Summary
Returning to the realm of Elden Ring is an intimidating endeavor. But the opportunity to participate in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is both thrilling and terrifying, given the epic voyage that FromSoftware embarked on in 2022 and the obstacles that many encountered while attempting to finish the initial story. Some of this is due to the complexities of preview events, which are far too inside baseball for a preview. However, a significant portion of it is based on my experience with previous FromSoft DLCs.
In other words, it is anticipated that Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree will be even more difficult than the main game, but it also presents an opportunity to revisit one of the most exceptional games ever created. I can confidently assert that it was an honor to be among the first to explore the Land of Shadow after playing for a few hours of Shadow of the Erdtree. However, the DLC soon reminded me of the unique qualities that make Elden Ring so special, even in the face of insurmountable odds.
Follows Miquella’s Journey in Shadow of the Erdtree
Bandai Namco and FromSoftware provided a limited number of media outlets with the opportunity to play approximately three hours of the new DLC during our Shadow of the Erdtree preview. We were granted access to the new content after selecting one of three distinct builds: Warrior, Knight, or Sorcerer (all of which were at level 150). I am pleased to inform those who are simply inquisitive about whether the DLC’s initial hours are as enjoyable as the main game that the sense of discovery, the intricate level design, and the punishing bosses are all present in this Elden Ring expansion.
Screenshots of the Erdtree’s New Elden Ring Shadow
It is challenging to evaluate certain aspects, such as scope, difficulty, and balance, as this was a preview event and we were not utilizing our current versions to navigate this content. Additionally, we were granted access to a limited portion of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC map, and our characters were only provided with a basic selection of weapons, many of which were novel to the game. I was interested in testing new weapons, weapon abilities, and Ashes of War in the spirit of a preview. Consequently, the experience was not as optimized as it could have been, but it was undoubtedly enjoyable.
The beginning of Shadow of the Erdtree is likely well-known to the majority of Elden Ring fans, and it is not worth revealing any narrative details that may have been acquired during the gameplay. The player is pursuing Miquella, a critical character in the Elden Ring mythology, as he traverses the Land of Shadow. That is all that is noteworthy. The initial sense of exploration returned as we were placed in an open field. You are interested in exploring every nook and cranny to determine whether there are any hidden mysteries behind a gravestone or beneath a ledge. Before the massive fire basket guy smashes its foot to the ground, it sends out a wave of fire that one-shots you, pique your interest in new adversaries. I was compelled to investigate the consequences of attacking the glowing blue worms that captivated the public’s attention in the initial Shadow of the Erdtree trailer. It is safe to say that they are not merely environmental set decoration.
Players will encounter two new Elden Ring NPCs and reach a Site of Grace after conducting a significant amount of exploration in the initial open field. They will provide a brief history of the upcoming voyage and direct you in one of two directions. A legacy dungeon is located to the left of the bifurcation in the road, while Castle Ensis, a mid-sized dungeon, is located to the right. The medieval theme that permeates the majority of Elden Ring is exemplified by both dungeons, which feature dilapidated fortresses, imposing knights, and undead minions.
Although there were a few archetypes of enemies that were well-known, the majority of the antagonists on exhibit were novel. Some were the typical canon fodder that could be swiftly stunned and eliminated with two swift sword slashes. However, if one is not cautious, they will overwhelm them and reroute the player to the nearest Site of Grace. Some were more formidable and necessitated a combination of patience, pattern recognition, timely dodges/blocks, and a small amount of serendipity. As with any FromSoftware game, some players will easily navigate these adversaries on their initial attempt, while others will perceive them as mini-bosses that they eventually overcome or approach, contingent upon their tolerance for punishment.
The Best Will Be Challenged by Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
According to FromSoftware, Shadow of the Erdtree will feature over ten new foes; however, I encountered only three of them during the preview. One was situated in a diminutive crypt and was the typical FromSoftware adversary, a knight who is merely a man, but who possesses a significant amount of power. This knight is swift and nimble, and he possesses a rapid-fire crossbow that could eliminate your HP in a matter of seconds.
But that supervisor served as a precursor to the forthcoming events. The Dancing Lion, the initial significant foe I encountered in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, performed a dance. The Dancing Lion appeared to be a hybrid of man and beast, with a grotesque design that resembled the disembodied head of a gnarly-looking creature (think a Wild Thing from Where the Wild Things Are). The Elden Ring DLC boss was incredibly agile, capable of swiftly darting and swooping across the arena and inflicting significant damage in a single motion. I want to avoid disclosing too much, but if this is to be the first significant boss for the majority of Shadow of the Erdtree players, it is the kind of warm reception that only FromSoftware can provide. The chill of a frigid shower serves as a reminder that even the most intimidating leaders can devolve into chaotic battles for survival. Despite the fact that I encountered some camera issues during the combat, it was generally a fair and challenging experience. Once more, it is difficult to determine the extent of the challenge that Dancing Lion may pose in light of the numerous OP Elden Ring builds that are available; however, the climactic fight met all expectations.
The design of the other significant boss was less remarkable in comparison, but it provided a pleasant contrast to Dancing Lion. Timing and patience are always essential in Elden Ring boss battles; however, the design of this one was more deliberate, similar to how Malenia necessitated baiting out specific attacks to inflict damage, while Radagon was primarily concerned with maintaining equilibrium amid the chaos. The two foes were distinct, and the greatest compliment I could offer is that I am eager to engage in a genuine battle with them once more.
The most exceptional form of warm welcome is provided by Elden Ring’s DLC.
In the same way that 30 hours feels like barely scratching the surface of Elden Ring, 3 hours feels like barely scratching the surface of Shadow of the Erdtree. Everything that one would expect from a FromSoftware DLC was present, including new enemy classes, weapons, and bosses. The scope of this new content appears to be comparable to that of Elden Ring. That is to say, Shadow of the Erdtree is more expansive and less constrained than previous FromSoft DLCs, much like Elden Ring was in comparison to previous FromSoft titles. The Land of Shadow is a stunning place that seamlessly blends medieval gothic with a fantastical natural beauty. The fabric-like ripples in the sky and the massive, charred Erdtree that dominates the landscape are equally captivating as the first time you encounter the luminous Erdtree in the main game. Enemy designs are diverse, ranging from bizarre to horrific, and at least one enemy type is guaranteed to induce nightmares in certain players.
Additionally, Scadutree Blessings, a consumable introduced by FromSoftware, enhances the protection against incoming and departing damage. There is a method for the most advanced players of Elden Ring to enhance their builds even after they have reached the point of diminishing returns on attributes.
Elden Ring is a Game of the Year award winner, a rousing sales triumph, and a conversation piece for nearly the entirety of 2022. Therefore, the prospect of additional content is sufficiently appealing to the majority of individuals. Numerous players, including those in our organization, are currently engaged in new playthroughs to either prepare for the DLC, reacquaint themselves with the world and controls, or both. Returning to the Tarnished was an exhilarating experience, and despite the brevity of my time in the Land of Shadow, it served as a reminder of the extraordinary nature of Elden Ring. Shadow of the Erdtree appears to demonstrate that the developers are exerting themselves as diligently for the DLC as they did for the main game, as there is no other developer capable of matching their capabilities. Fans of Elden Ring are in for another unforgettable experience if the initial hours of suffering and retribution are as thrilling as the final product.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring is a fantasy action-RPG adventure set in a world co-created by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the creator of the influential Dark Souls video game series, and George R.R. Martin, the author of the best-selling fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire. This collaboration between two renowned creators has resulted in FromSoftware’s largest game to date, filled with danger and discovery at every turn. Hidetaka Miyazaki, president and game director of FromSoftware, has a history of directing highly acclaimed games in franchises such as Armored Core and Dark Souls.
Platform(s) PS5 , Xbox One , PS4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC Developer(s) From Software Publisher(s) Bandai Namco Entertainment , From Software Genre(s) RPG , Action