FromSoftware's RPG epic Elden Ring has been deemed one of the best games of the generation, wowing fans with its scope, complexity, and originality. Sitting comfortably within the developer's well-known formula, Elden Ring still managed to push boundaries and deliver some aspects that players definitely weren't expecting, and it went on to garner universal acclaim after its release at the start of last year. Since then, players have been wondering where Elden Ring would go next, and the official announcement in February this year that a major DLC was in development was the cherry on the top for many dedicated fans.
While the highly anticipated Shadow of the Erdtree expansion doesn't have a release date or many confirmed details just yet, this hasn't stopped players from speculating. Looking at previous release rates for older FromSoftware series, most DLCs launch in a matter of months. However, given Elden Ring's size, it seems like Shadow of the Erdtree might be more likely to release in late 2023 or even early 2024, which would also steer clear of Armored Core 6's own launch date later this summer. Also looking at previous FromSoftware DLCs, some gamers hope that Elden Ring's expansion doesn't follow in the footsteps of some of Dark Souls' offerings in a few key ways.
Comparing Dark Souls DLCs
FromSoftware's remarkable Soulsborne games have basically spawned their own genre, becoming an iconic (and iconically challenging) part of gaming culture. Although players have spent hours and hours exploring the hidden depths of the likes of Lothric, Boletaria, and Yharnam, some of the best content has come from the various series' post-launch packs. The Dark Souls series in particular has gifted gamers with some great expansions, from the incredible boss fights in Artorias of the Abyss to the memorable lore and locations in The Ringed City.
For games that already offered a substantive experience, the various expansions were a welcome addition to the Dark Souls titles. Adding new areas to explore, unique bosses to conquer, and intriguing morsels of new lore to uncover, most DLCs presented players with lots of opportunities to dive further into the Dark Souls universe. However, although the vast majority of all Dark Souls DLCs were well-received and were able to add to the already intricate world-building of their associated base games, some fans are looking for a little more from Shadow of the Erdtree.
How Shadow Of The Erdtree Could Improve On These
While Dark Souls DLCs succeeded in opening up the world of the games, some players are hoping Elden Ring is more ambitious with its own expansion. On average, beating Dark Souls DLCs tends to require anything from four hours to around seven hours to complete. This isn't insubstantial and would probably be along the lines of what most gamers expect from an expansion, but compared to Elden Ring, a completion time of even seven hours for Shadow of the Erdtree would feel pretty measly. Many fans hope Shadow of the Erdtree isn't just a short campaign like previous Dark Souls offerings and that the DLC actually capitalizes on the various endings players can choose in the base game.
Similarly, although gamers can pick up some new gear, explore new areas, or battle new bosses in Dark Souls DLCs, Shadow of the Erdtree has the opportunity to add a stack of new weapons and items linked to the new quests that gamers can undertake. Given the array of these on offer in the base game, having only a modest selection in Elden Ring's expansion would definitely feel like a wasted chance. Elden Ring represented a major step forward for the Soulsborne games, presenting a much more ambitious vision of what the developer had shared with gamers before. Shadow of the Erdtree could be more ambitious, upping the ante from great but bite-sized DLCs for Dark Souls games and crafting a substantial expansion.
Elden Ring is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.