FromSoftware’s upcoming DLC expansion for Elden Ring, titled Shadow of the Erdtree, is set to be the developer’s largest add-on content pack ever according to director Hidetaka Miyazaki.
In an interview, Miyazaki stated Shadow of the Erdtree will surpass previous beloved expansions like Dark Souls 3’s The Ringed City and Bloodborne’s The Old Hunters in sheer volume and scope.
The ambitious DLC will introduce over 10 new boss fights, with optional encounters potentially rivaling top-tier battles like Malenia. There will also be plenty of new weapons, gear, and skills for players to discover across the expanded world. In fact, Shadow of the Erdtree will add 8 entirely new weapon categories to Elden Ring’s already massive arsenal.
Miyazaki Details Size and Scope of Upcoming Expansion
These details live up to the hefty $40 price tag, which is two-thirds the cost of Elden Ring’s base game. A special collector’s edition priced at $240 will also be offered. Miyazaki’s comments confirm Shadow of the Erdtree will eclipse the additional content offered for previous FromSoftware titles like Dark Souls and Bloodborne.
While fans eager to revisit the Lands Between have much to anticipate, the wait won’t be long. Shadow of the Erdtree will release on June 21, 2023 as a digital-only expansion.
Digital Release Marks Change for Collector’s Editions
Some physical special editions will include download codes rather than the DLC on disc. This marks a change from past collector’s editions like Bloodborne’s Game of the Year Edition which contained the full game and DLC.
Elden Ring’s base game sales also continue to prosper, recently surpassing 23 million copies sold worldwide since its launch just over one year ago. Shadow of the Erdtree’s June release is well-positioned to further boost Elden Ring’s popularity as players return for a new adventure. FromSoftware is clearly aiming to deliver their biggest and most challenging expansion yet for one of 2022’s defining games.
