Exploring the mechanics, weapons, and dangers of FromSoftware’s most ambitious expansion yet. The Land of Shadow awaits.
After more than two years since Elden Ring’s debut, we’re finally on the cusp of Shadow of the Erdtree — the long-awaited expansion that promises to be FromSoftware’s largest to date. Rather than resting on the acclaim their open-world masterpiece earned, the developers have poured their energy into creating a massive new adventure.
In a recent hands-on session, I had the chance to step into this mysterious realm. Even from the limited slice I played, it was clear why Elden Ring remains so revered. Tarnished, gather round, and let me recount what I encountered.
Leaving the Lands Between
Shadow of the Erdtree transports players to the Land of Shadow, accessible through the withered arm in Mohgwyn Palace. This is where Miquella — central to the game’s lore but unseen until now — has journeyed.
My demo began in a vast meadow, littered with gravestones and spectral figures, with ominous landmarks on the horizon: a sprawling settlement, a towering fortress, and a dense, foreboding forest. Looming above everything was a massive, blackened tree — a stark contrast to the golden Erdtree that dominates the Lands Between.
Where the base game’s regions were often drenched in autumnal light, this land feels aged and decayed. The locations I explored, including Belurat Tower Settlement and Castle Ensis, were dense, maze-like spaces with shortcuts that curled back to familiar Sites of Grace. Along the way, I traversed damp cellars, molten caverns, and eerie, glowing woods. It’s unmistakably FromSoftware — level design that feels both oppressive and rewarding.
New foes, familiar cruelty
A fresh land means new adversaries, and the expansion wastes no time. The first enemy I encountered leapt from a pillar, ambushing me before I could react. Soon after, I was dealing with spectral warriors, sorcery-spewing birds, and knights far deadlier than most early-game foes. At one point, towering creatures resembling walking braziers hurled fiery projectiles at me before I had even caught my bearings.
The bosses, however, are the centerpiece. FromSoftware promises over ten major encounters, and I fought two during my session. The Divine Beast Dancing Lion — found in Belurat Tower — was a chaotic blend of elemental attacks and wild movement, acting as a brutal early skill check. Later, I clashed with the Twin Moon Knight, a guardian of Castle Ensis whose sweeping lunar magic covered the entire arena. Their blend of fire and sorcery-infused blades kept me constantly on edge.
One thing unites the enemies here: speed. Almost every foe darted, lunged, or spun through the air, forcing me to stay mobile and rely heavily on dodging. If this design holds throughout, players will need sharper reflexes than ever before.
Expanding the arsenal
The expansion introduces close to a hundred new weapons, along with eight entirely new categories. During my session, I tried a massive katana that seared foes with flames and a shield studded with spikes, which doubled as a melee weapon.
One of the most intriguing additions is the Martial Arts category. Fighting barehanded may seem reckless in a world this hostile, but the moveset of kicks, punches, and acrobatic strikes felt surprisingly effective. The blunt force of the blows staggered enemies easily, opening them up to devastating finishers. If the other new weapon classes are equally inventive, Tarnished will have plenty of new tools to master.
Strengthening with Grace
To balance the difficulty, FromSoftware has added the Shadow Realm Blessing system. By collecting Scadutree Fragments and using them at Sites of Grace, players can apply stackable buffs that reduce incoming damage and enhance their own attacks — but only within the Land of Shadow.
These fragments are scarce, and each level requires more than the last. Choosing to hunt them down can make the journey more manageable, though the truly bold can ignore them altogether for an unfiltered challenge.
A worthy return
Shadow of the Erdtree feels like a natural yet daring continuation of Elden Ring. The world is more hostile, the enemies more ferocious, and the tools at your disposal more varied. Whether you’ve been away since launch or you’re a seasoned Tarnished, there’s plenty here to discover and master.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree launches June 21 for PS5 and PS4. The base game is required to play.