The 2022 Game of the Year winner Elden Ring, a fantasy role-playing game from From Software, is adding more content to its vast world with the release of Shadow of the Erdtree, a new DLC, on June 21, 2024. A short summary of the events leading up to and throughout the base game is given in the “The Journey So Far” trailer, which From Software and Bandai Namco have produced to get players ready for the next DLC. For those who might find it difficult to pull together From Software’s purposely opaque storytelling, this trailer is a helpful refresher..
From Software’s games are renowned for their unique narrative style, which favors environmental storytelling and minimalistic dialogues over traditional cutscenes and extensive scripts. This method, seen in titles like Dark Souls and Elden Ring, immerses players in the game’s world, encouraging them to engage with the environment to uncover the story. The intricate lore is often embedded in item descriptions and brief NPC interactions, creating a tapestry of narrative threads that players must weave together.
This method of narrating stories has two drawbacks. Some players find it incredibly gratifying and interesting, while others find it difficult to follow the plot and become disoriented in the game’s scattered mythology and subtle clues. Elden Ring is no different, with its expansive open world and intricate story. Even after conquering strong opponents and exploring the game’s vast environments, it can be difficult to grasp the main storyline. This gap is intended to be filled by the new trailer, which sets the scene for the forthcoming DLC while offering a succinct synopsis of the game’s events.
Elden Ring’s narrative begins with the titular construct, the Elden Ring, which once maintained order and prosperity in the Lands Between. The ring was overseen by the goddess Queen Marika. However, Queen Marika shattered the Elden Ring into multiple Great Runes, disrupting the world’s natural state and inciting wars among various demigods over these powerful fragments. These conflicts, known as The Shattering, plunged the Lands Between into chaos and darkness.
The game’s plot picks up here, with players tasked with defeating the demigods who hold the Great Runes, reuniting them within the Erdtree, and becoming the Elden Lord. The player’s choices throughout the game influence the outcome and the ending they receive, adding layers of complexity to the story. While this summary provides a basic understanding, the game’s lore is much richer and more intricate, as detailed explorations like VaatiVidya’s Elden Ring Lore playlist on YouTube can reveal.
The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC promises to delve deeper into this intricate lore. Although specific details about the DLC are scarce, it’s known that the story will focus on Miquella, one of Queen Marika’s sons, who seeks to distance himself from all things associated with the Golden Order. Another key figure is Messmer the Impaler, who used flame magic to devastate the setting of the DLC in a past war. The Land of Shadow, the new realm players will explore, is shrouded by the Erdtree and holds significant historical and narrative importance.
Queen Marika’s connection to the Land of Shadow is hinted at, suggesting that she may have visited this realm before becoming the protector—and later the destroyer—of the Elden Ring. These tantalizing hints set the stage for a deep and engaging narrative exploration in the new DLC. Players will navigate new maps, face new bosses, explore new dungeons, and uncover more of the intricate lore that makes Elden Ring so compelling.
This is a great moment for anyone who haven’t tried Elden Ring yet to do so. It’s no surprise that the game has garnered praise as one of the greatest Xbox and PC games ever; finishing the main content will get gamers ready for the additional quests and tales that await them in Shadow of the Erdtree. Pre-orders for the expansion are accepted on a number of platforms, including Windows PC, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. For devoted fans, there’s also a Collector’s Edition with multiple goodies.
As the release date approaches, excitement builds for what promises to be a significant addition to Elden Ring’s universe. Shadow of the Erdtree will transport players to the dark and mysterious Land of Shadow, where they will follow Miquella’s path and uncover his motives. This new journey will offer fresh adventures and deepen the lore of the Lands Between, continuing From Software’s legacy of challenging, immersive, and richly narrative-driven gaming experiences. The DLC’s focus on Miquella, a character with deep ties to the game’s lore, adds an intriguing dimension to the expansion. His quest to separate himself from the Golden Order suggests a narrative rich with conflict and discovery, promising players a storyline that delves into the very foundations of the game’s world.
The introduction of Messmer the Impaler as a significant antagonist further enriches the narrative. His history of using flame magic to raze the Land of Shadow introduces new dynamics to the game’s lore, hinting at past conflicts that shaped the current state of the world. Players can expect to encounter new, formidable foes and uncover hidden truths about the Land of Shadow and its significance to the overall narrative.
Additionally, the DLC promises to greatly enhance the gameplay. With each map created with the same attention to detail and rich environmental narrative that From Software is renowned for, users will be able to explore brand-new environments. Players will face tough battles with new bosses that will test their combat skills and force them to come up with fresh tactics. With more dungeons to explore and discover, players will have more opportunity to learn about the game’s universe and gain knowledge, items, and insights.
Elden Ring’s base game set a high bar for what players expect from an RPG, and Shadow of the Erdtree aims to build on that foundation. The expansion is poised to offer a seamless blend of challenging gameplay, rich storytelling, and a vast, immersive world. As players prepare to dive into the new content, the anticipation is palpable. The DLC is not just an addition to the game; it represents a continuation of the journey that began with the base game, promising to take players deeper into the heart of the Elden Ring universe.
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