Elden Ring enthusiasts have taken to Reddit to discuss their favorite and least favorite locations within the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Many players have strongly preferred the Shadow Keep, while the Abyssal Woods have been less favored.
Released in 2022, Elden Ring quickly became a sensation, earning the prestigious Game of the Year award. The developer, FromSoftware, launched its latest expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, on June 21.
Hidetaka Miyazaki, FromSoftware’s President and Elden Ring’s director, highlighted that this DLC is the most extensive in the company’s history, offering a vast landscape for exploration. The gaming community has praised the DLC despite complaints about its challenging difficulty.
The positive reception of shadows keep
The Shadow Keep has garnered significant appreciation from the Elden Ring community. Reddit users have praised it as a central and intriguing location in the Shadow of the Erdtree map. One gamer mentioned exploring three routes within the Shadow Keep, each leading to distinct areas. Although the fireball spammers were a nuisance, they did not detract from the overall experience.
Another Redditor ranked the Shadow Keep among the top three legacy dungeons in the DLC. Other players also commended the Church District. Gamers on X described the Shadow Keep as one of the best legacy dungeons, with Messmer the Impaler being a standout boss.
The Shadow Keep also houses some of the strongest weapons in the game. In early July, Reddit users identified thrusting shields, specifically, the Dueling and Carian Thrusting shields found in the Shadow Keep, as the most potent weapons in Shadow of the Eritrea. Beyond the Shadow Keep, Belurat has been lauded for its atmosphere and design. One Redditor praised its colors and music, likening the city to “the funeral of Babylon just before the Day of Judgment.”
Disappointing finger ruins and abyssal woods
However, not all locations have been met with such enthusiasm. The Finger Ruins were frequently mentioned as one of the most disappointing areas in the DLC. One player recounted expecting an epic boss encounter upon seeing a massive dragon corpse, only to find the location empty and underwhelming. Another user echoed this sentiment, noting the lack of significant enemies and the annoyance of teleporting lampreys.
The Abyssal Woods was criticized for being “empty” and “bland.” One Redditor expressed frustration at trailing the area on foot, while another appreciated the concept but felt the execution was lacking. They suggested that halving the size of the Abyssal Woods could have increased the tension and improved the overall experience.
Critical acclaim and reviews
Despite some mixed reviews from players, the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC has been positively received overall. It boasts over 46,000 positive reviews on Steam, earning a ‘Mostly Positive’ rating. Gaming platforms like IGN and Sports Illustrated have rated the DLC 10/10, and it holds a 95 score on Metacritic, making it one of the highest-rated DLCs of all time.
While Shadow of the Erdtree has its standout locations like the Shadow Keep and Belurat, some areas, like the Finger Ruins and Abyssal Woods, have not met player expectations. The Elden Ring community continues to explore and debate the expansive world created by FromSoftware, contributing to the ongoing discussion about this highly acclaimed DLC.