How Many Hours is Shadow of the Erdtree? [2024]

How Many Hours is Shadow of the Erdtree? The gaming world is abuzz with excitement as FromSoftware prepares to release its highly anticipated DLC for Elden Ring, titled “Shadow of the Erdtree.” As fans of the critically acclaimed action RPG eagerly await this expansion, one question looms large: just how many hours of gameplay can we expect from Shadow of the Erdtree?

In this extensive guide, we’ll explore everything we know about the upcoming DLC, analyze past FromSoftware expansions, and make educated predictions about the length and content of Shadow of the Erdtree. Whether you’re a seasoned Tarnished or new to the Lands Between, this article will prepare you for the epic journey that awaits.

What We Know About Shadow of the Erdtree

Official Announcements and Teasers

FromSoftware has been characteristically tight-lipped about the details of Shadow of the Erdtree. However, the few official announcements and teasers have given us some tantalizing glimpses into what we can expect:

1. The expansion was first announced on February 28, 2023, with a single piece of artwork showcasing a mysterious figure riding Torrent through a field of golden trees.
2. Hidetaka Miyazaki, the game’s director, has stated that the DLC is “currently in development” and promises to be the largest expansion they’ve ever created.
3. The title “Shadow of the Erdtree” suggests a deep dive into the lore surrounding the Erdtree, a central element of Elden Ring’s mythology.

While these official tidbits are sparse, they’ve fueled intense speculation and excitement among the fanbase.

Speculation and Rumors

The Elden Ring community has been rife with speculation about Shadow of the Erdtree. Some popular theories include:

1. The DLC might focus on Miquella, the brother of Malenia, who was conspicuously absent from the main game.
2. New areas to explore, possibly including the land of Badlands, home of Godfrey the First Elden Lord.
3. Additional bosses, weapons, and spells that expand on the already vast arsenal available in Elden Ring.

While these are just speculations, they give us an idea of the community’s expectations for the DLC’s content and scope.

Analyzing Past FromSoftware DLCs

To better estimate how many hours Shadow of the Erdtree might offer, let’s look at FromSoftware’s track record with previous DLCs:

Dark Souls DLCs

1. Artorias of the Abyss (Dark Souls): 10-15 hours
2. Crown of the Sunken King (Dark Souls 2): 4-6 hours
3. Crown of the Old Iron King (Dark Souls 2): 4-6 hours
4. Crown of the Ivory King (Dark Souls 2): 4-6 hours
5. Ashes of Ariandel (Dark Souls 3): 6-8 hours
6. The Ringed City (Dark Souls 3): 8-10 hours

Bloodborne DLC

1. The Old Hunters: 10-15 hours

These expansions typically added new areas, bosses, weapons, and lore to their respective games. The playtime could vary significantly based on a player’s skill level and thoroughness in exploring the content.

Factors Influencing Shadow of the Erdtree’s Length

Several factors could impact the length of Shadow of the Erdtree:

1. Elden Ring’s Massive Scale

Elden Ring is significantly larger than previous FromSoftware games, with an expansive open world and numerous optional areas. This scale suggests that its DLC could be correspondingly larger.

2. Development Time

Shadow of the Erdtree has been in development for over a year since Elden Ring’s release. This extended development period could indicate a more substantial expansion.

3. Player Expectations

Given Elden Ring’s critical and commercial success, player expectations for the DLC are incredibly high. FromSoftware may aim to meet or exceed these expectations with a longer, more content-rich expansion.

4. Miyazaki’s Statement

The director’s claim that this will be their largest expansion to date sets a high bar, considering the scope of previous DLCs like The Old Hunters for Bloodborne.

Predicting Shadow of the Erdtree’s Length

Based on the factors mentioned above and FromSoftware’s history, we can make some educated guesses about the length of Shadow of the Erdtree:

Conservative Estimate: 15-20 Hours

At the lower end, we might expect Shadow of the Erdtree to be comparable to the larger DLCs FromSoftware has produced, such as Artorias of the Abyss or The Old Hunters. This would still represent a significant amount of content, including:

1. 2-3 new areas to explore
2. 4-6 new boss encounters
3. A handful of new weapons and spells
4. Additional lore and story content

Moderate Estimate: 20-30 Hours

Given Miyazaki’s statement about this being their largest expansion, a more substantial DLC seems likely. This could include:

1. 3-4 new areas, possibly including a mix of legacy dungeons and open-world spaces
2. 6-8 new boss encounters
3. A wider array of new weapons, spells, and armor sets
4. Significant lore revelations and potentially new endings

Ambitious Estimate: 30+ Hours

If FromSoftware truly pushes the boundaries with Shadow of the Erdtree, we could see an expansion that rivals some full games in terms of content:

1. 5+ new areas, potentially including a whole new region of the Lands Between
2. 10+ new boss encounters
3. A vast array of new equipment, spells, and gameplay mechanics
4. Multiple new questlines and NPCs
5. Substantial additions to the game’s lore and possibly new game modes or features

It’s important to note that these are speculative estimates. The actual length of Shadow of the Erdtree could fall anywhere within this range or potentially surpass it.

Content Expectations for Shadow of the Erdtree

While the exact content of the DLC remains unknown, we can speculate on what players might expect based on FromSoftware’s previous expansions and the lore of Elden Ring:

New Areas to Explore

Shadow of the Erdtree is likely to introduce at least one major new area to the Lands Between. This could be:

1. A previously inaccessible part of the existing map
2. An entirely new region connected to the main world
3. A separate, self-contained area like the Painted Worlds in Dark Souls

These new areas will likely feature unique environments, enemies, and challenges that expand on the themes of Elden Ring.

New Bosses

FromSoftware is renowned for its boss battles, and Shadow of the Erdtree is sure to deliver on this front. We can expect:

1. At least one major story boss, possibly tied to the central narrative of the DLC
2. Several optional bosses scattered throughout the new areas
3. Potentially new versions or variations of existing bosses

These encounters will likely push players to their limits, requiring mastery of both new and existing gameplay mechanics.

Expanded Arsenal

The DLC is almost certain to introduce new weapons, spells, and armor sets. These might include:

1. Unique weapons with special abilities or movesets
2. New categories of spells or incantations
3. Armor sets with interesting stat bonuses or lore significance

These additions will give players more options for customizing their builds and tackling the new challenges.

Lore and Story Content

Shadow of the Erdtree presents an opportunity to delve deeper into the rich lore of Elden Ring. Potential focus areas could include:

1. The history and nature of the Erdtree itself
2. More information about the Outer Gods and their influence
3. Exploration of characters or events only hinted at in the base game

This new lore could shed light on existing mysteries or introduce entirely new elements to the game’s mythology.

Factors Affecting Playtime

When considering how many hours Shadow of the Erdtree might offer, it’s important to remember that individual playtime can vary significantly based on several factors:

Player Skill Level

More experienced players might progress through the content faster, while newcomers or those who find the game challenging might take longer.

Exploration Style

Some players meticulously explore every corner of the game world, while others focus on main objectives. This can greatly affect playtime.

Build and Playstyle

Different character builds and playstyles can impact how quickly a player progresses through content.

New Game Plus and Replayability

Many players enjoy replaying FromSoftware content with different builds or in New Game Plus modes, potentially adding many more hours to the DLC’s lifespan.

Comparative Analysis: Shadow of the Erdtree vs. Other Game Expansions

To put the potential scope of Shadow of the Erdtree into perspective, let’s compare it with some notable expansions from other games:

The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine

• Developer: CD Projekt Red
• Playtime: 20-30 hours
• Added a new region, storyline, and gameplay features

Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores

• Developer: Guerrilla Games
• Playtime: 8-10 hours
• Introduced a new area and continued the main story

God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla

• Developer: Santa Monica Studio
• Playtime: 5-7 hours
• Added a roguelike game mode and new narrative elements

Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

• Developer: Square Enix
• Playtime: 40-50 hours (for main story)
• Massive expansion adding new areas, jobs, and concluding a major storyline

While these expansions vary in scope, they provide a frame of reference for what major studios can accomplish with DLC. Given FromSoftware’s ambition and Elden Ring’s success, Shadow of the Erdtree could potentially rival or exceed some of these in terms of content and playtime.

The Impact of Shadow of the Erdtree on Elden Ring’s Legacy

Regardless of its exact length, Shadow of the Erdtree is poised to have a significant impact on Elden Ring’s already impressive legacy:

Extending the Game’s Lifespan

A substantial DLC could reinvigorate the player base, bringing back lapsed players and attracting new ones.

Expanding the Lore

The expansion provides an opportunity to deepen the game’s rich mythology, potentially answering lingering questions and introducing new mysteries.

Refining Gameplay

Shadow of the Erdtree might introduce new mechanics or refine existing ones, further polishing Elden Ring’s already stellar gameplay.

Setting New Standards

If the DLC lives up to the hype, it could set new standards for what players expect from game expansions, particularly in the action RPG genre.

Preparing for Shadow of the Erdtree: Tips for Players

As we await the release of Shadow of the Erdtree, here are some tips for players looking to prepare:

1. Complete the Base Game: Ensure you’ve experienced all that Elden Ring has to offer before diving into the DLC.
2. Experiment with Builds: Try different character builds to find what suits your playstyle best.
3. Brush Up on Lore: Revisit key lore elements, as they may be relevant to the DLC’s story.
4. Level Up: Consider reaching a higher level to be prepared for potentially challenging content.
5. Stock Up on Resources: Gather upgrade materials, runes, and other resources that might be useful in the DLC.

Community Expectations and Reactions

The announcement of Shadow of the Erdtree has generated immense excitement within the Elden Ring community. Forums, social media, and gaming websites are abuzz with discussions and speculation. Some common themes in community reactions include:

Excitement for New Challenges

Many players are eagerly anticipating new, difficult boss encounters and areas to explore.

Lore Speculation

The community is rife with theories about how the DLC might expand on Elden Ring’s mysterious lore.

Concern Over Difficulty

Some players worry that the DLC might be too challenging, especially if it’s designed for high-level characters.

Hopes for Quality of Life Improvements

Many fans are hoping for refinements to existing systems and possibly new features to enhance the overall experience.

The Technical Side: What Shadow of the Erdtree Might Mean for Elden Ring

From a technical perspective, Shadow of the Erdtree could bring several enhancements to Elden Ring:

Graphics Updates

The DLC might introduce graphical improvements, taking advantage of advancements in hardware and software since the game’s initial release.

Performance Optimizations

Players can hope for further optimization, potentially improving frame rates and reducing load times.

New Game Mechanics

The expansion could introduce entirely new gameplay systems or refine existing ones, adding depth to the combat and exploration.

Multiplayer Enhancements

There’s potential for new multiplayer features or improvements to existing cooperative and competitive modes.

The Business of DLC: Shadow of the Erdtree’s Potential Impact

From a business standpoint, Shadow of the Erdtree represents a significant opportunity for FromSoftware and Bandai Namco:

Boosting Sales

A high-quality, substantial DLC could drive additional sales of Elden Ring and potentially attract new players to the franchise.

Maintaining Relevance

By releasing a major expansion, Elden Ring can remain a topic of discussion in the gaming community, extending its cultural relevance.

Setting the Stage for Future Projects

The success of Shadow of the Erdtree could influence FromSoftware’s approach to future games and DLC releases.

Comparisons to Other FromSoftware Games

While we await concrete details about Shadow of the Erdtree, it’s interesting to compare Elden Ring and its upcoming DLC to other FromSoftware titles:

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Unlike Elden Ring, Sekiro didn’t receive any major DLC, focusing instead on free updates with new features and challenges.

Bloodborne

The Old Hunters DLC for Bloodborne is often cited as one of the best expansions in FromSoftware’s catalog, setting a high bar for Shadow of the Erdtree.

Dark Souls Series

The Dark Souls games each received substantial DLC that expanded on the lore and introduced challenging new areas and bosses.

The Future of Elden Ring: Beyond Shadow of the Erdtree

Looking beyond this upcoming DLC, fans and industry observers are already speculating about the future of the Elden Ring franchise:

Potential for Additional DLC

Depending on the success of Shadow of the Erdtree, there’s a possibility of further expansions or content updates.

Sequel Speculation

Given Elden Ring’s massive success, discussions about a potential sequel are inevitable, though nothing has been confirmed.

Influence on Future FromSoftware Titles

The innovations and lessons learned from Elden Ring and its DLC are likely to influence the developer’s future projects.

Conclusion: Anticipating an Epic Adventure

As we eagerly await more information about Shadow of the Erdtree, one thing is clear: FromSoftware is poised to deliver an expansion that could redefine what we expect from DLC. Whether it offers 15 hours of content or 30+, the expansion is sure to be a significant addition to the already massive world of Elden Ring.

While we can’t say for certain how many hours Shadow of the Erdtree will offer, the signs point to an expansion that will be substantial, challenging, and rich with new content for players to explore. From new areas and fearsome bosses to expanded lore and refined gameplay mechanics, this DLC has the potential to be a landmark release in the action RPG genre.

As Tarnished both new and old prepare to embark on this new adventure, one thing is certain: the journey through the Shadow of the Erdtree promises to be an unforgettable experience, regardless of its exact length. The only question that remains is: are you ready to face the challenges that await in this new chapter of Elden Ring?

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