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Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree earned a 94 Metascore on Metacritic’s all-platform listing when checked on October 8, 2026, which labels its reception “Universal Acclaim.” That is a strong critical response, but it does not establish the expansion as the highest-rated game of 2024. Whether it is worth buying depends most on whether you own Elden Ring, have progressed far enough to enter the expansion, and want more of its demanding action-RPG world.
What critics think of Shadow of the Erdtree
Metacritic’s current all-platform listing gives Shadow of the Erdtree a 94 Metascore and classifies the reception as “Universal Acclaim” (checked October 8, 2026). That supports calling it critically acclaimed. It is not, on its own, proof that the DLC was the top-rated game of the year: that claim would require a defined year, platform and comparison set, as well as a decision about whether expansions count alongside full games.
Metacritic’s review excerpts include critics praising the expansion’s artistry, scale, and continuity with the base game. Those points speak to its appeal for players who want a substantial return to Elden Ring rather than a separate, unrelated adventure. Criticism surfaced in user reviews about empty spaces, difficulty, and boss balance; those comments are individual opinions, not a measured consensus or a substitute for professional review findings.
What the expansion adds
FromSoftware and Bandai Namco describe the DLC as a new story centered on Miquella in the Land of Shadow. Their product information lists additional weapons, armor, sorceries, skills, bosses, fields, and dungeons. These are the publisher’s descriptions of the content; the key buying question is whether you want more exploration and combat in the same broad style as the base game.
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![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.
The companies reported that the expansion sold 5 million copies worldwide in its first three days, in an announcement published June 27, 2024. That figure counts DLC sales from its June 21 release, including download and Steam sales and specified bundled editions. The same announcement said the Elden Ring base game had shipped more than 25 million copies; that is a separate base-game figure, not DLC sales.
Do you need Elden Ring to play the DLC?
Yes. Shadow of the Erdtree is additional content, not a standalone game, and the base game is required. You also need to advance sufficiently in Elden Ring before the expansion becomes accessible. The publisher does not describe this as an expansion that can be started immediately by a new player simply by purchasing the DLC.
For the official access directions, consult the Elden Ring launch notice and its Land of Shadow access instructions. The official page also links to tips about strengthening your character in the DLC.
Platforms and release
The expansion launched worldwide on June 21, 2024, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Steam/PC. Check the product listing for your specific platform and region for current availability and price; the release announcement’s original Japanese price is historical and does not establish today’s price elsewhere.
Is it worth buying?
Shadow of the Erdtree is a strong fit if you already own Elden Ring, have reached the required point in the base game, and want a substantial new setting and more of its exploration and combat. Its 94 Metascore is a useful indicator of very strong critical reception, not a guarantee that every player will enjoy its difficulty or encounter design.
- Consider it if you want the publisher-described new story, areas, bosses, and equipment and are eager to continue in the existing game.
- Wait or skip it for now if you do not own the base game, have not progressed far enough to access the DLC, or are unsure you want more of Elden Ring’s demanding play.
Collector’s Edition: what it includes
At launch, FromSoftware and Bandai Namco announced a limited PS4/PS5 Collector’s Edition with a DLC code, a 46 cm Messmer statue, a 40-page hardcover art book, and a digital soundtrack. The DLC-code edition did not include the base game, so buyers still needed to own it. The announcement establishes what that edition contained, not whether it is currently in stock or what it costs today.
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