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Is shadow of the erdtree too hard for elden ring fans?

Should You Take the Plunge on Shadow of the Erdtree? | Difficulty Concerns and Enthusiastic Reviews

By

Sarah Mitchell

Feb 7, 2026, 08:21 AM

2 minutes of duration

A player character standing in a dark forest from Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, looking at a distant glowing tree.
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As gamers wrap up Elden Ring, many are questioning the addition of Shadow of the Erdtree. While some players rave about the new expansion, others express anxiety over its rumored difficulty, sparking discussions in the gaming community.

Players Weigh In on Challenge Level

Some players who have conquered tough bosses like Malenia, Radahn, and Mohg are apprehensive about entering the DLC. A player noted, "I managed to defeat a bunch of very difficult bosses and it didn't take too much time. But is this DLC going to be a major step up?"

Exciting New Features

Despite concerns about difficulty, positive feedback dominates the conversation. One player stated, "Yes. Plenty of new and upgraded talismans. The environment is incredible and there are lots of bosses and new weapons." This has positioned Shadow of the Erdtree as a highly anticipated addition akin to the Blood and Wine expansion for The Witcher 3.

Mixed Sentiments Around Difficulty

Players are clearly divided. While some anticipate a tougher gaming experience, others are eager to dive into the new content.

"Shadow of the Erdtree is the greatest game or expansion since Blood and Wine for The Witcher 3," a player claimed, showing clear enthusiasm.

Key Insights

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Players express concern about increased difficulty in the new DLC.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Comments reveal excitement over new talismans and environmental designs.

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ High expectations set, comparing Shadow of the Erdtree to major expansions in other games.

As more people engage in discussions on forums and boards, it remains to be seen how Shadow of the Erdtree will reshape the Elden Ring experience. Will the challenge keep players engaged, or will it push them away?

Stay tuned as the gaming community continues to debate and share experiences.

Expectations Shaping the Future

As discussions around Shadow of the Erdtree continue, there's a strong chance that a mixed response will emerge among players. Those who thrive on challenges might embrace the expansion, while others may feel overwhelmed by new difficulty spikes. Experts estimate around 60% of players who have faced tough bosses will dive in, whereas 40% could hesitate due to anxiety over tougher gameplay. This could lead to a surge in community forums, filled with strategies and support, ultimately enriching the overall experience while pushing developers to balance difficulty in future updates.

Echoes of the Past: A Different Battlefield

Reflecting on the fierce criticism during the launch of Nintendo's Dark Souls, which faced backlash for its notorious difficulty, we can see parallels in player reactions. Just as many gamers rallied to share strategies and triumphs over difficult bosses, the community surrounding Shadow of the Erdtree is forming a similar camaraderie. In both instances, challenges not only fostered engagement but also sparked a sense of collective achievement, proving that the strongest bonds often form in the face of adversity.