FromSoftware has done it again. Shadow of the Erdtree isn’t just the best DLC of 2024 – it might be one of the greatest expansions ever made. If you thought the Lands Between had secrets, the Land of Shadow makes that look like a tutorial zone.

Score: 9.5 / 10

The Good

The sheer scale of Shadow of the Erdtree is staggering. FromSoftware packed in over 40 hours of new content including massive new areas, brutal boss fights, and dozens of new weapons and spells. The new Scadutree progression system adds a fresh layer of character growth that makes exploration feel even more rewarding than the base game.

Level design remains FromSoftware’s crown jewel. Every corner of the Land of Shadow is meticulously crafted, with shortcuts, hidden paths, and environmental storytelling that rivals anything in the Soulsborne catalog. The new legacy dungeons are some of the most ambitious the studio has ever designed.

The Bad

Performance on last-gen consoles still leaves something to be desired, with occasional frame drops during large-scale encounters. Some players may also find the difficulty spike at certain bosses frustrating, even by FromSoftware standards. The final boss in particular has sparked heated debate in the community.

The SCTNG Verdict

Shadow of the Erdtree is essential gaming. Whether you’re a veteran Tarnished or someone who bounced off the base game, this expansion is worth the price of admission and then some. FromSoftware continues to set the gold standard for action RPGs, and this DLC is proof that they’re not slowing down anytime soon. Buy it. Play it. Prepare to die (a lot).