Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree—The Best Game of 2024 So Far
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, the highly anticipated expansion for the critically acclaimed game Elden Ring, has taken the gaming world by storm in 2024. Developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, this expansion sold upwards of 5 million copies worldwide within three days of release. It's also the best game of the year so far, with a score of 95 out of 100 on Metacritic.
How Did It All Start?
Elden Ring, released in February 2022, is a collaborative project between FromSoftware and famed fantasy writer George R. R. Martin. The game blends the challenging gameplay mechanics of FromSoftware's Dark Souls series with an expansive open world. Set in the mysterious Lands Between, players embark on a quest to become the Elden Lord by collecting Great Runes and restoring the shattered Elden Ring. A recipient of many awards, Elden Ring was celebrated for its intricate world building, deep lore, and demanding yet rewarding gameplay.
A Return to the Lands Between
Shadow of the Erdtree isn't a sequel; it's a massive DLC (downloadable content) taking place after the events of the base game. Players revisit the Lands Between, but this time with a focus on a new region: The Land of Shadow. This spectral realm shrouded in mystery promises to expand the world's lore significantly. Hints from the Elden Ring DLC trailer suggest a connection to Miquella, one of the demigods briefly encountered in the original game. Will players finally unravel his story and its implications for the Erdtree?
New Characters and Enemies
Shadow of the Erdtree introduces a cast of compelling new characters, each with their own complex motivations and backstories. Chief among these is Miquella, who serves as an ally and an antagonist depending on the player's choices. The portrayal of Miquella has been lauded for its nuance and depth, with many considering him one of the most intriguing characters in recent gaming history.
The DLC also brings many new enemies and bosses, each more challenging and visually striking than the last. From corrupted versions of familiar foes to entirely new monstrosities like Messmer the Impaler, the design team has outdone themselves in creating memorable encounters that push players to their limits.
Gameplay Additions and Improvements
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree introduces several innovative gameplay features that enhance the already rich experience of the base game. The DLC expands the combat system with more than 100 new weapons that add depth and variety to combat. Some notable ones are the Greatsword of Damnation, the Fire Knight's Shortsword, and the Dragon-Hunter's Great Katana.
Magic users benefit from an overhauled sorcery and incantation system, introducing new schools of magic and enabling creative spell combinations. Multiplayer elements have been refined, with new covenants and invasion mechanics adding depth to online interactions. A more robust crafting system allows players to create unique items and customize their equipment to a greater degree, offering more personalization options.
The DLC also introduces an adaptive difficulty system that subtly adjusts based on player performance, maintaining the series' trademark challenge while ensuring accessibility for a wider range of players.
Critical Acclaim and Player Reviews
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree has sparked diverse reactions among both critics and players. Initially, opinions were divided—some hailed it as FromSoftware’s pinnacle achievement, while others grappled with PC performance issues, balancing concerns, and the game’s formidable difficulty. However, over time, the tide has shifted. The DLC now boasts a "mostly positive" rating on Steam, with players praising its stunning environments, captivating bosses, and array of new weapons and regions to explore.
Critics have noted that the DLC manages to be both a perfect continuation of the original game and a standalone experience in its own right. The seamless integration of new content with the existing world has been highlighted as a particular strength, with many noting that it feels less like an add-on and more like an essential part of the Elden Ring experience.
Player reviews have been equally enthusiastic, with many citing the DLC as surpassing even their high expectations. The challenging yet fair difficulty, the depth of the new lore, and the sheer amount of content have been frequently mentioned as standout features.
Elden Ring DLC News and Updates
Throughout the development and post-release period, FromSoftware maintained a steady stream of updates and news to keep players engaged. Regular patches addressing gameplay balance, bug fixes, and new content additions have ensured a smooth and evolving experience. Developer interviews and behind-the-scenes insights have also provided a deeper understanding of the creative process, fostering a stronger connection between the game and its community.
Shadow of the Erdtree is available for the PS 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Remember that the Elden Ring base game is needed to play the DLC. And if you're a PC gamer, ensure that your setup can meet the game's system requirements. Robust computers like Acer's Nitro V 15 Gaming Laptop have powerful processors, video cards, and other components to help ensure smooth gameplay.
The success of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree can be attributed to the rich lore, immersive settings, and innovative gameplay mechanics that build upon the solid foundation of the original game. The critical acclaim and enthusiastic player reviews further cement its status as a standout title. Whether it ultimately takes home the Game of the Year crown remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Shadow of the Erdtree is a triumphant return to the Lands Between that solidifies Elden Ring's place as a gaming masterpiece.
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About Lalaine Capucion: Lalaine has been working as a freelance writer and editor for more than 12 years, focusing on lifestyle, travel, and wellness. When she isn’t writing, she's most likely curled up with a good book or trying out a new recipe in the kitchen. She lives in Metro Manila, Philippines.
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