FromSoftware, the developer behind the critically acclaimed Elden Ring, has officially let us in on what it’s referring to as its largest expansion to date, Shadow of the Erdtree.
Shortly following the DLC’s official reveal trailer, which confirmed its release on June 21, Hidetaka Miyazaki, the president of FromSoftware, sat down with Eurogamer to share insights into what players can expect from this highly anticipated expansion.
What stood out from the information he shared with Eurogamer is that Shadow of the Erdtree will feature boss fights as formidable as Malenia, an infamous battle that has left an indelible mark on gaming history.
Miyazaki emphasized that despite its size, FromSoftware made sure that the expansion wouldn’t stray from the core principles that have defined its approach to game design. This includes offering a challenging experience that rewards players for overcoming a multitude of difficult obstacles, all while maintaining a degree of freedom in how these challenges are approached. Specifically, Miyazaki mentioned the Malenia boss fight as a benchmark for the level of difficulty players can expect in the DLC. He assured those of us seeking the thrill of overcoming such daunting challenges would find their match in Shadow of the Erdtree.
The DLC will introduce a new adventure set in the Lands of Shadow, focusing on a key character, Miquella, Malenia’s brother. It will feature enemies and bosses designed to test the player’s skill and resolve. Among the new foes is Mesmer the Impaler, a spear-wielding adversary poised to deliver a formidable challenge. This expansion is not just about adding more content but also about deepening the strategic elements of Elden Ring. Players will have the opportunity to face the challenges directly or find alternative strategies to navigate around them, ensuring that the game remains accessible to a wide range of players.
FromSoftware’s history of developing challenging DLC content is well documented, with previous expansions for games like Bloodborne and the Dark Souls series increasing the difficulty to test the skills of hardcore players. Shadow of the Erdtree follows in this tradition, offering optional bosses that will demand the best from players.
Thus, players are encouraged to prepare for these challenges by honing their skills and strategies, as they await the opportunity to delve into the Lands of Shadow and face the formidable foes that lie ahead.
Along with the official reveal trailer for Shadow of the Erdtree, Bandai Namco confirmed that interested players can finally pre-order Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Collector’s Edition.
