Having sunk countless hours into the original Elden Ring, I eagerly awaited the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. This review covers the R3 (Asia) Standard Edition (model number 04707GPO) which includes both the base game and the DLC. My experience has been a mixed bag of exhilarating highs and frustrating lows, and I’ll detail both in this comprehensive review.

The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion introduces a significant new area, the Land of Shadow, a visually stunning region brimming with new environments, enemies, and challenges. The sense of scale is impressive, mirroring the sprawling nature of the base game’s map. New weapons, spells, and armor pieces add significant depth to build crafting, offering fresh tactical possibilities for seasoned players. The new story elements, while initially mysterious, gradually unfold to reveal more of Elden Ring’s intricate lore.

The integration with the base game is seamless. The expansion feels like a natural extension, not an afterthought. The pacing of the new story content is well-managed, gradually increasing the difficulty and rewarding exploration.

On the PlayStation 5, the game runs smoothly, maintaining a consistently high frame rate even during the most intense battles. Load times are minimal, allowing for a fluid and immersive experience. The graphical fidelity remains top-notch, with impressive environmental details and character models. However, I did experience a few minor glitches, mostly involving minor graphical hiccups, nothing game-breaking but worth noting.

The difficulty curve, as expected from FromSoftware, is steep. The new enemies are challenging and require strategic thinking and precise execution. This adds to the overall replayability and longevity of the experience but might be daunting for less experienced players.

Pros:

• Vast and beautiful new area to explore.
• Challenging but rewarding gameplay.
• New weapons, armor, and spells offer diverse build options.
• Seamless integration with the base game.
• Excellent performance on PS5.

Cons:

• High difficulty curve may deter some players.
• Occasional minor graphical glitches.
• The price point might be a concern for some.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is a worthy expansion that expands upon the already impressive foundation of the base game. While the high difficulty might not be for everyone, the sheer scale, depth, and replayability make it a must-have for fans of the original. The addition of new content significantly extends the game’s lifespan, justifying the purchase for those who enjoyed the core experience. For those who haven’t ventured into the Lands Between, this could be an excellent entry point.

My recommendation? If you enjoyed Elden Ring, this expansion is a no-brainer. It builds upon the strengths of the original while addressing some of its minor shortcomings. It’s a triumph for FromSoftware.