Reviews for “Shadow of the Erdtree,” the inaugural and final paid content expansion for the role-playing game “Elden Ring” by FromSoftware, have surfaced online. Journalists and specialized bloggers with early access to the add-on are sharing their impressions.
The DLC has received widespread acclaim, adorned with the most laudatory descriptors. It has earned a score of 94 on the review aggregator OpenCritic and 95 on Metacritic.
Critics highlight the expansive scope of Shadow of the Erdtree, with some outlets describing the expansion as nearly a standalone sequel to Elden Ring, promising dozens of hours of gameplay for eager fans.
The reviews commonly praise the expansion for its remarkable level design, vivid visuals, and the introduction of numerous new armors, weapons, and spells, along with unforgettable boss battles.
However, the more conservative critiques point out that despite various differences and additions, Shadow of the Erdtree remains a true extension of Elden Ring’s concepts. Thus, if the original game didn’t appeal to you for any reason, it’s unlikely that the expansion will change your opinion.
IGN – 10/10
“Following the example of the original game, Shadow of the Erdtree also sets new standards, this time raising the bar for all future single-player expansions. The new add-on features everything that made the base game such an outstanding RPG, and wraps it up in a rich 20-25 hour campaign that offers a rich experience for the most hardcore FromSoftware fans.”
VideoGamer – 10/10
“Shadow of the Erdtree is a great expansion to the base game, which gently develops the form of Elden Ring and feels extremely fresh.”
Dexerto – 5/5
“Shadow of the Erdtree is the most accurate tribute to the original Elden Ring, which also serves as an extremely bright finale to the entire project. A finale that managed to surprise and shock. If you are one of those who liked the base game, then here you will find a real expanse. With this expansion, FromSoftware put an end to the current history of Elden Ring. And the ending is so cohesive and impressive that the only question I have left is how the studio is going to outdo itself in the future.”
Metro GameCentral – 9/10
“It’s just as exciting and well-made as you would expect from FromSoftware. Even with the huge standards previously set by this team, there’s no denying how well this DLC highlights and enhances the strengths of the original game.”
Push Square – 8/10
“Shadow of the Erdtree offers about the same type of game content that you might have loved two years ago, not forgetting new and interesting ideas. All this is quite enough to call the expansion a fantastic addition to the original game. But it is also difficult for me to get rid of the feeling that I am repeating the material that has already been covered. A new region, a new roster of bosses, and a bunch of new lore — it’s Elden Ring again, and there’s a lot of it again.”
Eurogamer – 3/5
“A big part of Shadow of the Erdtree is the already familiar, difficult and beautiful journey through an ocean of obstacles. However, the shift to a more transparent and direct narrative has somewhat deprived the project of its established style as a living and ever-changing medium, open to different interpretations.”
The worldwide release of Shadow of the Erdtree is set for June 21st. The three-minute trailer for Shadow of the Erdtree reveals multiple bosses from the expansion simultaneously, so players looking to avoid spoilers should avoid watching it.
Elden Ring | Shadow of the Erdtree has become the top-rated add-on on the aggregator site Metacritic, surpassing the record previously held by The Witcher 3’s Blood and Wine expansion for eight years.
