It’s been a little over two years since FromSoftware released Elden Ring, and it quickly became the gold standard for open-world games, blending the best elements of the Souls series and weaving them into a richly dynamic world. Now, with its expansion Shadow of the Erdtree, FromSoftware has elevated the experience even further, making it one of 2024’s most thrilling releases.
Shadow of the Erdtree is not your average action RPG expansion. Instead of just adding a modestly sized map, a few quests, and some new boss fights, it takes things to a whole new level. The expansion is set in The Land of Shadow, a map even larger than Limgrave. The storyline is compelling too. Early on, you meet Leda, who invites you to join her on a challenging journey through the Shadow Realm to uncover the age-old secrets of this mysterious land. True to FromSoftware’s style, the story isn’t straightforward—it’s revealed through conversations with NPCs and wonderfully crafted but rare cutscenes, filled with significant surprises and plot twists that will keep you on your toes.
Elden Ring’s original map design, famous for its mind-bending verticality, is taken to new heights in Shadow of the Erdtree. There are layers and layers of vertical spaces to explore. At one point, I found myself hundreds of feet above my goal, only to discover that a nearby dungeon was the key to descending further. The map design is all about exploration, encouraging players to uncover every hidden corner and often rewarding those brave enough to venture into the unknown.
And then, of course, there are the bosses. What would a FromSoftware game be without its brutally challenging boss fights? While Shadow of the Erdtree doesn’t feature the same overwhelming number of bosses as the base game (because, honestly, around 160 is just absurd), it does include dozens of them. Whether you encounter these formidable foes along the main storyline or within the depths of hidden dungeons, the quality of these boss battles is top-notch. They’re designed to keep you on edge, with more than a few capable of taking you down in one hit.
Some of the encounters in this expansion easily rank among the toughest in the genre. As someone who thrives on nearly impossible challenges, Shadow of the Erdtree hit the mark perfectly for me. Despite countless deaths, the feeling of finally defeating a tough enemy is unbeatable. That said, if you found the base game challenging, Shadow of Erdtree might prove even tougher. Personally, I would place it right at the top alongside Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice in terms of difficulty—interpret that how you will.
In terms of core gameplay mechanics, Shadow of the Erdtree sticks closely to what made the base game so engrossing. The loop of searching for essential items, weapons, and armor remains as captivating as ever. There are also new elements to discover, such as procuring Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes, which offer specific benefits to enhance your gameplay.
Overall, Shadow of the Erdtree isn’t just an add-on; it’s a substantial extension of an already phenomenal game, making it a must-play for any Elden Ring fan.