Summary
WhileElden Ring’sShadow of the ErdtreeDLC (probably) won’t be able to match the enormous size of the base game, the Land of Shadow in which it takes place might still be bigger than most players are expecting. As is what is essentially tradition for the Soulsborne games developed by FromSoftware,Elden Ringis being significantly expanded with DLC, which promises to bring new areas, weapons, and story to the game, filling in at least some of the narrative gaps left by the base game’s established lore.
For most of the time since its initial reveal in 2023, information onShadow of the Erdtreehas been scant, with not even an official trailer to show off until a year later, in February 2024. Since thatfirst trailer, however, the DLC’s pre-release marketing has ramped up, now culminating in several outlets and content creators getting the opportunity to play the first few hours, showing off new weapons, areas, and bosses. And even with just this small preview of what’s to come, it looks likeShadow of the Erdtreecould be bigger than anyone might have expected.
Elden Ring Review: Hands Across America
Elden Ring is a staggeringly large, nearly perfect culmination of everything FromSoftware has developed since the release of Demon’s Souls.
Shadow Of The Erdtree Might Be Bigger Than Promised
Originally Said To Match Limgrave In Size
Despite early comments from director Hidetaka Miyazaki that the DLC would be around the size of the base game’s Limgrave, new trailers, previews, and even a new interview fromPC Gamersuggest thatShadow of the Erdtreewill be significantly larger than what was promised. In-person previews, which allowed players to experience around three hours of the DLC, took place right at the start of the DLC, sending players through its base game starting point in Mogh’s boss arena - and while they weren’t allowed to progress beyond a certain point, even the preview’s limited scope looks promising.
The Land Of Shadow Is More Condensed Than The Lands Between
Dungeons & Legacy Dungeons Around Every Turn
Most notably, while the exactsize of the DLCcan’t be confirmed, it certainly seems to be more densely packed than the Lands Between, with previews noting two Legacy Dungeons (likeStormveil Castleor the Academy of Raya Lucaria in the base game) even in the limited area that they were allowed to explore. All in all, previews and player speculation have placed the overall size ofShadow of the Erdtreeatanywhere from somewhat bigger than Limgrave to half the size of the base game’s full map, densely packed with a staggering amount of content.
Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree Story Trailer Breakdown - Lore Connections & Dialog Explained
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree has received a trailer with significant story implications, connecting the Land of Shadow to important lore.
Of course, it’s not possible to know the exact size ofShadow of the Erdtreeuntil it comes out, but so far, previews are painting a picture of an experience that delivers on a similar sense of scale as the base game. Player opinion often places DLC for FromSoftware games, likeBloodborne’sThe Old Hunters, as the best that the studio has to offer, and so far, it looks likeShadow of the Erdtreeis poised to deliver the same forElden Ring.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring is a popular game released by From Software, creators of games such as Armored Core, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne. Players assume the role of a Tarnished, a being once exiled to the Lands Between and has returned to repair the Elden Ring after the events of “The Shattering.” “The Shattering” occurred when the offspring of Queen Marika battled to claim the shards of the Elden Ring, known as Great Runes. Their war has brought lawlessness, destruction, and chaos to the land, and the player will challenge them with the assistance of a Maiden known as Melina as they travel towards the great Erd Tree to face their destiny and to become the one true Elden Lord. Players can tackle the game how they choose and can adventure across realms as they build their character how they want - be it a powerful magic caster or a brutal swordsman - they will have complete control over their build.
