Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Dated (Gameplay Trailer)

Key Highlights:

• Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC launches June 21, 2024
• Story follows demigod Miquella, Malenia’s twin brother who enters mystical “Land of Shadow” realm
• Adds over 10 new bosses, 8 fresh weapon types, brings back poison swamps, aims for Malenia-level challenge
• DLC map bigger than Limgrave comprised of interconnected mini open worlds and legacy dungeons
• No new world-building lore from George R.R Martin, but based on unused parts of his existing mythos

Watch the new Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Gameplay Trailer

The hottest game of 2022 is getting considerably larger this summer. After much speculation, FromSoftware has officially taken the wraps off the mysterious Elden Ring expansion Shadow of the Erdtree – unveiling a June 21st 2024 release date alongside chilling story clues and towering gameplay additions befitting the sprawling Lands Between.

Enter the Enigmatic Realm of Shadow

While details remain scarce in signature Souls fashion, the evocative cinematic trailer provides several tantalising glimpses into Shadow of the Erdtree’s foreboding new campaign.

We’re introduced to the foreboding Messmer the Impaler amidst a mystical realm obscured from the Erdtree simply known as the Land of Shadow – said to be where Queen Marika originally arrived that has now fallen under shadowy influence fans will have to dispel over likely 20-30 hours of new challenges.

Accompanying the enigmatic Messmer lurking as a prime new arch nemesis comes creeping shots highlighting equally freakish minions to contend with from rapid lions and knife-wielding assassins to a giant flaming sentinel seemingly forged from sword shards and molten steel itself.

Most intriguing though rises a brief yet conspicuous shot at the 1:33 mark unveiling what distinctly appears to be none other than fan favourite secret demigod Miquella submerged beneath a glowing cocoon as flowers ominously sprout from his veins, strongly implying a central role moving forward as his past slumbering is finally disrupted.

The Scale of Content Surpasses the Original

In his revealing Eurogamer interview, director Hidetaka Miyazaki made the bold proclamation that Shadow of the Erdtree represents FromSoftware’s most sprawling add-on endeavour yet in terms of sheer volume – expressly noted to feature a larger combined map footprint than even Limgrave, the opening game region most intrinsically tied to Elden Ring’s core identity through sights like the Erdtree and iconic Stormgate entrance.

While the DLC preserves an adherence to the same broad PFDE structure joining sprawling fully explorable field zones riddled with mini dungeons and major self-contained legacy areas housing singular gargantuan boss fights, Miyazaki suggests Shadow of the Erdtree experiments with more seamless transitions binding everything together more cohesively.

We should expect the scale, density, and richness amplified considerably from the original game thanks to the team focusing more intensely on those handcrafted spaces compared to accommodating wide open landscapes.

Prepare for 10+ New Bosses and Weapons

Never one to shy away from sadistic boss fights, Miyazaki has already set the intimidating expectation that Shadow of the Erdtree won’t pull any punches – aspiring to channel the same traumatic adrenaline surges that continue making notorious Blade of Miquella duelist Malenia a wall for so many players.

While we’ve yet to grasp the full scope of fresh threats, early footage spotlights several instantly memorable figures like the aforementioned Messmer and his cadre of armed humanoids stalking the player set to the same unsettling audio cues as the original reveal trailer.

Adding further spice to combat, Miyazaki reveals around 10 new weapons serving as potential ace trump cards, split across entirely distinct categories not seen before. The promise of innovative playstyles should greatly help offset the increased hardship.

More Toxic and Tricky Than Ever

If the mere thought of another Malenia-caliber clash like Slave Knight Gael from Dark Souls 3 doesn’t give you conniptions though, Miyazaki cheekily confirms more anxiety-inducing poison swamps are coming because he simply adores leveraging the divisive scenic trope players love to hate.

Between the inevitable hidden traps, ambushes, tosses into smaller spaces teeming with elite foes, and devious implements subject to the team’s sadistic whims, the thoughtful precision Elden Ring demands should reach term-testing levels.

What Role Does Miquella Play?

While George R.R Martin hasn’t crafted any new characters or lore specifically for the expansion, Miyazaki explains Shadow of the Erdtreedoes focus strongly on enriching Mohg consort Miquella – the frail Empyrean twin brother of Malenia who spends the main story cocooned in slumber, presumably now awoken at last.

The enshrouded sighting of his gnarled overgrown arm injects rich speculation fuel into the DLC’s primary direction and what Menacing Messmer pursuing the player wants with the demigod.

Given Miyazaki’s assertions that Shadow of the Erdtree touches on a relatively self-contained strand of Martin’s sprawling mythos, there’s certainly still space left to revisit other key figures like fan favourite Dragonlord Placidusax who helped shepherd the pre-Erdtree age Farum Azula now left in ruins.

Regardless if the eternal dream darkens as teased though, come June 21st Elden Ring faithful will unite to illuminate any shadows in their continued quest to become Elden Lord.