Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree – Everything We Know

Elden Ring had all the right reasons to bag the GOTY22, among other game accolades, in 2022. Featuring a unique RPG formula and a vast open world, the game gives you an experience like no other thanks to its creators. The brainchild of Sekiro and Bloodborne developer FromSoftware gives its fans enough reason to relish the franchise. And with a growing fan base always thirsty for the next big thing, the studio is unleashing another expansion into the sprawling fantasy. 

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree may be the next big expansion after the free Colosseum update. Two years later, following its announcement, there’s crumbs of intel available with loads of speculations and rumors. So what's in store? We've searched all the crevices to give you an exclusive sneak peek. Here's Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree: Everything We Know.

What is Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree?

Shadow of the Erdtree is an upcoming expansion into the Elden Ring universe following the 2022 Colosseum DLC. A few months after the game's launch in February 2022, the devs released a DLC that activated the Colosseum in The Lands Between, the game's main map. The expansion gave players access to new PVP gameplay with the freedom to choose their combat style.

Sticking to tradition, Shadow of Erdtree will offer a new insight into the fantasy world and possibly tie loose ends in the Elden Ring narrative. The action role-playing title is FromSoftware's soul-like game, taking place in a masterful open world. With their striking similarity, you can think of this game as a chip off of the Dark Souls game.

Story

Since the game's announcement by FromSoftware, the studio has remained tight-lipped on any details about the game. The name, however, implies that we'll use the Elden Ring narrative as a foundation. The announcement was accompanied by creative artwork showing a charred tree in a golden-wheat field as the backdrop and a feminine blonde-haired figure riding a horse. The gaming community, in unison, agrees that the figure is Miquella and the horse is Torrent.

Miquella is the godly twin brother of the super boss, Malenia. Malenia refers to his brother as “the most fearsome Empyrean of all.” Following his curse, Miquelle created the Haligtree to cure him and his sister of the rot. A futile attempt since he was taken captive by Mohg before he could finish his quest. 

Moreover, Miquella has been mentioned several times in the game, although we have yet to see his face. This expansion can be the perfect opportune moment for him to make his debut. Plus, with his eternal curse of youthfulness and blonde hair, Miquella's description matches the shadowy figure in the still. 

Now, we're not saying this is the gospel truth, but if this wild theory holds water, it might signal the climax of the Elden Ring saga. But hey, don't bet your in-game gold on it. FromSoftware has a knack for using open-ended stories, sparking significant community discussions. The impending DLC launch is a prime example, with various theories circulating among the gaming community about its content. As we brace ourselves for the unknown, it's clear that FromSoftware's storytelling is intricate. It is designed to keep us on our toes, inviting speculation and anticipation.

Gameplay

Speaking of speculation and anticipation, it's part of tradition for Elden Ring to stir up hype and excitement by releasing the littlest information possible. While we have yet to get any official details on the gameplay or whether the DLC will feature a revamped combat style, we certainly do have plenty of rumors and leaks. Some fans took to the internet to find bits of information on the game, with plenty of what-ifs surrounding its scenarios. Sekirodubi, a data miner, unveiled potential deets in the game's code, which point to about 30 new bosses. There's a strong possibility that the expansion will use the Elden Rings' cut content, especially the Sleep Status Effects. If this is true, players will be invading the dreams of sleeping enemies, an alternative way of dealing with the shardbearers. 

During the Japanese PlayStation Partners awards, Yasuhiro Kitao, Elden Ring producer, confirmed that the expansion would feature new battles and characters. He also compared it to the Bloodborne's expansion. “So please look forward to new things,” he adds. 

Development

Surprisingly, word about the Shadow of Erdtree expansion has been out for nearly two years. During the Game of the Year Awards, Hidetaka Miyazaki unveiled plans for the franchise in his acceptance speech. A few months later, we received more details about the upcoming expansion. 

“Rise, Tarnished, and let us walk a new path together,” reads the tweet that unveiled the upcoming DLC in February 2023.

Although it sent ripples of excitement among its fans, it didn't cover up for the sheer disappointment of the DLC missing out during the 2022 Game Awards. 

FromSoftware's ideal pattern between a DLC announcement and its release is a little over a year. Seemingly, Shadow of Erdtree breaks from this pattern, pointing to a possible vast game scope. 

Trailer

Unfortunately, the developers are yet to release a trailer for the DLC. All we have going on is the creative artwork and tons of speculation. We’ll have to keep you posted on this one.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Plenty of buzz surrounds the DLC, making separating the wheat from the chaff impossible. A rumor recently placed the DLC's launch date as February 2024. However, the studio remains reserved about divulging information. This could be due to the game being in its early development stages. Producer Kitao confirmed this during the PlayStation Partner Awards 2023, saying, “still has a little way to go.”

Are you interested in staying up-to-date with Elden Ring: Shadow of Erdtree? If so, be sure to check in with the folks over at FromSoftware for all the latest updates via their official social handle here. If anything changes ahead of its release, we'll be sure to fill you in on all the key details right here on gaming.net.

So, what's your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Elden Ring: Shadow of Erdtree when it launches? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.