How Shadow Of The Erdtree Being Its Only DLC Is Perfect For Elden Ring

Elden Ring – Shadow of the Erdtree is highly anticipated, with excitement building as its release on June 21st approaches. FromSoftware has confirmed that Shadow of the Erdtree will be the game’s only DLC. The anticipated expansion will be the talk of the town as it’s FromSoftware’s most ambitious DLC yet.

Judging by the art and hints across the trailer, the DLC is the Yin to the Yang of the base game i.e., the Lands Between is light, and the Land of Shadow is darkness. Priced at $39.99, with tons of content to explore and the scale likely as big as Limgrave, fans are ready to embark on an experience no different than a mini-sequel.

The DLC Compliments The Base Game Perfectly

The base game depicted the shattering of the Elden Ring and the fall of the Golden Order. From my understanding, Shadow of the Erdtree will probably delve into the familial aspects of the Golden Order, with the focus primarily on Miquella, the twin brother of Malenia.

The trailer and narration reveal that the Tarnished will journey across the Land of Shadow, a region separate from the Lands Between, to uncover the reasons behind Miquella’s travel to this place. The brilliant veil-like effect atop a different Erdtree suggests that the DLC will be set in the present, rather than the past or future.

This resonates deeply with me, as the Lands Between symbolizes light and hope, while the Land of Shadow embodies darkness, death, and despair for its inhabitants, if this isn’t the perfect DLC setting, I don’t know what is. Shoutout to VaatiVidya for the lore breakdown of the Land of Shadow.

Potential Of Battling Bosses In Their Prime

This is purely speculative, but I believe we might have the opportunity to fight bosses who were either missing from the base game or not shown in their prime. General Radahn and Malenia exemplify this idea, as both were in a weakened state after their intense battle against each other.

These demigods were mere shadows of their former glorified selves. General Radahn, one of my all-time favorite FromSoft bosses, is a prime example of someone I’d love to encounter along with other unseen entities like The Formless Mother and the Outer God of Rot.

With a keen eye, the player can uncover the rich lore woven throughout the expansive world of Elden Ring, and the upcoming DLC could feature the same depth. The talented team at FromSoft has the creativity to introduce remarkable bosses and areas that the community will talk about for years to come.

The Scale Of The DLC Could Make A Separate Game On Its Own

In an interview with IGN, Hidekata Miyazaki confirmed that the scope of the game will be almost the size of Limgrave if not any bigger, which isn’t small by any chance. A brief glimpse of the area from the trailer resembles a lot like Limgrave if you ask me.

Shadow of the Erdtree is ‘around the size of Limgrave’
byu/Synestia_ inEldenring

Since it is the only DLC for the game, the chances of it being 2-DLCS-in-1 are very likely. I wouldn’t be surprised if Miyazaki is under promising content. Being the only DLC isn’t that bad as the possibility of a sequel to the game still exists. In every aspect, I’d take it over multiple expansions without any sequel in sight *coughs* Bloodborne.

More Lore And G. R. R. Martin’s Involvement With The Game Could Unfold

The world of the Elden Ring brims with intricate details hinting at events following the Shattering of the Elden Ring. For the DLC, Miyazaki and G. R. R. Martin did not directly collaborate, yet Martin’s mythos significantly influenced the creation of Shadow of the Erdtree.

The trailer introduces several intriguing questions: Who is Messemer? Is the Land of Shadow a place for souls after death in the Lands Between? Were the members of the Golden Order truly the good guys? So many questions, only the DLC can answer.

The Tarnished will face Messemer, a central figure whose power rivals that of other Demigods. In the final moments of the trailer, Messemer sits on the same throne found in Morgott’s boss room. With Shadow of the Erdtree just around the corner, FromSoftware is poised to make history once more.