FromSoftware’s RPG epicElden Ringhas been deemed one of the best games of the generation, wowing fans with its scope, complexity, and originality. Sitting comfortably within the developer’s well-known formula,Elden Ringstill managed to push boundaries and deliver some aspects that players definitely weren’t expecting, and it went on to garner universal acclaim after its release at the start of last year. Since then, players have been wondering whereElden Ringwould go next, and the official announcement in February this year that a major DLC was in development was the cherry on the top for many dedicated fans.
While the highly anticipatedShadow of the Erdtreeexpansiondoesn’t have a release date or many confirmed details just yet, this hasn’t stopped players from speculating. Looking at previous release rates for older FromSoftware series, most DLCs launch in a matter of months. However, givenElden Ring’s size, it seems likeShadow of the Erdtreemight be more likely to release in late 2023 or even early 2024, which would also steer clear ofArmored Core 6’s own launch date later this summer. Also looking at previous FromSoftware DLCs, some gamers hope thatElden Ring’s expansion doesn’t follow in the footsteps of some ofDark Souls' offerings in a few key ways.
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Comparing Dark Souls DLCs
FromSoftware’s remarkable Soulsborne games have basically spawned their own genre, becoming an iconic (and iconically challenging) part of gaming culture. Although players have spent hours and hours exploring the hidden depths of the likes of Lothric, Boletaria, and Yharnam, some of the best content has come from the various series' post-launch packs. TheDark Soulsseries in particular has gifted gamers with some great expansions, from the incredibleboss fights inArtorias of the Abyssto the memorable lore and locations inThe Ringed City.
For games that already offered a substantive experience, the various expansions were a welcome addition to theDark Soulstitles. Adding new areas to explore, unique bosses to conquer, and intriguing morsels of new lore to uncover, most DLCs presented players with lots of opportunities to dive further into theDark Soulsuniverse. However, although the vast majority ofallDark SoulsDLCswere well-received and were able to add to the already intricate world-building of their associated base games, some fans are looking for a little more fromShadow of the Erdtree.
How Shadow Of The Erdtree Could Improve On These
WhileDark SoulsDLCs succeeded in opening up the world of the games, some players are hopingElden Ringis more ambitious with its own expansion. On average,beatingDark SoulsDLCstends to require anything from four hours to around seven hours to complete. This isn’t insubstantial and would probably be along the lines of what most gamers expect from an expansion, but compared toElden Ring, a completion time of even seven hours forShadow of the Erdtreewould feel pretty measly. Many fans hopeShadow of the Erdtreeisn’t just a short campaign like previousDark Soulsofferings and that the DLC actually capitalizes on the various endings players can choose in the base game.
Similarly, although gamers can pick up some new gear, explore new areas, or battle new bosses inDark SoulsDLCs,Shadow of the Erdtreehas the opportunity to add a stack of new weapons and items linked to the new quests that gamers can undertake. Given the array of these on offer in the base game, having only a modest selection inElden Ring’s expansion would definitely feel like a wasted chance.Elden Ringrepresented a major step forward for the Soulsborne games, presenting a much more ambitious vision of what the developer had shared with gamers before.Shadow of the Erdtreecould be more ambitious, upping the ante from great but bite-sized DLCs forDark Soulsgames and crafting a substantial expansion.
Elden Ringis available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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