This June 21, Fire Ring is enriched with its first extension. Shadow of the Erdtree brings additional content to the best game 2022. But also even more darkness and difficulty.
A plebiscite for an essential game. This was the observation made at the exit ofFire Ring early 2022 in view of the rave notes and comments on the game. This is the same observation made for the arrival of its extension Shadow of the Erdtreeavailable this June 21 on consoles and PC.
Reading the first tests in France and elsewhere, it simply looks like a masterpiece. However, this is additional content offered to the most informed and diligent players. But in the opinion of all critics, it is a real game in its own right which is offered to fans of the crowned title Game of the Year 2022 and sold more than 25 million copies.
The need to return through Elden Ring
Abandoned the Entre-TerreFire Ring. Shadow of the Erdtree takes the player to the heart of the forgotten lands of the Shadow Kingdom, in the footsteps of Miquella, a missing and fallen god, brother of Malenia whom he tries to heal using the sap of the World Tree. A sort of parallel dimension even darker, dreary and devastated than the world created by George RR Martin. But a universe that will not disorient those familiar with the initial monument. There we find the same castles which raise their black silhouette in the background, the ghostly and disturbing churches, the ruins as a chilling playground.
The game remains as arduous, relentless and challenging as ever. Perhaps more than ever. It is not without reason that Shadow of the Erdtree is not offered to the first comer. To access the content, you must have beaten two Elden Ring bosses. Only problem: they weren’t in the main story, but optional. This may mean that you may not be able to enjoy the new game without going through the main game’s story again and having to beat Radahn and Mohg (see below).
Once the ticket has been validated, Shadow of the Erdtree unlocks and launches the player in pursuit of Miquella in the company of a strange community grappling with permanent danger and a certain form of tension omnipresent in every square centimeter of these desolate lands overlooked by the famous World Tree of the title (Erdtree ).
The trailers suggested, the epic breath of the initial game continues, even if the surprise – and the slap – will no longer be as strong as the first ride. The first reviews to return to battle speak of a “captivating epilogue”, an “exceptional adventure” for a game that is “massive, menacing and magnificent”. But they are unanimous: the game is still not simple.
A game within a game
From Software thus remains faithful to its reputation and does not make things easier for its players with this additional content. It is to be reserved for the most seasoned players who will have already traveled the Inter-Earth, overcome its combats, mastered the invocations.
“It’s not just a few added things. It’s a game in its own right, a new adventure with a new intention, an even more advanced artistic direction, very disastrous”, explains Carole Quintaine, content creator, guest of the Multiplayer show. “
The game is completed in 20 to 30 hours, but she emphasizes that it is possible to push up to 100 hours of additional content by exploring the kingdom of Shadows even more with its side missions, its new enemies, its new bosses and news cards not necessarily readable.
A game that garners the best ratings of 2024 on Metacritic with an average of nearly 95. Enough to do as well as its elder and better than Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
How to access additional content?
Unlike many extensions, Shadow of the Erdtree cannot be activated simply. You must have eliminated Radahn and Mohg in Fire Ring for that.
To eliminate General Radahn, you will first need to cross the Red Lion Castle in Caelid during the Radahn Festival. To do this, you must activate the festival by successfully completing a series of quests from Alexander, Ranni and Blaidd, or by reaching the Altus plateau. Once the Festival has started, you can go and confront the general on horseback who is vulnerable to the incantations of Putrid Dragon Breaths and Scarlet Rot.
To get rid of Mohg, the Lord of Blood, you must access Mohgwyn Palace. This will be possible from the teleportation portal located in the Snow Fields, or by following Varré’s quests at the Rose Church. It is also possible to complete the quest for the Secret Medallion of the Sacred Tree to find yourself facing Mohg.
Once Mohg is defeated, an arm comes out of the cocoon to take you to the Shadow Realm.
ELDEN RING – SHADOW OF THE ERDTREE : extension disponible sur PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series et PC le 21 juin (jeu initial indispensable).
