As the reviews begin to flow in, it becomes increasingly clear that Elden Ring‘s sole expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, is nothing but a gem and an absolute victory for From Software. It is yet another well-deserved win for what is arguably the greatest gaming experience in recent memory.
In fact, the reviews have been so glowing that the expansion has surpassed the celebrated Witcher 3‘s Blood and Wine to become the most significant piece of additional content brought to a game ever. Isn’t this essentially just a “Like father, like son” situation?
Shadow of the Erdtree’s Reviews Poise It as GOTY 2024’s Biggest Contender
Similar to Blood and Wine being CD Projekt RED’s victory lap and celebration for all they accomplished with Witcher 3, the same can now be said for Shadow of the Erdtree and From Software, despite what some people may believe. From the get-go, most believed that the expansion would surpass every AAA game slated to come out in 2024, and yet it’s hard to believe just how much praise is being showered on it.
With its denser world, tighter narrative, new weapons, and the fact that it brings back the same joy of discovery players felt when playing the base game for the first time, From Software has seemingly hit a home run on every aspect of Erdtree. The review scores also suggest that Shadow of the Erdtree is From Software’s highest-rated additional content, surpassing even Old Hunters and The Ringed City.
That said, given the expansion’s size and the love it has received, one cannot help but wonder whether all the award ceremonies will make an exception and nominate Shadow of the Erdtree for the coveted Game of the Year award. From what we’ve experienced, though, it more than deserved the consideration.
What Wonders Can the Players Expect When Jumping Into Shadow of the Erdtree?
Playing through Shadow of the Erdtree struck us with the same sense of wonder, beauty, and darkness as the base game did in 2022. Not only has From Software improved what was already present in the game, but they have added so much new content and challenges for even the most experienced players that the sheer scale of it all remains unprecedented.
It’s genuinely wild how From Software, who continue to humbly refer to this as an expansion, has put enough here to shame almost all recent AAA games. Think of it like this: in the span of just two years, they’ve created a world that is as big and engrossing as any of the Dark Souls titles in their totality.
It’s not just the overworld that’s praiseworthy, either. Everything, from weapons, enemies, and lore to its bosses, seems to far exceed anything seen in the base game.
So, it’s relatively easy to claim that the moment you jump into Shadow of the Erdtree, you’ll be in for one of the best rides of your life. With that said, what are your thoughts on all the reviews surrounding it? Will it indeed surpass Witcher 3‘s Blood and Wine? Let us know in the comments below!
