Things to Know Before You Buy Shadow of the Erdtree

Explore everything you need to know before you buy Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC in this comprehensive guide.

The long-awaited Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring has finally arrived, and it promises an expansive and challenging new adventure. This guide will cover essential information for players considering diving into this DLC. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the Lands Between or new to the world of Elden Ring, here’s what to know before buying Shadow of the Erdtree.

Initial Game Progression

To access Shadow of the Erdtree, significant progress in the main game is required.

• Players need to be about two-thirds through the main story, meaning newcomers or those in New Game+ must be prepared to invest time to unlock the DLC.
• This integration ensures a seamless experience, making the new content feel like a natural extension of the main game rather than a separate entity.

New Gameplay Mechanics

The DLC introduces several new mechanics to enhance gameplay. One of the most notable additions is the Revered Spirit Ashes, which can strengthen spirit summons. These become invaluable in the tough battles ahead.

Another critical feature is Scadutree Fragments, which boosts damage output and reduces damage taken within the DLC area.

Collecting these fragments encourages exploration and provides significant advantages in combat, making progression a bit smoother in this challenging environment.

Exploration and Map Design

Shadow of the Erdtree continues the open-world design of Elden Ring, with an emphasis on exploration. The DLC starts in the Gravesite Plains, a central hub that branches out into various paths.

The map is more vertical and intricate than the base game, with many secret paths and hidden areas. While the landmass might not seem large initially, the sheer amount of content and optional areas make it expansive.

The design promotes a sense of discovery, rewarding players for thorough exploration with powerful items and lore insights.

Visuals and Environment

Visually, the DLC maintains the high standards of Elden Ring, with detailed environments and stunning vistas. Each location feels carefully crafted, providing both beauty and narrative depth.

Despite some reused assets, the new areas offer a fresh and polished experience, with unique designs that stand out from the base game.

Dungeons and Mini Areas

The DLC improves on the base game’s side areas, offering more varied and interesting mini-dungeons. Locations like jails and forges add new challenges and unique enemies, making exploration more engaging.

These areas are designed to feel substantial, almost reaching the quality of the main game’s Legacy Dungeons. Additionally, they often contain valuable loot, including new weapons, talismans, and armor sets.

Difficulty and Combat

As expected from a FromSoftware title, Shadow of the Erdtree is challenging. The DLC is designed for late-game players, with difficult enemies and bosses right from the start.

Players are advised to enter the DLC well-prepared, with high-level equipment and upgraded weapons. The new mechanics, such as the Scadutree Fragments, help balance the difficulty, but expect tough fights that test your skills and strategy.

Boss Battles

The new bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree are formidable, featuring long attack sequences, large AoE attacks, and aggressive patterns. These fights require patience and precision, and even veteran players may find them challenging.

Spirit summons can provide much-needed support, but the battles demand a high level of preparation and skill.

Content Volume and Value

Priced at $39.99, Shadow of the Erdtree offers substantial content. It can take around 20 hours to complete the main path, but thorough explorers can easily spend 30 to 40 hours uncovering all its secrets.

The DLC is comparable to a mini-sequel, providing a vast amount of new content that feels like a natural extension of the base game.

Conclusion

Shadow of the Erdtree is a massive and challenging addition to Elden Ring, offering a wealth of new content and mechanics that enhance the base game.

With its intricate map design, engaging new areas, and formidable bosses, the DLC promises an enriching experience for seasoned players.

Despite its difficulty and the requirement to progress significantly in the main game, this DLC is a must-have for fans looking to delve deeper into the world of Elden Ring. The investment is well worth it for the depth and quality of content provided.