FromSoftware could release the Elden Ring DLC on February 5, 2024

While some might view this as an unusually prolonged gap from the base game's release, there are indications that lend credibility to the rumor.

A potential proof of Shadow of the Erdtree's release in February is Geoff Keighley's documented visit to FromSoftware's headquarters in Japan. Notably, FromSoftware has historically favored The Game Awards, highlighted by their previous announcement of Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon at the same event last year. However, the astute observers might look to statements made by Kadokawa, the parent company of FromSoftware, for better insights.

Delving into Kadokawa's financial report from May unveils an intriguing hint. The report alludes to the timeline of the Elden Ring DLC, implying that it may be out before the current fiscal year ends on March 2024. Its projections, coupled with Kadokawa's intentions of elongating Elden Ring's lifecycle through various strategies, insinuates the possibility of multiple DLCs or extended support for the game.

Despite the weight of these claims, it's essential to approach these speculations with a measure of skepticism. Ziostorm, while a prominent figure, has occasionally been viewed with skepticism due to his propensity to share unvetted rumors. The trajectory of his online presence, which soared during the lead up to Elden Ring's release and diminished following its launch, raises eyebrows regarding the credibility of his sources. There's an underlying sentiment that his prediction, specifically about The Game Awards 2023 reveal, might be more grounded in broad community expectations rather than exclusive insights, given the publicly known warm relations between FromSoftware and Geoff Keighley.

If Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree does come out on February 5, it'll join yet another congested release calendar. Just to name a few, January 26 will see the launch of Like a Dragon 8 and Tekken 8. In addition to this, Granblue Fantasy and Persona 3 Reload are coming out on February 1 and 2, respectively. Finally, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is scheduled to come out on February 29. Such a densely packed release window inevitably leads to pondering on strategic implications for FromSoftware. The challenge and opportunity here lie in navigating this crowded timeline, especially considering the established reputation of Elden Ring.

Elden Ring, with its intricate lore and revolutionary gameplay, has already set a precedent in open-world gaming. The anticipation surrounding the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC hints at expectations of a similar, if not greater, magnitude.

For now though, gamers can try making time for the games that have come out and are still coming out this October.