Elden Ring‘s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is promising to be a holistic FromSoftware experience that should satisfy even the most ardent fan. Expectations are riding high for the expansion, which will take players to a completely new region shrouded in mystery and fraught with danger at every corner.
One of the most iconic features of FromSoftware games is their exposition methods. Stories are rarely, if ever, put forward simply to the player. The games require exploration and a keen eye to piece together the chain of events. However, Hidetaka Miyazaki has stated that it may not have all the answers you seek.
Miyazaki Confirms Shadow of the Erdtree Will Expand Elden Ring Lore
FromSoftware DLCs have always been built upon the foundation of the first game. Whether it’s the Artorias of the Abyss expansion for Dark Souls 1 or The Old Hunters DLC for Bloodborne, players always found new lore that builds on what is shown in the base game. But they also posed some new questions, something Miyazaki says is possible with the newest project.
Elden Ring has built an entire world and introduced many characters who had little, or no, direct involvement within the base game. One such individual was the demigod Miquella, son of Marika and Radagon and brother to Malenia. While we learn a fair bit about him as we explore the world, he remains a shadowy figure.
When asked by Chinese outlet Zhuanlan if the Shadow of the Erdtree would resolve plot concerns, Miyazaki gave a ‘yes and no’ response.
Some of the mysteries left by the main body will be answered. As for whether it will bring more new pitfalls on this basis, I cannot guarantee that overall, through DLC, we will have a deeper understanding of the worldview and game story.
The interview has been translated from Chinese, so there might be some linguistic nuances that have been lost. We can expect more lore videos once the expansion is released. However, it’s not uncommon for FromSoftware DLCs to include new mysteries that get no conclusion.
Miquella Is Not the Only Character in Focus in the DLC
We may be following in the footsteps of the eternally youthful demigod, but he is not the only character with a spotlight in this DLC. The ominous and intimidating Messmer, who people are theorizing may be related to Miqeulla, is going to bring an entire chunk of new lore. As we all know with FromSoftware, new lore always means new questions too.
Miyazaki has stated that this DLC is going to be the largest ever created by the FromSoftware team. The Land of Shadow is said to be as large as the beginning area of Limgrave, so we can assume there is going to be a lot of stuff to explore and find.
The expansion isn’t all focused on just the story, though. We are getting a list of new weapons and spells, including hand-to-hand combat options. There are also bosses in the DLC that have been tuned similarly to Malenia, so expect some difficult fights.
What plot points would you like to see addressed in The Shadow of the Erdtree? Let us know in the comments below!
