FromSoftware has provided an update on the highly anticipated Elden Ring DLC, titled Shadow of the Erdtree. Despite progress, the DLC's release date is still distant, as confirmed by lead producer Yasuhiro Kitao at the PlayStation Partner Awards 2023.
Kitao's remarks at the PlayStation Awards to Japanese publication Game Watch also dispelled recent rumours regarding an early 2024 release for the DLC. While acknowledging the ongoing development, Kitao stated that the Shadow of the Erdtree still has some time to go before its release, although“progress is going well” with the DLC’s development.
The development of Shadow of the Erdtree has been shrouded in much secrecy, with only a single piece of concept art having been released by FromSoftware since the DLC’s initial announcement. This has led to widespread speculation amongst players on what to expect from the Elden Ring DLC, although leading theories suggest it will notably feature the character Miquella, who was absent from the base game.
Furthermore, Kitao drew parallels between Shadow of the Erdtree and Bloodborne's The Old Hunters DLC, in terms of the content that the expansion will bring to Elden Ring. The Old Hunters added several new areas and bosses to Bloodborne, of which many are considered some of the hardest bosses FromSoftware has ever produced.
In part, it seems that Kitao attributes the long wait to FromSoftware’s commitment to creating “something interesting and valuable”. If Shadow of the Erdtree is comparable in size to Bloodborne's DLC, players have plenty to be excited about. However, with FromSoftware playing down the likelihood of an imminent release, fans may have to exercise patience in the meantime.
Despite the lack of a definitive release date, there is still hope amongst Elden Ring fans for a potential reveal or teaser at the upcoming Game Awards. It’s now been almost two years since the initial announcement of Shadow of the Erdtree, and further news on the DLC’s development will likely not be far down the line.