Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Reviews
Exactly as engrossing and meticulously designed as you'd expect of FromSoftware but even by their standards this is an enthralling slice of DLC that underlines and enhances the achievements of the original.
Shadow of the Erdtree is so packed with new content that it almost feels like a sequel to Elden Ring.
I think that’s the biggest point here, is that even though my expectations were high, Shadow of the Erdtree still managed to exceed them. From Software probably could have just added more Elden Ring and that would have been solid enough, but instead, Shadow of the Erdtree is yet another innovative iteration of the genre.
Shadow of the Edrtree expansion transported me back to Elden Ring in a surprising and nostalgic way. Two years later the game is still fresh as it's ever been - with unique pacing, artistic style and sense of progression. And if you ever stumble upon some annoying sections, you can always count on your fellow Mimic Tear friend.
Review in Russian | Read full review
If you love Elden Ring it's hard not to recommend Shadow of the Erdtree. New NPCs, items, questlines, enemies (fans of Jarburg, brace yourselves), and everything else you'd expect from a FromSoftware expansion are all to be found here. The $40 price tag seems steep but feels fair when considering the amount of content on offer and I know for a fact that, despite the frankly unhealthy number of hours I've put into the game already, there's still a lot more I have not found yet. Shadow of the Erdtree is an excellent expansion of Elden Ring's world - just turn off ray tracing before hopping in.
Shadow of the Erdtree might have some flaws – reusing certain enemies, inconsistent boss balance, patchwork world design – but even so, it's still Elden Ring at its core and it's still leagues ahead of most other high-profile open world games. Definitely a worthwhile addition, and for a fair price, for any fan of the base game. Just make sure you look up how to get to Mohg first.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree expands the base game by offering more of what made it one of the best open-world games ever. It features a well-sized map dense with secrets to discover, new masterfully designed dungeons, and introduces new, fun tools to help the Tarnished tackle some of the most challenging enemies in the game's dark and brutal world. While the lack of new gameplay mechanics may disappoint some, don't let this deter you. Shadow of the Erdtree is every bit as good as the base game, and it is an essential purchase for all those who loved FromSoftware's amazing action role-playing game.
Shadow of the Erdtree delivers more of the same style of content you loved two years ago rather than introducing new ways to engage. That's enough to consider it a fantastic expansion, though it's hard not to feel like you're just going through the motions again. With a new land to explore, a fresh set of bosses to fight, and extra lore to consume, it's so much more Elden Ring.
Shadow of the Erdtree is a fitting tribute to Elden Ring and a stunning finale that manages to surprise and shock us all over again. Those who enjoyed the base game will find much more to get their teeth into. This signs off the Elden Ring chapter of FromSoftware’s journey so conclusively and impressively, that it invokes questions about how they will ever top it again.
It’s a continuation of what made the Elden Ring fantastic in the first place. An epic adventure!
Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree is far more out of an expansion than I ever thought it would be, and my expectations were already a little high. While I have personal gripes with what I see to be missed chances, that doesn't stop it from being spectacular on the whole. This expansion feels like it fully completes Elden Ring, a game that already felt like a whole project, in a way I didn't even know it needed to be completed. I can no longer imagine Elden Ring being without Shadow Of The Erdtree, almost like the Realm Of Shadow was there the whole time.
The relationship between the vastness of the experience and the density of content makes this expansion a very valid product that has literally kept us glued to the screen for dozens and dozens of hours.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Shadow of the Erdtree is exactly the great expansion that the open-world masterpiece deserves.
Review in German | Read full review
Like the base game, Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree is a masterpiece. New spells, equipments, a huge new region, bosses more crazier and tough than ever… it's a generous DLC that can compete with big games. Everything is not perfect on the technical aspect, especially on consoles but it's an even more rewarding game and more beautiful than ever. It's an extraordinary cocktail of thrills at every level and a real lesson.
Review in French | Read full review
The way this map is built plays very well with its limitations, creating a layered world that takes exploration to a new level for the series. Traveling through this open world is extremely satisfying and gives us so many options that it can even be overwhelming for some people, but at the same time it gives rise to an experience that only Tears of the Kingdom had achieved in recent years. Shadow of the Erdtree is an expansion that no one should miss, and is a solid candidate for the best game of the year.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Shadow of the Erdtree is everything the community wanted it to be
Review in Spanish | Read full review
It’s an extended encore and a haunting final bow for Miyazaki Hidetaka’s magnum opus.
I'm both happy and sad that Shadow of the Erdtree is the first and last expansion for Elden Ring. On one hand, it's a masterfully woven experience that expands on the contents of the base game, whereas on the other it leaves much more to be desired with its disappointing final boss. That being said, it's still very much worth your time if you're craving some more Elden Ring.
Shadow of the Erdree is an excellent expansion to Elden Ring. Poison swamps, giant swords, and fingercreepers return, better than ever.