The Highly-Anticipated Expansion is Finally Here: Shadow of the Erdtree for Elden Ring

Fans of FromSoftware games have been waiting for this moment for two years! The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion is finally here, now with full Arabic localization, new gameplay improvements, a unique leveling system, and massive new content. Let’s dive into the details in this review!

Story

The expansion takes players to a brand-new area: The Land of Shadows. Here, you’ll follow the story of Miquella, twin brother of Malenia and child of Marika and Radagon. Miquella, cursed to remain forever young, rebelled against the Golden Order’s oppression by growing his own tree to replace the Erdtree. However, he was abducted by Mohg, one of the main bosses in Elden Ring.

The story seeks to answer questions like Miquella’s purpose in the Land of Shadows, how he ended up there, and the area’s connection to the main world. How does all of this impact Elden Ring’s lore, characters, and world?

New Characters

The expansion introduces new characters, each with their own quests and stories. Some are encountered near Miquella’s Cross, while others are scattered across the world. As expected in FromSoftware games, conversations with these characters can significantly impact events and even boss fights.

The story ties heavily into the main game’s lore, providing new insights and surprises. However, as usual, understanding the story requires attention to dialogue, item descriptions, and familiarity with Elden Ring’s characters and history. Thanks to the Arabic translation, following the story is easier, though it remains a challenge.

World and Exploration

Exploration is a cornerstone of Elden Ring, and Shadow of the Erdtree takes it to another level. The new world starts small but expands as you uncover its secrets. The open world is vast, layered, and filled with challenges. Some areas consist of multiple levels stacked on top of each other, offering hidden paths, secret bosses, and treasures.

Unlike the base game, exploration in the expansion is more complex and demanding, with secret ladders, hidden walls, and concealed paths. Even main bosses and critical areas often require solving intricate puzzles or uncovering hidden routes.

New Leveling System

The expansion introduces a new leveling system exclusive to Shadow of the Erdtree. Players can enhance their attack power through “Shadow Tree Fragments,” which upgrade a new stat called “Shadow Tree Blessing.” Additionally, Spirit Ashes can be leveled up using a special material found in the expansion.

This system adds depth to exploration, as upgrading your Shadow Tree Blessing is essential for surviving tougher enemies and bosses.

Content

The expansion offers entirely new content, from weapons and armor to enemies and bosses. There are approximately seven main bosses and many optional ones, each offering unique challenges. Even small areas can hide multiple bosses and secrets, making exploration highly rewarding.

Arabic Localization

For the first time, Elden Ring features full Arabic localization, including dialogues, menus, and item descriptions. The translation is clean and helps players immerse themselves in the world. While there are minor translation errors, the overall quality is commendable.

Final Verdict

10/10

Shadow of the Erdtree is a masterpiece expansion that rivals the base game in quality and depth. With over 30 hours of gameplay, it’s an incredible value for its price. FromSoftware has once again delivered an unforgettable experience.