The trailer comes out two days short of the announcement’s anniversary.
Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC trailer shows off tons of bosses and environments, but analysis reveals that new antagonist Messmer may be deeply connected to someone players already know. The long-awaited expansion to 2022's game of the year will make the Lands Between even bigger. After its initial announcement on Feb. 21, 2022, FromSoftware has finally given fans a look at the upcoming DLC. In addition, the developer has revealed the intended release date for Shadow of the Erdtree.
To prepare for the newly revealed launch date, let's break down everything in the trailer to see what Elden Ring fans can expect in the highly-anticipated DLC.
Elden Ring DLC release date revealed
The release date for Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree is June 21, 2024.
This date was confirmed in the official gameplay trailer released on Feb. 21. The DLC pack is already available for preorder, which will grant the exclusive in-game gesture Ring of Miquella.
FromSoftware has also launched preorders for an exclusive Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Collector's Edition. This version of the game comes with a 40-page artbook, a digital soundtrack, and a 46-centimeter figure of the new character Messmer the Impaler.
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree gameplay trailer analysis
The three-minute trailer shows off new environments and bosses while also hinting about the main story, which will revolve around Empyrean Miquella and the new character Messmer the Impaler.
The trailer starts with an unknown figure standing in Mohgwyn Palace commenting on Miquella's supernatural powers of persuasion. It then swaps to the outskirts of Leyndell, a lava-filled catacomb, and, of course, a brand-new swamp. Many of the new locations appear to be above ground with new architecture and enemies to fight.
The Shadow of the Erdtree trailer also shows off multiple new bosses. There appears to be a theme of giant animals, with multiple enemies appearing similar to Hoarah Loux's war cat Serosh. There's also a giant hippopotamus-hedgehog-thing that appears to be an open-world boss.
Of course, players will have several new weapons and spells to wield against these new foes. Dark Souls' iconic repeating crossbow, the Avelyn, appears to make a return. The trailer also shows multiple new spells, including one where the player summons a giant cat's head and another involving some type of floral magic.
The biggest reveal of the trailer is Messmer the Impaler, a new character that will likely serve as the primary antagonist. He wears red clothes and a winged helmet similar to Malenia's. Based on his appearance and name, Messmer is possibly a third sibling to Miquella and Malenia. He is also constantly accompanied by a red snake, which could tie into Rykard's story. Trailer analysis can only tell so much, so fans will have to wait for the June 21, 2024 release date to learn more about Shadow of the Erdtree.
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