FromSoftware has done it again. The long-anticipated Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring has finally arrived, and it’s everything we hoped for—plus a bit more pain. For fans in the U.S. and beyond, this expansion is a brutal love letter to those who crave deep lore, twisted beauty, and the ever-satisfying sting of relentless combat.
In this blog post, we’re diving deep into the core of this expansion—an honest review that touches on gameplay, lore, new mechanics, world design, and whether it’s worth your time and money in 2025.
A Whole New Nightmare: The Shadow Realm
The DLC introduces the Shadow Realm, a sprawling, interconnected land filled with cryptic architecture, haunted landscapes, and grotesquely beautiful creatures. It’s the kind of world only FromSoftware could dream up—ethereal, terrifying, and gorgeously immersive.
Unlike the Lands Between, the Shadow Realm feels more linear but with plenty of hidden detours and branching paths. From towering obsidian cathedrals to corrupted forests dripping with otherworldly fog, every area is crafted with stunning attention to detail.
Exploration rewards patience and curiosity. Illusions hide key items, enemy ambushes lurk in innocuous-looking ruins, and layered level design makes each trek feel dangerous but rewarding.
Combat: Still the King of Pain
Let’s be clear: this DLC is not beginner-friendly. If you thought Malenia was tough, just wait until you face Messmer the Impaled—a boss so aggressive and well-designed that even veteran Tarnished will need a few dozen tries.
Thankfully, the combat remains precise, satisfying, and punishing in the best ways. The DLC introduces:
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New weapon types like the Phantom Claw and Spirit Flame Staff
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Advanced Spirit Ash summons
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New Ashes of War, giving melee builds a welcome refresh
The enemy variety is top-notch. New foes like the Hollow Archbishops and Thorned Sentinels force you to rethink your approach, even if you’re rocking a maxed-out character.
Lore: A Grim Expansion of the Elden Ring Mythos
If you’re here for lore (and let’s face it, every Elden Ring fan is), you’ll be thrilled—or deeply unsettled. Shadow of the Erdtree dives deeper into:
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The fate of Miquella
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The origins of the Erdtree’s corruption
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Forgotten gods and ancient curses
There are no cut-and-dry answers, of course. Instead, expect cryptic item descriptions, obscure NPC dialogue, and haunting environmental storytelling that demands attention and speculation.
It’s grim, it’s heavy, and it enriches the base game’s mythology in truly meaningful ways.
New Content Highlights
Here’s a quick rundown of the major additions:
• 10+ New Bosses
Including some of the hardest fights in Elden Ring history, each with unique mechanics and lore significance.
• 25+ New Weapons and Spells
Perfect for refreshing old builds or crafting something entirely new.
• 5 Major Regions
Each packed with secrets, dungeons, NPC questlines, and lore.
• New Mount Abilities
Torrent gets a few enhancements to help navigate more vertical and dangerous terrain.
Visuals and Performance
Shadow of the Erdtree looks stunning on next-gen consoles and high-end PCs. Ray tracing adds depth to eerie lighting in catacombs and haunted woods, and new particle effects on spells and weather make everything feel richer.
Performance-wise, it’s mostly stable at 60 FPS on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, though some users report minor dips during heavy particle battles. PC users might need the latest drivers and tweaks to ensure optimal performance.
Is It Worth It?
In one word: absolutely. For $39.99, you’re getting a massive expansion that feels more like a full sequel than a mere add-on. The boss design alone justifies the cost, and for lore hunters, it adds new layers to Elden Ring’s already dense world.
This is FromSoftware at its finest—bold, brutal, and relentlessly creative. But beware: the difficulty spikes are real. You’ll need top-tier builds, patience, and a stubborn spirit to see this through.
Tips Before You Begin
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Level up: Ideally, your character should be at Level 120+.
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Upgrade your gear fully before diving in.
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Bring diverse builds—you’ll need flexibility.
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Stock up on Spirit Ashes—you’ll thank us later.
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Explore thoroughly—some of the best gear is hidden off-path.
Final Verdict: 9.7/10
Shadow of the Erdtree is a masterpiece of expansion design—deep, deadly, and unforgettable. Whether you’re in it for the fights, the lore, or just one last ride through Elden Ring’s haunting beauty, this DLC delivers.
It’s not just more Elden Ring—it’s Elden Ring, refined and reborn in the shadows.
