Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree is getting a release in another 2 months and that makes it a highly anticipated title. Shadow of the Erdtree expansion is not only the first major expansion for Elden Ring but also potentially the last, as there are no plans for additional content after this. With the expansion set to arrive at the end of June, players can look forward to immersing themselves once again in the world of Elden Ring, returning to the Interregnum.

It’s wise advice not to wait until the last minute to revisit Elden Ring, especially if you’ve been away from the RPG since its release. There are only a few weeks left and utilizing them to warm up on Torrente or preparing for the release of Shadow of the Erdtree will prepare you to master the game.

An ideal approach to playing any game is to have fun and complete without stress. However, it is not always easy or achievable for everyone. This article aims to offer practical suggestions and tips to help players maximize their enjoyment of the upcoming Shadow of the Erdtree.

Tips to play Shadow of the Erdtree?

Unlock extra talismans

In Shadow of the Erdtree, new talismans await, and it’s crucial to have enough slots to make the most of them. To unlock three additional slots, you’ll need to:

Defeat Margit at the outset of Stormrage Castle.
Defeat two significant Rune bosses (such as Godrick and Rennala) and speak with the Fingerreader at the Round Table.
Gain entry to the Capital and vanquish Godfrey, the initial ancestral Lord.

Upgrade Weapons

In the upcoming Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, new weapons will be introduced. Players usually upgrade weapons using Forging Stones, resources found around the new map. However, accumulating enough Forging Stones can take time. There is an alternative to collecting Forging Stones ahead of the gameplay and that is collecting as many Ashen Orbs, the in-game currency. To quickly upgrade weapons and try them out without delay, players can purchase Forging Stones using Ashen Orbs.

The strategy here is to use the time leading up to the expansion’s release to gather as many Ashen Orbs as possible. This way, when the expansion launches, you’ll have a stockpile of Ashen Orbs ready to purchase Forging Stones immediately.

Collect Elden Ring Memory Stones

In Elden Ring, spell slots are what allow players to equip and cast sorceries (magic spells). Each sorcery consumes a certain number of spell slots, so having enough slots is crucial for expanding the magical arsenal and casting a variety of spells.

Memory Stones are special items scattered throughout the game world that assist in increasing the number of spell slots available to the player. By collecting all the Memory Stones before entering the upcoming expansion, wizards can maximize the number of new sorceries they can use.

Level up character, unlock the ability to respec

In Elden Ring, leveling up your character is essential for improving your stats including health, stamina, and damage output. This is typically done by defeating enemies, and bosses, completing quests, and exploring the game world. As you progress and level up, you become more powerful and gain the ability to take on tougher challenges.

“Respec” is short for “respecting,” which in gaming refers to the ability to reallocate your character’s attribute points or skill points. This allows you to change your character’s build or playstyle without having to create a new character. In Elden Ring, to unlock the ability to respec, you need to find a special item called a “Vessel of Cursed Essence.” This item is rare and can usually be found in hidden or challenging locations within the game world.

Once you have a Vessel of Cursed Essence, you can use it to reset your character’s stats and reallocate them according to your new build or playstyle. This can be particularly useful when preparing for new content like the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, as it allows you to adapt your character to the challenges and opportunities presented by the new content.

Defeat Mohg and access the DLC

In Elden Ring, to access the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, you must first defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood, specifically the one located in Mohgwyn’s Palace. This boss is a powerful enemy that requires effort and skill to defeat.

If you are planning to start New Game Plus (NG+), it’s important to note that you will need to defeat Mohg again to start the DLC.

Starting NG+ prematurely could potentially cause you to miss out on the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for a significant portion of your gameplay. This is because once you start NG+, you will have to progress through the game again to reach the point where you can defeat Mohg and access the DLC.

Therefore, if you want to experience the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion without delay, it’s advisable to defeat Mohg and access the DLC before starting NG+.

What is Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree release date?

With the release date confirmed for June 21, 2024, it won’t be long before we can delve into the new content of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Are you planning to jump into the expansion as soon as it’s released?

How to Pre-Order Shadow Of The Erdtree?

The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring is currently available for digital preorder on several platforms as well as the official website of Bandai Namco. These include the PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X / S, and PC via Steam, with a standard edition priced at $39.99, if you already own the base game. For those looking for a bit more, there’s a Premium Edition available for $49.99, which includes the expansion along with a digital art book and original soundtrack.

One of the perks of preordering is receiving a bonus gesture that can be used in-game, adding a bit of extra flair to your character’s actions.

Apart from the Standard edition, here are the pricing details for 3 more editions:

Premium Edition: For $49.99, you can purchase the Premium Edition, which includes the expansion, a digital art book, and an original soundtrack.
Deluxe Edition: Priced at $99.99 on Steam, the Deluxe Edition includes both Shadow of the Erdtree and Elden Ring, as well as digital art books and soundtracks for both games. It’s available digitally for PlayStation and Xbox.
Collector’s Edition: The Collector’s Edition, available for $249.99 on Bandai Namco’s website, is the most comprehensive offering. It includes the expansion, an 18-inch Messmer statue, a 40-page hardcover art book, and a voucher for a digital version of the expansion and its soundtrack. The edition can be preordered for the PS5, Xbox, or PC exclusively from Bandai Namco’s store.

It’s worth noting that while the PlayStation Store doesn’t currently list the base PS4 version of the DLC, some bundles on the store do show availability for both PS4 and PS5. There seems to be some confusion around the PS4 release, and Bandai Namco has been contacted for clarification.

Overall, players have the opportunity to secure their copy of the DLC and enjoy a bonus gesture when they preorder, though there are some uncertainties regarding the PS4 release that are being addressed.

Which platforms will Shadow Of The Erdtree be released?

One can preorder the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring on the respective digital storefronts for PlayStation (PS4 and PS5), Xbox (Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S), and PC (via Steam or other platforms).

Is Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree free to play?

About Shadow Of The Erdtree Story, Settings, and Characters

There is very limited information available online about the storyline. However, we can judge The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring compelling narrative with a few of the key elements:

Miquella, a demigod child of Queen Marika, plays a central role. Unlike most of Marika’s children who were defeated in the base game, Miquella was found in a cocoon in Mohgwyn Palace. Interacting with Miquella’s arm, protruding from the cocoon, grants access to the expansion’s content.

The expansion unfolds in the Land of Shadow, a realm similar yet distinct from the Lands Between. This location is “obscured by the Erdtree” and holds significance as the place where Marika first set foot. Despite coexisting in the same physical space as the Lands Between, it exists in an alternate reality.

Serving as the primary antagonist, Messmer, also known as “Messmer the Impaler,” possesses flame magic akin to the giants and is surrounded by coiling snakes. He is implied to be another of Marika’s children and is portrayed as formidable, akin in strength to the demigods encountered in Elden Ring.

Director Hidetaka Miyazaki has stated that the expansion’s narrative surpasses or matches the scale of Limgrave, the initial major open-world area in Elden Ring. This expansion is the largest FromSoftware has developed for one of its games.

The expansion’s narrative promises to deepen Elden Ring’s lore and offer players new and substantial challenges within the enigmatic Land of Shadow.

Players can expect an intriguing storyline with a focus on Miquella and the Land of Shadow, along with the introduction of Messmer as a significant antagonist. The expansion’s setting and themes seem to tie closely to the lore established in Elden Ring, offering players a deeper dive into the world’s history and mythology.