Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree — First DLC Impresses

When FromSoftware announced the first DLC for Elden Ring, the community responded with an anticipation rarely seen in gaming. After two years since the base game's launch, Shadow of the Erdtree arrived with the promise of expanding one of the most acclaimed worlds of the generation — and delivered more than most expected.

A New Kingdom on the Edge of Oblivion

The expansion takes place in the Shadowrealm, a region parallel to the Lands Between that had remained sealed since the events narrated in the original game. To access it, the player must have defeated Mohg and interact with Miquella's body. From the very first minutes, it becomes evident that FromSoftware used this space to experiment visually: the ochre-colored sky, the plains covered in white flowers, and the colossal ruins create a melancholic and unique atmosphere, clearly distinct from everything the base game offered.

The expansion's map is generous — comparable in size to Limgrave — and filled with secret areas, catacombs, and castles that rival the original game's best dungeons in design. The density of content per square meter is impressive, with few empty spaces and constant rewards for those who explore carefully.

New Bosses, Weapons, and Mechanics

Shadow of the Erdtree introduces more than 20 brand-new bosses, with Messmer the Impaler already considered by part of the community as one of FromSoftware's best encounters in years. The new Scadutree Blessings system works as a parallel progression exclusive to the DLC: fragments scattered across the map increase attack and defense, encouraging exploration before facing the harder bosses.

The arsenal brought by the expansion includes over 30 new weapons, eight new Spirit Ashes, and a new type of magic based on black flames that opens possibilities for creative builds. The original soundtrack, with orchestrated compositions specifically for the DLC, further elevates the experience.

Is It Worth It?

Shadow of the Erdtree is, in practice, a complete game packaged as an expansion. With approximately 30 hours of content for those who explore in depth, it offers the same density and quality as the base game. For Elden Ring fans, it's a no-brainer purchase. For those who haven't yet experienced the universe, it's a great reason to start from the beginning.