Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is a demanding expansion built around exploration, new threats and tough boss fights. It may suit players who want more of Elden Ring’s world and combat, but it is not a standalone game: you need the base game, and you must progress through it before the expansion becomes accessible. Official descriptions promise intense battles, not an objective difficulty rating, so whether its challenge feels rewarding is a matter of personal taste.
What is Shadow of the Erdtree?
Shadow of the Erdtree is downloadable content for Elden Ring, not a separate game. FromSoftware and Bandai Namco released it worldwide on June 21, 2024. Its story follows Miquella into the Land of Shadow, a place connected to Marika and the Erdtree. The publisher describes the setting as “a place obscured by the Erdtree” where Marika first set foot.
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The expansion adds a connected world of fields and dungeons, with discoveries, enemies, bosses, weapons, armor, skills and magic. Its appeal is not just a new story setting: it gives players more places to explore and more ways to shape a character within Elden Ring’s existing style of play.
How hard is Shadow of the Erdtree?
FromSoftware and Bandai Namco emphasize threatening bosses and “intense battles,” and frame overcoming them as a source of accomplishment. That makes a substantial combat challenge part of the expansion’s intended appeal. The official descriptions do not provide an objective difficulty rating, however, or establish that every player will find it equally hard.
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- Fully Remade to terrify modern audiences
- KONAMI's intense psychological horror masterpiece SILENT HILL 2 is made exclusively for PlayStation 5
- The main protagonist James Sunderland searches for clues in the namesake town, after receiving a mysterious letter from his wife Mary… who has long been dead
- Experience the eerie monsters and other manifestations of James' consciousness reworked after 20 years
- Made with state-of-the-art technology to play on modern entertainment systems in 4K
If you enjoy learning enemy patterns, adapting your approach and earning progress through difficult encounters, that emphasis may be a draw. If you want a gentler story expansion or dislike repeated attempts at demanding fights, the same design may be a reason to wait. The publisher’s description cannot tell you which reaction you will have.
Do you need Elden Ring to play it?
Yes. Bandai Namco’s product description states that “Shadow Of The Erdtree requires ELDEN RING base game to play.” The original release information also says players must progress through the base game “to a certain extent” before they can start the DLC. The official pages cited here do not specify a recommended character level or give a complete unlock checklist, so do not treat a particular level as an official requirement.
Which edition should you buy?
Choose based on whether you already own the base game, and check the exact platform and package contents on your regional store before paying. DLC-only listings do not include the base game.
- You own Elden Ring: A DLC-only copy of Shadow of the Erdtree is the relevant route, provided it matches your platform and region.
- You do not own Elden Ring: Look for a bundle or edition that explicitly includes both the base game and the expansion. The official site lists a Shadow of the Erdtree Edition bundle and a Deluxe Edition with digital artbooks and soundtracks.
- You are considering Nintendo Switch 2: The current official site lists a Tarnished Edition containing the base game, Tarnished Pack DLC and Shadow of the Erdtree. This is a later package, distinct from the expansion’s original 2024 release.
- You want a physical or collector package: The Japanese official release described a PS4/PS5 Shadow of the Erdtree Edition with the base game and a DLC code, plus a collector’s edition with a DLC code, 46 cm Messmer statue, 40-page hardcover art book and digital soundtrack. These were described as limited, Japan-specific products; that information does not establish current stock or availability elsewhere.
The expansion’s original launch information listed PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Steam. Edition names and contents can vary by platform and region, so verify the current listing rather than relying on a package name alone.
PC system requirements
FromSoftware’s June 14, 2024 PC notice published the following requirements for the expansion. These are published specifications, not a current performance test or a guarantee of a particular frame rate.
| Specification | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 | Windows 10/11 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 3 3300X | Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X |
| Memory | 12 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GTX 1060 3 GB, AMD RX 580 4 GB or Intel Arc A380 6 GB | NVIDIA GTX 1070 8 GB, AMD RX Vega 56 8 GB or Intel Arc A750 8 GB |
| DirectX | Version 12 | Version 12 |
| Storage | 80 GB | 80 GB |
Who is it for?
Shadow of the Erdtree is a more compelling fit if you already enjoy Elden Ring’s exploration and combat and want another substantial setting, new encounters and additional character options. Its focus on intense battles is a meaningful consideration, not a promise that the difficulty will feel fair or enjoyable to every player.
Quick Recap
- Consider it if: you want more Elden Ring, enjoy challenging boss encounters and are interested in exploring a new story setting.
- Think carefully if: difficult combat is a deal-breaker, you do not own the base game, or you expect an official recommended level or a simple level-based readiness rule.
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.
