Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Yes—Shadow of the Erdtree can feel harder than the base game, but there is no single difficulty setting or universal character level that explains why. Game Informer reviewer Marcus Stewart judged the expansion harder overall, while noting that the experience depends on the character you bring in. Its new progression items and sprawling, layered map give you ways to answer that pressure: exploring the Realm of Shadow can make you stronger before you return to a punishing fight.
Why Shadow of the Erdtree can feel like starting over
Shadow of the Erdtree is an expansion, not a separate game. Released worldwide on June 21, 2024, it takes the action to the Land of Shadow, where Miquella is central to the story. You need the Elden Ring base game and must progress through it before you can start the DLC. FromSoftware’s announcement outlines the setting and prerequisite.
That means you arrive with an established character, but not necessarily one who feels prepared for the expansion’s threats. Stewart’s June 18, 2024 review for Game Informer called the DLC harder overall than the base game. His character was level 165 and at endgame when he entered, but he describes that as his own starting context—not an entry requirement or a recommended level. He felt prepared only “for a while.”
So the useful comparison is not simply whether the DLC is harder. It is how its encounters feel for your particular build and how much you have explored to find the expansion’s own progression boosts. A high-level character can still encounter a sharp challenge, and the review does not establish that any particular build or summon is required.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
![ELDEN RING - Shadow of the Erdtree - Xbox [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41oWZz2OeeL._SL160_.jpg)
- Playable on 21st June 2024.
- Pre-order now and get the following bonus content for the expansion: ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Bonus Gesture
- Winner of hundreds of accolades including The Game Awards Game of the Year and Golden Joystick Awards Ultimate Game of the Year, ELDEN RING is the acclaimed action RPG epic set in a vast, dark fantasy world. Players embark on an epic quest with the freedom to explore and adventure at their own pace.
- The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion features an all-new story set in the Land of Shadow imbued with mystery, perilous dungeons, and new enemies, weapons and equipment.
- Discover uncharted territories, face formidable adversaries, and revel in the satisfying triumph of victory. Dive into the riveting interplay of characters, where drama and intrigue intertwine, that create an immersive experience to savor and enjoy.
How Scadutree Fragments help
The expansion introduces two kinds of fragments scattered through the Realm of Shadow. Stewart’s review says they can be used at checkpoints to improve damage and resistance in the DLC:
- Scadutree Fragments boost your character’s damage and resistance.
- Revered Ash Fragments boost Spirit Ashes’ damage and resistance.
These boosts apply in the expansion, not throughout the base game. Stewart describes their effect as noticeable but limited: they can improve your odds without making your character unstoppable. The design gives exploration a practical combat payoff—if a boss is overwhelming, finding more of the relevant fragments can be part of your response.
Rank #3
- High Quality Materials : This Dark Moon Greatsword model is crafted from high-quality zinc alloy, ensuring excellent durability and resistance to wear. The intricate craftsmanship and realistic detailing make it a perfect, authentic reproduction of the legendary sword from Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree, making it an ideal collector's item for fans of the game
- Ideal Size & Safety: Designed based on Game Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree Dark Moon Greatsword, this 11.8-inch replica is eye-catching in any setting. Its smooth surface and absence of sharp edges ensure it's safe to handle and easy to carry, so you can enjoy it without worry
- Realistic Details Reproduction: The detailed carving and texture design of the Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree Dark Moon Greatsword is exquisite, with the blade shimmering under the moonlight. This stunningly crafted sword brings you a visually immersive experience, which makes it a collector's item
- Multipurpose Decoration: This beautiful Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree Dark Moon Greatsword is not only suitable for collection, but also can be used to decorate your desktop, bookshelf, or game-themed party, adding a unique style to your space
- Best Gift Choice: Whether it's for game fans, collectors, or as a birthday or holiday gift, this Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree Dark Moon Greatsword model is a personalized choice that will be warmly welcomed
What to do when a boss stops you
You are not locked into pushing through one difficult encounter. Stewart notes that the Realm of Shadow has layered vertical geography, with routes and locations that can stay hidden as you explore, and that you can leave a tough boss to explore elsewhere. That is his review observation, not a promise that every player will find a particular route. But it points to a useful loop: look for another path, collect fragments, then decide whether to return to the fight.
The review also describes the expansion as offering new weapons, armor, spells, enchantments, and charms, along with smithing stones for its new weapons. Trying different equipment is another option, though the available sources do not establish any one item or setup as necessary for success. Exploration and experimentation can change your approach; neither guarantees an easy fight.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRank #4
- Mohgwyn's Sacred Spear is a weapon in Elden Ring. Trade the Remembrance of the Blood Lord, dropped by Mohg, Lord of Blood, with Finger Reader Enia. Alternatively, use one of the Wandering Mausoleums with a bell to duplicate one (can only obtain one per playthrough using either method).
What FromSoftware says difficulty should feel like
In a June 24, 2024 interview with Game Informer, FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki described the studio’s aim this way: “When players are killed, and they can understand why they were killed in an instance, and it feels justified – ‘Okay, yeah, that makes sense’ – that’s the game design we’re trying to achieve,” Miyazaki continues.
He also acknowledged the gap between that intention and every player’s experience: “We believe in difficult games, but not games that are unjustly or unfairly so. But, of course, there’s still room for improvement on our side, as well.” That is the studio’s stated design goal, not proof that every encounter will feel fair to everyone. If a death is not teaching you anything, changing your route, equipment, or approach is a reasonable alternative to repeating the same attempt unchanged.
Best Value
- [Material] Made in zinc alloy of high quality, anti abrasion, sturdy and durable, Known as Elden Ring DLC Shadow of Erdtree Bloody Finger Okina's Rivers of Blood Kanata Sword in Giftbox.
- [Size] 22cm /9''inches Metal design based on Game Elden Ring DLC Shadow of Erdtree Bloody Finger Okina's Rivers of Blood Kanata Knife Sword ;very fun to play as a fidget toy or set as decorations in rooms.
- [Collection & Gift] As a Surprising Gift for Elden Ring DLC Shadow of Erdtree fans or A necessary for Game Collection gift to Elden Ring DLC Shadow of Erdtree Players, as a home decoration, desk decoration,Shelf Decoration, Backpack Pendant. Also a very worthing collection River of Blood Kanata Knife Sword duplica with Metal Fine Sleath, and able to use as Displaying decorations. THE DISPLAY STAND IS NOT INCLUDED!
- [Safety] Has a smooth surface and without sharp edges. It's safe for Elden Ring DLC Shadow of Erdtree fans to play.
- 100% Warranty: Replacement warrantied. If you have any issue, please feel free to contact us via buyer-seller messages. No Concerns, Buy Confidient!!!
What the launch sales figure does—and doesn’t—tell you
FromSoftware announced that Shadow of the Erdtree sold 5 million copies worldwide in its first three days after launch, in a June 27, 2024 announcement. That is an early sales milestone reported by the publisher, not a current sales total or a measure of how many players found the DLC difficult.
What you need to play the expansion
The standalone DLC requires the base game; players who do not own Elden Ring need a base-game-plus-expansion edition instead. FromSoftware’s official product page lists editions and collector contents, including a Messmer statue and art book, but it is Japan-market information and should not be treated as a live guide to prices or availability elsewhere. Check your platform and the edition’s contents before buying; the collector’s items are optional, not needed to play.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
