Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is the much-anticipated addition to the award-winning role-playing game from FromSoftware, Elden Ring. Expanding the storyline with a new location and a host of new content, this DLC brings the player to The Land of Shadow—described as a place obscured by the Erdtree and where goddess Marika first set foot.

Whether you’re curious about the lore or simply looking for more challenges to conquer, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is worth the hype, and the price. Also, check out other FromSoft titles, such as the equally challenging Demon’s Souls (2020)

Explore beyond The Lands Between

At the center of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is an all-new location known as The Land of Shadow. It was supposedly the setting of a massive war that isn’t mentioned in The Lands Between. This new location is physically disconnected from the rest of the world, and will require players to defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood—an optional boss defeated by less than 40% of players according to Steam data.

Another intriguing addition to the DLC is Messmer, the Impaler. His impressive character design and connection to the larger game lore have already generated interest. Aside from the chance to fight him, players also get to see a lot of new content. Weapons now include a larger katana variant as well as a martial arts-based fighting option. The same goes for spells, talismans, armor sets, and NPCs to interact with.

Aside from the surprising requirement to access the DLC content, expect the new monsters and boss fights to be just as challenging, if not outright harder than those of the base game. Messmer is already rumored to be on equal footing with Malenia, Blade of Miquella—a notoriously difficult Elden Ring boss. This add-on also marks the return of a Souls game staple, the annoying poison swamp area.

The perfect Elden Ring continuation

Elden Ring was praised for its immersive world-building, although it has also caused players to quit due to its difficulty. Its DLC, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, promises to be the same divisive treat in the Soulslike subgenre. The new gameplay possibilities, enemies, and storyline direction are worth exploring although the surprising requirement and the still-unforgiving difficulty could put players at a crossroads.