Two years after redefining the open-world RPG genre, FromSoftware returns with a DLC that doesn’t merely expand Elden Ring—it elevates it. Shadow of the Erdtree, the long-anticipated expansion to 2022’s Game of the Year, is not just “more Elden Ring.” It’s a carefully crafted, densely layered experience that recaptures the magic of discovering the Lands Between for the first time—only this time, it’s darker, more punishing, and arguably even more rewarding.
Whether you’re a seasoned Tarnished who’s faced the wrath of Malenia or a returning player drawn back by whispers of Miquella’s lost journey, the Realm of Shadow offers a vast and unforgettable new challenge. In this review, we’ll break down everything the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC has to offer—story, map design, bosses, new weapons, build variety, and more—all while spotlighting what makes it one of the best expansions in Soulslike history.
Shadow of the Erdtree Overview
- Developer: FromSoftware
- Publisher: Bandai Namco
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
- Release Date: June 21, 2025
- DLC Access Requirements: Defeat Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood
A Darker World Awaits in the Realm of Shadow
Shadow of the Erdtree invites players into the mysterious Realm of Shadow, a separate dimension tied to the demigod Miquella, brother to Malenia. Though seemingly smaller than the Lands Between on the surface, this new realm is deeply vertical, with secret passageways, layered dungeons, and hidden caverns. What initially seems like a modest expansion quickly reveals its sprawling complexity.
Unlike traditional DLCs that offer a handful of linear missions or zones, Shadow of the Erdtree is a full-fledged game in miniature. With over 40 bosses, dozens of new weapons, and dozens of hours of fresh gameplay, this expansion rivals and, in some ways, surpasses content found in standalone games.
Brutal But Beautiful: The Combat Experience
Even veteran players will be surprised at how swiftly the Realm of Shadow strips away any sense of invincibility. Level 150 characters armed with +10 weapons and fully upgraded Spirit Ashes will still find themselves humbled by the game’s punishing new enemy types and hyper-aggressive bosses.
FromSoftware once again masterfully balances the line between challenging and unfair. Several of the new boss encounters—especially those tied to the central narrative—test the limits of the player’s understanding of game mechanics, demanding expert dodging, timing, and positioning.
Among the 40+ boss fights, at least 10 are Remembrance Bosses—major set-piece encounters that drop unique weapons, spells, and powerful items. These fights rival the likes of Radahn, Malenia, and the Elden Beast in spectacle and difficulty, cementing Erdtree’s place in FromSoftware’s pantheon of boss design excellence.
Exploration That Rivals the Base Game
Shadow of the Erdtree maintains the core ethos of Elden Ring: freedom of discovery. The Realm of Shadow is divided into multiple interconnected zones, and like the Lands Between, you’re rarely forced into a linear path. Instead, breadcrumbs—like the haunting Miquella Crosses—act as subtle signposts guiding you through the story while encouraging detours, secrets, and sidequests.
Some of the expansion’s greatest surprises lie behind obscure ladders, illusionary walls, or optional dungeons. These often lead to entirely new sub-zones, complete with unique enemies, NPCs, and lore fragments that deepen the overall narrative.
A Host of New Characters and Lore-Rich Storytelling
The central plot of Shadow of the Erdtree follows Miquella, who has abandoned his body to journey into the Realm of Shadow. You follow his footsteps—literally marked by large, spectral crosses—and encounter seven of his devoted followers, each with their own mini questline and distinct personality.
These NPC arcs are more than just flavor—they intertwine with the main narrative and can impact how certain boss fights unfold. Depending on how you interact with them, they may aid or oppose you later, adding replayability and moral complexity to your decisions.
For lore enthusiasts, Shadow of the Erdtree contains some of the most significant revelations in Elden Ring’s world-building, rivaling even the main game’s cryptic storytelling. Even players who aren’t deep lore-divers will appreciate the emotionally resonant story beats and character payoffs.
Playtime and Replayability: A Massive Offering
Most players will take around 25 to 30 hours to complete the main path of Shadow of the Erdtree. But that’s only scratching the surface. Optional bosses, side quests, hidden areas, and untapped builds easily extend this playtime to 40–50+ hours, especially for completionists.
Just like the base game, Shadow of the Erdtree is not meant to be played just once. With so many new weapons, spells, talismans, and build possibilities, starting a New Game+ run or trying out a new character build feels almost mandatory.
Weapon Types, Builds, and Combat Variety
One of the most exciting aspects of the DLC is the introduction of eight brand-new weapon types, which include:
- Light Greatswords
- Beast Claws
- Throwing Blades
- Giant Odachi Swords
- Backhanded Blades
- Thrusting Shields
- Hand-to-hand Combat Gauntlets
- Perfume Bottles (yes, seriously)
Each of these weapon types opens up new combat strategies. The Light Greatsword, for example, strikes a balance between speed and power, with a flowing moveset perfect for aggressive melee builds. The Milady, one of the most stylish new swords, became an instant fan favorite thanks to its elegant combos and versatility.
If you’re into magic, melee, or hybrid builds, there’s something here for you. New Ashes of War, Spirit Ashes, and overpowered new talismans give you plenty of room to experiment. You can, for instance, dramatically shorten spellcasting time while increasing damage taken, or boost two-handed weapon damage at the cost of poise.
If there’s any drawback, it’s that Larval Tears (used for respeccing) are limited. This makes it difficult to experiment with multiple builds without starting a new game or using your existing limited resources wisely.
Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Blessings: A Smart New Mechanic
To help balance the DLC’s intense difficulty curve without disrupting the base game’s endgame, FromSoftware introduces two clever progression systems exclusive to the Realm of Shadow:
- Scadutree Fragments – Boost your damage resistance and output within the DLC zone.
- Revered Spirit Ash Blessings – Increase the power and survivability of your Spirit Ashes.
These can be found throughout the world and act as incentives for exploration. If you’re stuck on a particularly nasty boss, finding more of these fragments can tip the scales in your favor without having to farm runes or grind levels traditionally.
Area Design and Legacy Dungeons
The DLC includes multiple new legacy dungeons, all of which rival or exceed those found in the main game. Some highlights include:
- Belurat, Tower Settlement – A gothic fortress teeming with new, grotesque enemies like stinging scorpions and shrieking banshees.
- Castle Ensis – A mage stronghold filled with sorcery traps and one of the hardest early bosses in the game.
- Shadow Keep – A massive, vertical dungeon filled with deadly ambushes and interconnected shortcuts, ultimately leading to one of the DLC’s biggest fights.
Each dungeon features tight level design, meaningful shortcuts, and interconnected loops reminiscent of Dark Souls 1. They’re proof that FromSoftware hasn’t lost its touch in crafting intricate, rewarding environments.
Graphics, Sound, and Artistic Direction
Though it runs on the same engine as Elden Ring, Shadow of the Erdtree still impresses visually. The Realm of Shadow is cloaked in eerie twilight, offering sharp contrasts to the sunlit fields of the Lands Between. From scorched battlefields to dreamlike crystal forests, the DLC’s art direction remains hauntingly beautiful.
The soundtrack is just as impactful. Whether it’s the melancholic overworld themes or pulse-pounding boss tracks, the music elevates the emotional and dramatic tone of every encounter.
How to Access the DLC
To unlock Shadow of the Erdtree, you must:
- Defeat Starscourge Radahn – A major boss in Caelid.
- Defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood – Located in Mohgwyn Palace.
- Interact with Miquella’s Cocoon in Mohg’s boss arena.
Once unlocked, you’re transported to the Realm of Shadow, where your new journey begins.
Final Verdict: A Masterclass in DLC Design
If Elden Ring set the gold standard for open-world action RPGs, then Shadow of the Erdtree raises the bar for what a DLC should be. It’s not just an expansion—it’s a refinement, a remix, and a celebration of everything that made the original game a masterpiece.
FromSoftware could have given us a 10-hour side story, and fans would’ve been satisfied. Instead, they delivered a densely packed, emotionally resonant, and brutally difficult adventure that feels essential to the Elden Ring experience.
Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Score: 10/10
Whether you’re here for the bosses, the lore, the builds, or just the joy of discovery, Shadow of the Erdtree is a must-play. It’s a love letter to fans, a challenge to veterans, and a reason to dive back into one of the best games of all time.
Where to Buy Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
| Edition | Price | Platform | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Edition | $79.99 | PS5, Xbox, PC | Amazon |
| Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Only | $39.99 | PS5, Xbox, PC | Steam / PS Store / Xbox Store |
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