straight into the DLC without skills and knowledge of the Original game. However, despite the increased difficulty, the DLC stays true to what made Elden Ring special, ensuring an exciting experience.

The Epic Tale

Shadow of the Erdtree enriches the Elden Ring universe with its immersive storytelling. The DLC introduces players to a dark and atmospheric setting. Each corner of this newly unveiled region under the shadow of the Erdtree holds secrets and challenges, encouraging players to explore.

Elden Ring takes you into the vast and broken world where chaos reigns after the Elden Ring, a powerful source of order, was shattered. Playing as the Tarnished, you set out on a journey to restore the Elden Ring and claim the title of Elden Lord. Along the way, you explore diverse landscapes and face off against demigods who hold pieces of the shattered ring. Each demigod presents a unique challenge, revealing the consequences of their power struggles and the rivalries among different factions.

Elden Ring is deeply influenced by mythological themes of creation and the never-ending power cycle. As you explore the world, you uncover its history through what you see in the environment and through mysterious conversations with the NPCs. 

In Elden Ring, the challenging gameplay goes hand in hand with a rich story that encourages exploration and discovery. As you face the trials of the Lands Between and confront the powerful demigods guarding the Elden Ring‘s fragments, you go deeper into the ancient mysteries of the game.

The Punishing Challenge

Shadow of the Erdtree has become known for its extreme difficulty, challenging even the most experienced players. Released with high expectations, this expansion introduces tough new bosses and complex gameplay mechanics designed to push players to their limits. Have you ever felt bullied by the difficulty of a video game? This DLC makes you feel exactly that. 

Players face formidable enemies like Rennala and the Divine Dancing Lion Beast. Now, each has relentless attacks that require precise timing and strategy to defeat. Overcoming these bosses is not just about progressing in the game, but also about the satisfaction of conquering seemingly overwhelming obstacles.

One prominent example is the boss battles, where enemies like Rennala are known for their aggressive attack patterns and ability to unleash heavy combos. During combat, you will notice difficulty staggering certain bosses, including Rennala. Moreover, players find that these bosses remain agile and fast despite wielding powerful weapons. Therefore, you must carefully study these patterns, time their dodges, and capitalize on brief openings to avoid being overwhelmed by chain assaults.

On the other hand, the difficulty issue highlights frustration with the game's mechanics. Notably, traditional strategies of staggering opponents with heavy attacks are less effective against highly mobile enemies. Players feel that this diminishes the strategic depth of combat, as it limits their ability to exploit openings and control the pace of the battle effectively. As a result, players are left trying to find alternative tactics and builds that can compensate for this perceived imbalance in combat dynamics.

More Punishment…

Another significant challenge is the environmental hazards scattered throughout the DLC's new areas. These hazards range from dangerous platforms that collapse underfoot to traps triggered by unsuspecting adventurers. Negotiating these dangers demands careful exploration and cautious progression. One wrong step or mistimed move can lead to swift and unforgiving consequences.

Despite the punishing difficulty, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is celebrated for its flexibility, allowing players to choose different strategies and character builds. This adaptability enhances the DLC's appeal, offering multiple paths to navigate its challenges. The DLC promises a rewarding experience for those who enjoy tough challenges and captivating storytelling in their gaming adventures.

Overall, Shadow of the Erdtree pushes players to their limits by blending dangerous foes and tricky environmental puzzles that require strategic thinking. While some may find these difficulties intimidating, they add depth and satisfaction to the gameplay experience. 

What's New

One of the highlights of the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is the introduction of new weapons. These additions bring fresh excitement and variety to the game, offering players new ways to approach combat. Each weapon comes with unique abilities and aesthetics.

The new weapons range from powerful swords and axes to magic staffs and bows. For instance, the Gleaming Sunblade is a radiant sword that emits a blinding light. It deals extra damage to dark creatures and enhances the player's defense against shadow attacks. Another example is the Whispering Wind Staff, which allows for faster spell casting and grants new wind-based magic spells. 

The DLC also adds a variety of new enemies, each with distinct behaviors and attack patterns. Consequently, new NPCs offer new dialogue, side quests, and interactions that enrich the game’s story. We can not fail to mention the addition of new skill trees and abilities, allowing for further character development and customization. Players can unlock powerful new moves and enhancements that can turn the tide of battle.

The Good 

One of the standout aspects of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is its rich and immersive world-building. The DLC expands upon the already vast and captivating universe of Elden Ring. The DLC enhances the gameplay experience with its challenging yet rewarding difficulty. 

Despite the frustrations, many players appreciate the steep learning curve and sense of achievement that comes with mastering its combat mechanics and overcoming the formidable bosses. This aspect adds longevity to the game and also encourages exploration and experimentation with different strategies and character builds.

Shadow of the Erdtree delivers a compelling extension of the Elden Ring universe, blending storytelling with intense gameplay challenges. It enriches the player experience by expanding upon what made the base game beloved while introducing new elements that keep the adventure fresh and engaging.

Exploration is also a highlight of the DLC, allowing players to traverse the expansive game world at their own pace. From hidden dungeons to sprawling landscapes, every corner holds secrets to uncover and challenges to overcome. This freedom encourages a sense of discovery and rewards players who appreciate exploration. 

The expansion also excels in its enemy design and combat encounters. Players face formidable foes that demand strategic thinking and skilful execution. Each battle feels distinct and memorable. It feels so great and satisfying when you finally defeat your enemies after mastering their attack patterns and weaknesses.

Verdict 

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree offers players a robust continuation of the saga that began with Elden Ring. One of its strongest aspects is its expansion of the game world, introducing new locations and characters. Exploring these new environments is a treat for those who enjoy uncovering hidden stories and putting together the game's puzzles.

The DLC also excels in maintaining the challenging gameplay tha tElden Ring is known for. From punishing boss battles to tricky environmental puzzles, Shadow of the Erdtree demands that players master their skills and adapt their strategies. While this can lead to moments of frustration, overcoming these obstacles provides an immense sense of accomplishment and progression. Though the DLC's difficulty is the real deal, it underscores its commitment to delivering a challenging yet rewarding experience that resonates with the franchise's fan base.

Ultimately, Shadow of the Erdtree captures the essence of what made Elden Ring a Game of the Year title in 2022. Despite the challenges it presents, the DLC shows FromSoftware's dedication to crafting compelling action RPG games that resonate deeply with players worldwide.