Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree Expansion Gets Official Release Date and Gameplay Trailer

FromSoftware has officially unveiled new details for its highly anticipated expansion to Elden Ring, “Shadow of the Erdtree.” After months of speculation and cryptic teasers, the developer has confirmed that the DLC will launch on June 21, 2024, for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms. Alongside the release date, fans were treated to a stunning gameplay trailer that offers a tantalizing glimpse into what lies ahead in the Lands Between.

Clocking in at three minutes, the new trailer highlights a hauntingly beautiful new realm, seemingly separate from the main game’s map, filled with twisted landscapes, nightmarish creatures, and fresh lore to unearth. The visuals lean heavily into the gothic and the grotesque, signaling a darker tone compared to the base game. From towering skeletal monstrosities to spectral knights clad in flame, it’s clear the expansion is upping the ante both narratively and mechanically.

While the trailer doesn’t give away everything, it suggests the return of fan-favorite character Miquella and hints at new divine orders and corrupted empires that players must confront. FromSoftware also teased multiple new enemy types, powerful weapons, Summon Spirits, and magic abilities unique to the DLC. The gameplay footage also showcases intense boss battles — a hallmark of the studio’s design — including what appears to be a duel atop a crumbling coliseum.

“Shadow of the Erdtree” is set to be FromSoftware’s biggest expansion to date, with director Hidetaka Miyazaki confirming in a press release that the DLC rivals legacy dungeons from the original game in both scale and challenge. Players can expect dozens of hours of new content, all seamlessly integrated into the existing Elden Ring ecosystem.

Fans can preorder the expansion starting today, with special collector’s editions available that include a hardcover art book and a Miquella-themed statue. As anticipation builds, it’s clear that “Shadow of the Erdtree” aims to not only expand Elden Ring’s lore but to redefine what a DLC experience can be in a next-generation RPG.