Released on June 20 of this year, Elden Ring‘s DLC Shadow of the Erdtree is nothing short of astounding, a powerful reminder of just how special FromSoftware is as a developer.

Over the past year or so, I’ve played some incredible games, a number of Game of the Year contenders. As a lifelong Zelda fan, I had a transcendent experience playing Tears of the Kingdom, a technical marvel rivaled only by the joy of playing the game. Since Elden Ring‘s original release, we’ve seen incredible accomplishments in gaming with the likes of Alan Wake 2, Baldur’s Gate 3, Spider-Man 2, Helldivers II, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. But a mere DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, was a reminder that FromSoft is playing on a different level than other developers.

Elden Ring‘s DLC is HUGE. With 70 new Weapons, 10 additional Shields, 39 Talismans, 14 more Sorceries, 28 Incantations, 20 Spirit Ashes, 25 Ashes of War, 30 Armor Sets and a plethora of Consumables and Craftable items, Shadow of the Ertree practically feels like a new game, a sequel with an enormous overworld to explore.

How did FromSoft manage to give us so much in just two years? Of course, the truth is they were probably holding back and preparing for the DLC release even before the game’s initial publication, but it still feels like a rare experience in a world of disappointing releases, micro-transaction, and general lack of continuing support for games.

But setting all of that aside for a moment, I want to bask in the awe-inspiring experience of playing the game itself. I had set Elden Ring aside for the past year or so and was “out of shape” for the Soulslike experience. Yet within minutes of picking the game back up to play the DLC, I was transported to the Land of Shadow, completely immersed in the exploration, combat, and thrills of the mythological world. I found myself diving back into the lore, watching YouTube videos about the history of The Lands Between and The Land of Shadow, wanting to learn everything I could about these places that feel so real, like worlds that exist somewhere beyond my reach.

And that’s the FromSoft magic; giving all of us a place to escape to when life is challenging, exhausting, or soul-killing; here in The Lands Between we can overcome impossible challenges and feel the thrill of hard-earned success; here in the Land of Shadow we can become anyone we aspire to, we can challenge the Greater Will or even ascend to the throne. So I’m going to soak up every moment of this experience and recognize just how rare DLCs like Shadow of the Erdtree are. For me, it’s my Game of the Year. What say you?

Tell us what you think! Have you played Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree? Share your reactions in the comments below or join the conversation on Boss Rush Network’s Discord, Facebook, and Twitter.

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