Two years after FromSoftware released Elden Ring, fans get to return to the Lands Between for a new adventure. Technically, they won’t be spending much time in any familiar setting beyond starting the DLC where Mohg was defeated, as the new expansion takes place in a totally new map called Realm of Shadow. A fresh experience with a ton to discover, Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree is one of 2024’s greatest gaming achievements.
While there’s a lot to gush about Elden Ring over, from its incredible art design to challenging boss battles, the incredible sense of discovery was at the top of the list. That feeling fully returns while roaming the Shadow Realm, as no matter what direction you go, you’ll wind up finding interesting locales with even more intriguing creatures that want to kill you. The expansion is quick to show just how dangerous this new land is, as you’ll immediately see a massive Furnace Golem roaming the opening plain, which is happy to kill you if you get too close.
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree is absolutely brutal at first. Much like later sections of the base game, a high-leveled character with powerful weapons can get wiped out in seconds if making a mistake. The key to improvement is exploring the world, as there are two new blessings that give your character buffs that are exclusive to the DLC. By finding these, you’ll start to deal more and take less damage, plus make Torrent and any summons more powerful. Even the most powerful players will experience a learning curve in the Realm of Shadow, which winds up being such a fulfilling experience as a result.
While Shadow of the Erdtree is ultimately more Elden Ring, some of the level designs will feel even more at home for longtime fans of FromSoft. A nearby city that many will explore early on feels straight out of Dark Souls, with enemies placed around almost every corner, waiting to strike any player that lets their guard down. There’s definitely a brutal, unforgiving feel to the expansion at first, which will certainly satiate anyone looking for a challenge. While you can try to beeline to the expansion after defeating Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, it’s definitely best suited for endgame players, as you’ll need to rely on your veteran savvy to survive.
Of course, Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree features plenty of new weapons and talismans that players can choose to use in their attempts to make progress. From more melee-focused weapons, such as beast claws and dueling shields, to throwable hammers and elemental-based perfume bottles, there are a lot of new options to discover and use. While I didn’t change my strategy a ton from the main game, I did find new throwable daggers that I kept on my character as a secondary weapon that wound up being very useful when I was having difficulty dealing damage from up close. With more variety than ever before, Elden Ring’s combat is even more up to the player and all the more fulfilling as a result.
Of course, any FromSoft game will be judged by its boss encounters, and thankfully, the Shadow Realm is filled with some incredible fights. The visual design remains top-notch throughout, and one of my favorite boss fights was against a giant lion that looks like a Chinese New Year costume with a lengthy body. Using lightning, wind, and ice, the divine beast constantly kept me on my toes and forced me to change my gear in order to have a better chance against the elements. The bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree absolutely stack up against the best of Elden Ring and will challenge veteran players just as much as you battle them through their phases.
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Review: Final Thoughts
There is so much more that I want to praise about Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, but like the base game, it is definitively best to explore and experience it on your own while also communicating with other players and piecing together information. There are wonderful surprises to come about, interesting lore to discover, and plenty of secrets that I or other reviewers haven’t even stumbled upon yet. This massive expansion makes an all-time great game even better and is a must-purchase for those who have finished the original.
SCORE: 9.5/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 9.5 equates to “Excellent.” Entertainment that reaches this level is at the top of its type. The gold standard that every creator aims to reach.
Disclosure: The publisher provided a PlayStation 5 copy for our Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree review. Reviewed on version 1.012.000.
