Shadow of the Erdtree Expansion Confirmed – Elden Ring’s Epic Journey Continues
Elden Ring Expansion Confirmed: Shadow of the Erdtree Is Coming
After months of speculation, FromSoftware has finally confirmed what fans around the world have been waiting for—Shadow of the Erdtree, the official expansion for the critically acclaimed Elden Ring, is real and in development. For those still wandering The Lands Between or those who’ve conquered every shardbearer, this DLC promises to reignite the flames of exploration, mystery, and brutal combat that defined the base game.
Let’s dive into everything we know so far about this upcoming expansion, including the lore hints, potential release window, new gameplay features, and what it means for the future of Elden Ring.
The Official Announcement
On February 28, 2023, FromSoftware surprised fans with a Twitter post confirming Shadow of the Erdtree is in development. Accompanied by a haunting piece of artwork, the announcement came without a trailer or release date, but it was enough to send the Soulsborne community into a frenzy.
The teaser image showcases a ghostly, golden landscape with a twisted version of the Erdtree looming in the background. In the foreground, a character rides Torrent through a foggy field of ghostly gravestones. Fans immediately speculated that the rider might be Miquella, a demigod mentioned in the base game but never directly seen.
What Is the Shadow of the Erdtree?
While FromSoftware remains tight-lipped, the name Shadow of the Erdtree suggests we’ll be exploring a darker side of the game’s central mythos. The Erdtree, in Elden Ring, is the source of the Golden Order and the divine power that shaped the world. A “shadow” implies secrets, corruption, or an alternate history lurking beneath its radiant glow.
The image’s atmosphere also hints at a new area or realm, possibly connected to the Haligtree and Miquella, whose unfinished story arc in the main game left many players craving answers.
Who Is Miquella, and Why Might He Be Central?
Miquella is one of the most enigmatic figures in Elden Ring. The twin brother of Malenia, he was cursed with eternal youth and sought to escape the control of the Greater Will. He created the Haligtree, a sanctuary free from the influence of the Erdtree, before being kidnapped by Mohg, Lord of Blood.
Despite his significance, Miquella never physically appears in the base game—players only encounter his withered body inside a cocoon in Mohgwyn Palace. The presence of a character riding Torrent in the teaser has led many to believe that Shadow of the Erdtree will finally reveal Miquella's fate.
If this is true, it could radically expand the lore and introduce an entirely new faction or ideology in opposition to the Golden Order.
What to Expect in Terms of Gameplay
FromSoftware’s track record with DLCs—Artorias of the Abyss (Dark Souls), The Old Hunters (Bloodborne), and The Ringed City (Dark Souls III)—shows that their expansions are not mere afterthoughts. These content drops often include:
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Entirely new regions
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Unique boss fights with complex mechanics
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Lore-rich NPCs and questlines
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New weapons, armor sets, and magic types
Given Elden Ring’s open-world format, the expansion could take players to a completely new part of the map or even another realm, much like how Dark Souls DLCs transported players to parallel worlds or ancient eras.
Release Date Speculation
As of now, FromSoftware has not confirmed a release date. However, given the announcement was made in early 2023 and recent leaks point to a June 2024 release, there’s a good chance we’ll get our hands on the DLC this year.
The fact that they waited over a year after Elden Ring’s launch to make the announcement suggests they are taking their time to craft something substantial.
Fans should also keep an eye on Summer Game Fest or other major gaming events in 2024 for a possible trailer and release date reveal.
How Big Will the Expansion Be?
Although details remain scarce, industry insiders have hinted that Shadow of the Erdtree might be FromSoftware’s largest DLC ever. Given the base game’s scope, expectations are high.
There are theories that the expansion will:
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Feature a brand-new map that rivals the size of Limgrave
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Introduce 10+ new bosses
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Add multiple endings tied to the DLC’s outcome
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Revamp existing mechanics or introduce new weapon categories
FromSoftware might also take this opportunity to implement fan-requested quality-of-life changes or new difficulty modifiers.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy Continues
Shadow of the Erdtree isn’t just a DLC—it’s a continuation of Elden Ring’s legacy. It promises to fill in critical lore gaps, elevate the narrative, and challenge even the most battle-hardened Tarnished. Whether you're still exploring side dungeons or have already become Elden Lord, the expansion offers a reason to return.
The mystery surrounding Miquella, the haunting tone of the teaser, and FromSoftware’s impeccable track record all suggest that this expansion could stand among the best the studio has ever created.
Stay Tuned for More
As we wait for more details, GameMorale will continue covering every update, leak, and official announcement about Shadow of the Erdtree. Bookmark this page and follow us for more in-depth coverage, lore breakdowns, and gameplay tips as we get closer to release.
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