June 21, 2024 – PlayStation announced today that the eagerly awaited DLC for Elden Ring, titled “Shadow of the Erdtree,” is now available. This expansion brings new adventures and challenges for players in the popular action RPG.
FromSoftware, the developer behind Elden Ring, first teased the DLC in February 2023. They announced that they were working on an expansion titled “Shadow of the Erdtree.” Fans have been eagerly awaiting more content since the game’s original release in February 2022. The DLC was officially confirmed to be in development by producer Yasuhiro Kitao, who shared updates throughout 2023.
“Shadow of the Erdtree” introduces a wealth of new content. Players will explore new areas and face off against formidable enemies. The DLC kicks off at Mohgwyn Palace, where players will encounter the cocoon of Miquella the Kind. Miquella, a central figure in Elden Ring lore, was stolen by Mohg in an attempt to elevate him to godhood. The new storyline revolves around Miquella awakening and the player’s journey through the Land of Shadow.
Draw the shades and enter the Shadow Realm.
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree is available now: https://t.co/bdsjl5KwIr pic.twitter.com/PHPzXBOL52
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) June 21, 2024
New Weapons and Abilities
The expansion brings eight new weapon categories to the game. These include the long Odachi katana, reverse-hand Gyakute Ken, and Dueling Shields designed for both offense and defense. Martial Arts and Throwing Daggers add new dimensions to combat, allowing players to adapt their fighting styles. In addition to weapons, the DLC introduces new spells and Ashes of War, providing fresh tactical options.
Gameplay Enhancements
A significant gameplay change in the DLC is the introduction of a new leveling system for the DLC areas. This system, inspired by the attack power system in Sekiro, allows players to adjust their power in the new areas. This feature lets players explore different strategies, making the game more accessible to both high-level players and those seeking a challenge at lower levels.
Story and Setting
The story of “Shadow of the Erdtree” dives deep into the mythos of Elden Ring. The new content features a mysterious figure in Mohgwyn’s Palace, speculated to be either Melina or Miquella. The trailer showcases a shadow-wreathed tree, believed to be Miquella’s Haligtree rather than the Erdtree. The Haligtree is a significant element in the lore, representing Miquella’s attempt to create a second Erdtree to save himself and his sister, Malenia.
Preorder Bonuses and Editions
Players who preordered the DLC received various bonuses depending on the edition they chose. The base game preorder included the Ring of Miquella emote, while the premium edition offered a digital art book and soundtrack. The collector’s edition provided a 46 cm statue of Messmer the Impaler, a 40-page physical art book, and the digital soundtrack.
