Released on May 30, 2025, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is the highly anticipated DLC expansion from acclaimed developer FromSoftware and publisher Bandai Namco. This immersive new chapter not only extends the world of the original Elden Ring, but also raises the bar with fresh lore, challenging gameplay, and stunning design—quickly becoming one of the most talked-about releases of 2025.
Origins: Evolving the Soulsborne Legacy
Shadow of the Erdtree is the first and only narrative DLC for Elden Ring, drawing from Hidetaka Miyazaki’s hallmark design principles of high difficulty and exploration-driven storytelling. This expansion carries the DNA of the Dark Souls trilogy, Bloodborne, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, while pushing forward the open-world structure and mythological depth pioneered in the 2022 base game.
The original Elden Ring—a collaboration between FromSoftware and fantasy novelist George R. R. Martin—won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2022. Shadow of the Erdtree continues that legacy, diving into the haunting new realm known as the Land of Shadow, blending epic grandeur with darker, more intimate storytelling.
Development Team: A Masterclass in Game Design
Led once again by director Hidetaka Miyazaki, FromSoftware’s elite team poured their talents into this expansion. Key developers from Dark Souls III, Sekiro, and the original Elden Ring returned, alongside specialists in visual effects, dynamic AI, and environmental design.
The haunting soundtrack is composed by longtime collaborator Yuka Kitamura and new-generation talent, creating an atmosphere thick with tension and mystery. From nuanced enemy behavior to richly detailed environments, the game’s systems are built to immerse players in a layered, living world.
Gameplay Overview: A Journey into Darkness
In Shadow of the Erdtree, players explore the Land of Shadow—a new, twisted dimension that exists parallel to the Lands Between. This mysterious world features sprawling and diverse environments: corrupted temples, forests of perpetual dusk, bone deserts, and celestial rifts.
The DLC introduces over 30 new enemy types and 7 major bosses, each crafted with punishing difficulty and unique lore. Players will also find more than a dozen new weapon classes, including the Shadow Scythe, Gleamblade, and Soul Cannon, each with custom skill trees and animations.
Narratively, the DLC focuses on Miquella—one of the most enigmatic characters from the base game—finally taking center stage. Through layered side quests, hidden cutscenes, and cryptic lore pieces, players uncover a mythos rich in tragedy, sacrifice, and divine ambition.
Release Date & Platform Availability
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree launched globally on May 30, 2025, and is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. This is a paid expansion and requires ownership of the base game. Preloads went live a day prior, and the DLC debuted to "Overwhelmingly Positive" reviews on Steam within its first week.
Awards & Critical Reception
In just its first few days post-launch, the DLC shattered records:
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Over 1 million concurrent players on Steam—a new high for any DLC in 2025
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IGN rated it 9.5/10, calling it “essential and unforgettable”
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Metacritic score: 94 (Critics), 9.2 (Users)
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Nominated for multiple 2025 Game Awards categories, including Best DLC, Best Art Direction, and Best Game Direction
The game also sparked massive discussion across Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, with lore deep-dives and gameplay showcases flooding the community.
Popularity & Community Response
Shadow of the Erdtree instantly dominated Twitch, surpassing League of Legends and Fortnite in viewership on launch day. YouTube videos featuring gameplay, analysis, and lore breakdowns quickly amassed over 200 million combined views. “Shadow of the Erdtree” became the top trending keyword on Google Trends for several days.
Fans and critics alike have praised the DLC as “darker, deeper, and more refined” than the base game—marking it as yet another defining moment for the Soulsborne genre. Whether you're a long-time Tarnished or a newcomer to the Lands Between, this expansion offers a masterclass in interactive storytelling and design.
A Must-Play Epic in Gaming History
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is more than just an expansion—it’s a bold, beautiful reimagining of what a Soulslike can be. From its brutal combat and cryptic lore to its breathtaking vistas and masterful pacing, it delivers on every level.
For fans of deep, challenging games with artistic ambition, this is an essential experience. Whether you're chasing bosses, unraveling mysteries, or simply soaking in the haunting world, Shadow of the Erdtree promises one of the most unforgettable adventures in modern gaming.
