FromSoftware doesn't just release expansions. They drop mythos-packed bombs that send shockwaves through the lore-loving corners of the gaming world. And when it comes to Shadow of the Erdtree , the much-anticipated DLC for Elden Ring , the studio has kept the lid tight—until now. With new details emerging, it's clear that this isn't just a content update. It's an invitation to return to the Lands Between and uncover secrets that might just rewire what we thought we knew.
So let's pull back the fog and look at everything we know so far about Shadow of the Erdtree .
What Is Shadow of the Erdtree?
Shadow of the Erdtree is the first major expansion for Elden Ring since the game's massive release. Based on what's been teased, the DLC aims to expand the lore, deepen the mystery, and serve up new areas, bosses, weapons, and likely more than a few existential crises along the way.
This isn't your average "more levels and loot" kind of DLC. FromSoftware treats expansions like new chapters in an ancient tome. Expect haunting new landscapes, emotionally complex stories, and foes that make you question your build choices.
Release Date and Platforms
The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is set to launch on June 21, 2024 , and will be available on all platforms where Elden Ring currently exists: PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
And if you're looking to jump into the DLC but still haven't grabbed the base game, you can get your Elden Ring EU Steam CD Key through RoyalCDKeys for a quick, affordable download.
The Lore: What Might Be Coming
So far, FromSoftware has released a few breadcrumbs in the form of concept art and cryptic tweets. The biggest clue? A figure that looks erily like Miquella , the twin brother of Malenia, riding a spectral steed through a twisted version of the Erdtree.
Miquella is one of Elden Ring 's most mysterious figures. His storyline was largely hidden in the base game—locked behind item descriptions, off-hand remarks, and a cocoon in Mohgwyn Palace. Shadow of the Erdtree might finally pull that narrative thread.
Expect the lore to dive deeper into:
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The true nature of Miquella's power
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What lies beneath the Erdtree's roots
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Forgotten gods and lost demigods
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Possible connections to the Haligtree and its followers
New Locations: A Land in Shadow
The DLC is said to introduce a brand-new region separate from the base game's map. This is typical FromSoftware style—layering a hidden world that expands outward and downward.
Think about how the Painted Worlds in Dark Souls or the Hunter's Nightmare in Bloodborne existed as twisted mirrors to the main game. We're likely to see a similar approach here.
Expect environments that are:
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Cursed by rot or shadows
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Visually distinct, with surreal architecture
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Filled with hidden paths, deadly traps, and story-rich ruins
Gameplay & Combat: What to Expect
While specific mechanics are under wraps, fans are buzzing about potential gameplay shifts. Elden Ring already offers incredible build diversity, and the DLC is expected to add:
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New weapon types and movesets
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Magic spells tied to forgotten deities
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Boss fights that will test even the most seasoned Tarnished
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Possibly mount-based combat challenges
FromSoftware DLCs are known for dialing up the difficulty. The Ringed City and Old Hunters were no cakewalk. Prepare to die—gloriously.
Fan Theories Worth Mentioning
The Elden Ring community has been in detective mode for over a year. Some of the more interesting (and maybe crazy) theories include:
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Time travel mechanics where the player explores the past of the Lands Between
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The DLC as a dream realm , similar to Bloodborne’s metaphysical storytelling
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A choice-based narrative that affects the base game's endings
While none of these are confirmed, FromSoft has always loved throwing curveballs. Whatever we think we know, it probably isn't the full picture.
How to Prepare for the DLC
If you're planning to jump in, you'll want to:
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Beat Mohg, Lord of Blood , since Miquella's cocoon is near him. The DLC might trigger from there.
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Upgrade your Spirit Ashes and weapons , especially if you're returning after a break.
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Experiment with new builds , as the meta could shift with new content.
If you haven't played the base game yet, now's a perfect time to pick up an Elden Ring EU Steam CD Key and get started before the expansion hits.
Final Thoughts
Shadow of the Erdtree is shaping up to be more than just an expansion. It feels like a second act to Elden Ring ’s grand opera—a haunting, beautiful, brutal descent into the heart of a myth that we've only scratched the surface of.
With fresh storylines, new regions to explore, and boss fights that will almost certainly become the stuff of gaming legend, this DLC promises to be the kind of journey that leaves scars—the good kind.
So gear up, Tarnished. The Erdtree is calling.
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