Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Expansion Dropping June 21 with Massive New Realm, Weapons, and Lore

FromSoftware has finally pulled back the curtain on Elden Ring’s long-awaited expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, confirming a June 21, 2024 release date and thrilling fans with a trailer packed full of mysterious new content. Despite the studio’s ghoulish penchant for keeping secrets, the new footage offers tantalizing glimpses into a dark, undiscovered realm and fresh threats awaiting the Tarnished—and possibly answers to some of the Lands Between’s most enigmatic lore.

In the new trailer, players were introduced to the Land of Shadow, a hauntingly beautiful area bathed in a sepia-toned atmosphere reminiscent of the game’s most haunting zones. This realm appears disconnected from the Lands Between, hinting at entirely new map zones, dungeons, and possibly another layer of geopolitical and mythic intrigue. One key detail has players buzzing: A recurring shot of an ominous figure presumed to be Miquella, the brother of Malenia and one of the biggest lore mysteries in the base game. His fate, until now, had been left unresolved.

Gameplay-wise, the expansion promises a slew of new weapons, including what appears to be a whip-sickle hybrid and arcane double-blades, suggesting fresh combat mechanics or at least weapon arts. Fans also gleaned hints of new enemies ranging from massive beetle-like golems to knights engulfed in radiant flame. As with all FromSoftware offerings, difficulty will likely be unforgiving and the story, cryptic—perfect for fans eager to dive back into the grueling yet rewarding world.

Director Hidetaka Miyazaki confirmed in an interview with Famitsu that Shadow of the Erdtree will be “the largest DLC we’ve ever done,” surpassing the scale of previous titles like Dark Souls III’s Ringed City or Bloodborne’s The Old Hunters. The expansion will be available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with save files carrying over if players have defeated Mohg, the Lord of Blood—who may serve as a narrative bridge into the new content.

With just a few months until release, speculation and hype continue to boil over. One thing’s clear: Shadow of the Erdtree is poised to deepen the mystery, challenge, and majesty that has cemented Elden Ring as a modern classic.