'Elden Ring' Is Already a Massive Game — 'Shadow of the Erdtree' Will Add So Much More

If you're reading this, then chances are you've done multiple playthroughs of Elden Ring. Back during its February 2022 release, the critically acclaimed action RPG was a time-thief with its immense world, challenging bosses, and tons of hidden areas. As 2022 comes to a close, the game has since become a top contender for "Game of the Year" status for many, including the Game Awards.

Elden Ring takes place within the vast and mystical world of the Lands Between. As a member of the Tarnished, players are tasked with traversing the land and encountering several enemies and bosses. Their ultimate goal is to restore the titular Elden Ring to its former glory and claim the throne as the new Elden Lord. Every player's journey will be different, and the ending you receive could also vary between playthroughs. Here's what we know about the upcoming DLC Shadow of the Erdtree.

Downloadable content typically takes the form of additional content that can be added to a game after it's already been launched. They can take the form of extra scenes that take place after the main story, side content with new levels and enemies, or even new armor and equipment for characters. It's a great way for new games to increase their longevity well after they've been released.

What does that mean for Elden Ring? It's already known for its enormous map size. The Lands Between are comprised of six main areas, each littered with enemies and dungeons and castles for players to explore. Though it might take you time to travel from one domain to another, there are special chests hidden throughout the game that could take you halfway across the map to a completely new area. The possibilities are practically limitless in a game like Elden Ring.

Now, the Lands Between are about to drop you into a whole new adventure with the release of Shadow of the Erdtree. The trailer for the upcoming DLC released on Feb. 21, giving us a first look at the DLC's content.

Though there aren't too many story details we can parse from the trailer (though there were plenty of intense boss battles teased), the video's description reads “In the Land of Shadow, Miquella awaits the return of his promised Lord.”

FromSoftware has been teasing this DLC for more than a year, telling players it was on the way not long after the game's release. Thankfully, we don't have much longer before we'll be able to sink out teeth into it.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree will release on June 21, brining with it plenty of new content for players to lose themselves in, giving you plenty of reason to return to the Lands Between and explore the corners you didn't get to the first couple of times.