President of FromSoftware, Hidetaka Miyazaki, has recently shared some interesting details about the upcoming Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for the popular open-world fantasy RPG, Elden Ring, in an interview with Famitsu.
What to Expect in the New Expansion
Shadow of the Erdtree will introduce players to the Erdtree-shielded Land of Shadows. With a map touted to be as large as, if not larger than, the Graveyard, the expansion promises over 10 boss fights, another poison swamp, and eight new categories of weapons.
According to Miyazaki, the many new spells, weapon categories (and additions to existing ones), and associated skills coming with the expansion are its main advantages. The weapons, in particular, are especially notable.
New Weapons and Features
The new arsenal includes long odachi katanas, reverse-grip swords, hand-to-hand combat moves, duel shields, and throwing daggers that “transform all attacks into throws”.
Shadow of the Erdtree will also introduce a completely unique feature compared to the main game: an “Attack Power” upgrade, similar to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. This upgrade will be active only within the expansion’s territory.
Timeline and Release Details
Miyazaki noted that while the events of Shadow of the Erdtree happen alongside those of Elden Ring, they will not impact the end of the main game (and vice versa). The new content is recommended for players in the latter part of the game.
Shadow of the Erdtree is due for release on June 21 on PC (Steam), PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S. Meanwhile, Elden Ring has already sold 23 million copies.
