Two years after the release of Elden Ring, FromSoftware delivered one of the most massive expansions (DLC) in gaming history — Shadow of the Erdtree. This isn’t just a small expansion; it is practically a new game that plunges us even deeper into the mystique of the “Realm of Shadow.”
The first thing that catches your eye is the incredible verticality of the world. While horizontal exploration predominated in the original game, the map here is split into distinct vertical layers. You might find yourself standing on a high cliff looking down at a fortress that will take you hours of searching and finding secret tunnels just to access.
Difficulty and New Mechanics
Many players complained about the game’s brutal difficulty, but the developers introduced the Scadutree Fragments system. These fragments allow you to power up your character exclusively within the DLC area, making the difficulty balance much fairer.
Game Evaluation by Category
| Criterion | Score | Comment |
| Graphics | 10/10 | The visual style and lighting are a literal work of art |
| Gameplay | 9.5/10 | Around 100 new weapons and spells completely redefine your playstyle |
| Bosses | 9/10 | Messmer the Impaler is one of the best bosses in the entire franchise |
| Optimization | 8/10 | FPS drops are noticeable in certain locations |
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