It is the news we have all been waiting for. 2022’s blockbuster RPG is finally getting DLC. FromSoftware today announced on Twitter that an expansion called Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is in development, much to the delight of fans. But there’s one question on everyone’s minds. What is it, exactly?
The long-rumoured DLC comes after a whole year of near-constant speculation. Just three days ago, Elden Ring celebrated 365 days since its launch. In that time, the game sold an incredible 20 million copies.
In a joint statement, Bandai Namco and FromSoftware said both companies “are very thankful for each and every player stepping into this world.”
It seems they may also have been alluding to the impending DLC announcement: “Elden Ring continues to spark theories and discussions as tarnished from all around the globe explore the Lands Between, piecing together characters and events to reveal a deep and mysterious lore.”
Shadow of the Erdtree will surely expand on the enigmatic story of Elden Ring, but exactly how it will do that is unclear.
With that being said, let’s go over everything we know about it. What is Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC?
What Is Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree?
Shadow of the Erdtree is single-player DLC for the award-winning 2022 action RPG Elden Ring. It was confirmed on 28 February 2023 by developer FromSoftware.
In a tweet (translated from Japanese), FromSoftware said:
“DLC “Shadow of the Erdtree” for “ELDEN RING” is under development. The follow-up report is still a little ahead, but I would appreciate it if you could look forward to it.”
@fromsoftware_pr on Twitter.
The company also shared brand new artwork for the expansion, which provides vague clues about its plot. Most notably, the Erdtree – which was set ablaze during the latter part of the game – is extinguished. A character (presumably the Tarnished) observes from a distance while sitting on Torrent.
So far, this is all we know about the DLC’s story as information is limited. Although details will surely begin trickling out over the coming months.
Subsequently, the official Elden Ring Twitter account reaffirmed the expansion’s announcement.
“Rise, Tarnished, and let us walk a new path together. An upcoming expansion for #ELDENRING Shadow of the Erdtree, is currently in development. We hope you look forward to new adventures in the Lands Between.”
@ELDENRING on Twitter.
When Is It Coming Out?
No details have been shared regarding Shadow of the Erdtree‘s release date. Given that development presumably began soon after the game launched last year, it is possible the DLC may come out before the end of 2023.
But no footage or gameplay has been provided so it’s impossible to say how far along its development is.
All we know for sure is that we can’t wait to revisit the Lands Between, and we hope the upcoming expansion gets all the development time it needs to launch in tip-top condition.
We’ll be sure to keep you updated about Shadow of the Erdtree‘s release date as we learn more.
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