Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Expansion Gets Release Date and New Trailer

FromSoftware has finally lifted the veil on its highly anticipated Elden Ring expansion, “Shadow of the Erdtree,” confirming a release date of June 21, 2024, and dropping a jaw-dropping new trailer that has fans picking apart every frame for lore clues. Nearly two years after Elden Ring’s launch, the expansion promises to take players deeper into the Lands Between—and possibly beyond.

The new trailer, which clocks in at over three minutes, teases an ominous new world drenched in darkness and ash. Fans of FromSoftware’s signature storytelling style will instantly notice cryptic imagery and new grotesque enemy designs that echo the haunting beauty of Elden Ring’s base game. The trailer also briefly introduces Miquella, a long-rumored character and sibling to Malenia, hinting at a central role in the expansion’s narrative.

Gameplay-wise, Shadow of the Erdtree looks to up the ante. The trailer showcases all-new weapon types, dynamic spellcasting, and towering bosses—including what appears to be a fire-wreathed spirit beast and a colossal knight clad in golden armor. Most notably, the expansion appears to shift the tone toward an even darker and more apocalyptic setting, signaling a shift in the world’s already fragile balance.

Pre-orders for the DLC are live now, with several editions available, including a Collector’s Edition that features an exclusive artbook and a 40-page lore compendium. Players will need to own the base game to access the expansion, and FromSoftware has advised that a mid-to-late game save is required to access the new content, placing it squarely as endgame material.

Fan reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with social media and discussion boards lighting up within minutes of the trailer’s drop. Many are calling this the next evolution of Elden Ring, and possibly the deepest dive yet into the game’s intricate mythos.

With Shadow of the Erdtree promising to deliver more of what made Elden Ring a masterpiece, June 21 can’t come soon enough for Tarnished everywhere.