Following the success of Elden Ring, the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion had big shoes to fill. While it doesn’t surpass the main game, it offers a captivating new area, the Realm of Shadow, filled with engaging dungeons, challenging bosses, and an innovative progression system.
From Software expansions are known for their increased difficulty. Shadow of the Erdtree is no exception, but the challenge depends on your character’s level.
With Radahn and Mohg defeated as prerequisites, players likely enter the expansion with late-game or New Game + characters. I started with my level 165 character and found the initial challenges manageable, but the difficulty soon ramped up.
Leveling up in the expansion requires a substantial number of runes. To address this, From Software introduced Scadutree Fragments and Reverned Ash Fragments. These items, scattered throughout the map, enhance your damage output and resistance when spent at checkpoints.
This streamlined method of character strengthening is a welcome change, reducing the reliance on grinding for runes.
Shadow of the Erdtree also provides an abundance of smithing stones for upgrading the expansion’s new weapons, encouraging experimentation with fresh loadouts. Initially, I stuck with my trusted main game loadout, but the allure of new weapons, armor sets, spells, enchantments, and charms eventually won me over.
The expansion introduces formidable new enemies, including armored adversaries and fire giants that roam the map. Creative boss encounters offer fresh challenges, with some rivaling Malenia in difficulty.
Despite the increased challenge, the thrill of exploration remains, often rewarding persistence with cool locations, useful items, or terrifying foes.
The Realm of Shadow, while smaller than the main game, offers stunning locales and cleverly hidden routes. From Software’s layered world design makes exploration distinct and rewarding. New dungeons, including repeatable ones, showcase From’s exceptional level design, with unique visual identities and intriguing characters.
In summary, Shadow of the Erdtree offers more of what made Elden Ring great. It maintains the high standards of the main game, providing a challenging and rewarding experience. While it may not offer the same level of surprise, it’s a fantastic addition to an already exceptional game.
