Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
To say that Elden Ring isn’t one of the biggest games of the past few years would be disrespectful. When the game came out, it sold over 25 million copies in two weeks after its release. Of Course, when the game company announced there would be a DLC for the game back in February of last year, fans were reasonably excited. Which brings us to June 21: The date the DLC finally came out, and it is simply phenomenal! It was everything the fans were waiting for and so much more. So, let me explain the truly amazing Shadow of the Erdtree.
The New World
When the rumors of the DLC were first coming out, one of the first things that was being discussed was the size of the map. Which was something most players were concerned about. Initially, it was said that the DLC area was going to be as big as the two of the beginning locations; however, players were pleasantly surprised to find that the map was larger than expected. In fact, it was larger than the three beginning areas! It was like a completely different world when it came down to the differences between it and the base game. In total there were seven regions to explore; each of them being vastly different from the other. There was Gravesite Plain, Scadu Altus, Jagged Peak, Ruins of Rauh, Cerulean Coast, Abyssal Wood, Black Keep, and Enir-llim; in addition, there were a plethora of side regions and dungeons. Each of these new regions brought along new enemies, locations, characters, and above all else…atmosphere. The tune of the DLC was far darker than that of the base game. While there are a few bright and lively areas, most of the regions have this unnerving and almost horror-like feeling, which is how the DLC is able to separate itself from the base game without seeming forced. The DLC had an abundance of new items, weapons, armor, and overall things to find. Which in turn allows the best part of Elden Ring to shine: The Freedom.
More Freedom
One of the many things I praise Elden Ring for is the pure freedom it gives you. You are given a vast amount of freedom to play however you wish, and in the DLC that freedom is simply expanded on. As soon as you enter you are given an immediate choice of where to go: Either venture forward towards the imposing Black Keep in the distance, or explore the surroundings. In this very first choice you could find yourself venturing into the heart of the world or be lost in a new region. No matter which path you choose, you will be rewarded in some way, whether that be in the form of a new weapon, or in an area to explore. Another way Shadow of the Erdtree gives you more freedom is through the way of its new items. You can choose to stick to the tools that helped you through the base game or to try out new content that might be even better, and in that way there is a risk and also a reward to everything you do. Overall that sense of freedom from the base-game is found here.
The Difficulty
The final part of the DLC that made players on the ropes about it has to be the difficulty spike. Compared to the base game, Shadow of the Erdtree is nearly three times harder in every way. This is the most controversial and highly debated topic when the DLC launched. Some players complained it was far too hard for them and calling it a waste of time. Their argument was that the DLC was supposed to be accessible to everyone, and similar to the base-game; however, this argument is extremely flawed for many reasons. One: in order to even enter the DLC you must defeat specific bosses, both of them considered hard for the base-game. Second: there was an entire four months time for most players to prepare and refresh themselves for the DLC. Lastly, within the DLC, a new system specifically designed for it called the Scadutree Blessing. This blessing system works as such: you find a certain item in the DLC world that not only increases your overall damage but also your defense. This system is here to basically make the game easier or harder for you depending on your choice to use it.
In the end, the DLC for Elden Ring was one that defied expectations of everyone. From its massive new world to the hundreds of new choices, and even to the difficulty spike that makes it a nice challenge. Even to old players. If you are someone who hasn’t gotten the DLC and has beaten the base-game, I highly recommend getting Shadow of the Erdtree. You will not be disappointed.
