Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is more than just a DLC — it’s a grim and glorious return to the Lands Between that feels like a game of its own. Clocking in at over 25 hours for most players, this expansion delivers everything fans love about FromSoftware: brutal bosses, cryptic lore, jaw-dropping landscapes, and just enough despair to keep you questioning your life choices.
After hundreds of hours in the base game, I wasn’t sure what Shadow of the Erdtree could still surprise me with. Turns out, quite a lot.
World Design – A Masterpiece of Misery
The new region, the Land of Shadow, is huge — think of it like a vertical maze fused with the gothic decay of Bloodborne. The level design is as punishing as it is awe-inspiring, filled with deadly cliffside paths, poison swamps (yep, they’re back), and terrifying ambushes.
FromSoftware knows how to pull you into its world with visual storytelling, and here they push it even further. Crumbling ruins hint at ancient tragedies, and you’ll frequently find yourself standing still just to take it all in — right before something crushes you to death.
Boss Fights – Savage, Spectacular, and Soul-Crushing
If you thought Malenia was tough, just wait until you meet Messmer the Impaler, a fire-wielding demigod who makes Radagon look like a warm-up act. Every major boss fight feels handcrafted to test a different skill — spacing, timing, status resistance, or just pure endurance.
There’s one late-game fight (no spoilers) that easily ranks among the most cinematic and emotionally disturbing battles FromSoft has ever made.
Highlights:
- Over 10 major boss encounters
- New enemy types that will make you wish for old ones back
- Optional bosses are often harder than the main ones
Gameplay Additions – New Toys for Tarnished
Shadow of the Erdtree adds a new progression system: Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes. These upgrades only work in the DLC area, but they’re essential to survive. It’s a smart way to keep veterans challenged without overhauling the base game.
There are also dozens of new weapons, armor sets, spells, and Ashes of War. Standouts include:
- A greatsword that unleashes spectral wolves
- A curved blade that causes bleed and frost simultaneously
- Sorceries themed around light and shadow interplay
Performance on PS5 – Smooth and Stunning
The PS5 handles the DLC beautifully. Load times are quick, performance mode sticks close to 60 FPS, and the visuals are clean and sharp even in the most chaotic moments. The haptics on the DualSense aren’t overly used, but audio design remains top-tier — every fire spell, enemy shriek, and blade clash feels impactful.
Only occasional stutters in certain open areas hold it back from being flawless.
Verdict – A Terrifying Triumph
Shadow of the Erdtree is exactly what a major expansion should be. It deepens the lore, raises the difficulty ceiling, and forces players to adapt without losing what made Elden Ring a phenomenon. It’s hauntingly beautiful, mechanically rich, and fiercely punishing — in the best way.
This isn’t just more Elden Ring. It’s Elden Ring, distilled and darker.
⭐ Final Score: 10 / 10
+ Pros:
- Incredible boss designs
- Rich, layered new environments
- Dozens of new builds and weapons
- Excellent performance on PS5
– Cons:
- Some enemy/boss difficulty spikes feel unfair
- Scadutree system can be confusing at first
Should You Buy It?
If you loved Elden Ring, this is a must-play. Just be prepared to die — a lot.
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