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

FromSoftware has finally unveiled the highly anticipated release date for Elden Ring’s first major expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, along with a mesmerizing new trailer that offers fans a deeper look into the mysterious world set to unfold beyond the Lands Between. The DLC is scheduled to launch on June 21, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Shadow of the Erdtree marks the return of FromSoftware’s iconic dark fantasy storytelling blended with the punishing gameplay that catapulted Elden Ring to Game of the Year status in 2022. The expansion promises a whole new realm to explore, reportedly accessible only after defeating key late-game bosses in the base game. The trailer, which dropped early this morning, showcases haunting new environments, terrifying enemies, and a cryptic narrative centered around Miquella, the sibling of Malenia and a character shrouded in mystery until now.

Hidetaka Miyazaki, director of Elden Ring and longtime visionary behind the Soulsborne series, teased during a press briefing that Shadow of the Erdtree will introduce a map “comparable in scale to Limgrave” — the game’s starting region — and will expand on several key lore threads left ambiguous in the original story. The DLC also boasts new weapons, armor sets, and magic types, aiming to deepen the already rich customization and combat systems Elden Ring fans have come to love.

Critics and fans alike have begun dissecting the trailer frame by frame. Early speculation points to several new boss battles, including what appears to be a twisted draconic beast and a celestial figure cloaked in gold. The presence of these enigmatic entities suggests the DLC may dive deeper into Elden Ring’s divine mythos and the fallout of the Erdtree’s decay.

Preorders for the expansion are live now, with standard and deluxe editions available. The deluxe bundle includes a digital artbook and soundtrack—perfect for fans eager to immerse themselves ahead of launch.

With Shadow of the Erdtree, FromSoftware is once again setting the stage for a harrowing, unforgettable journey. June can’t come soon enough.