Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Reveals New Gameplay Features

FromSoftware has unveiled extensive gameplay footage of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, revealing revolutionary mechanics that expand upon the base game's formula. The DLC introduces mounted combat enhancements, spectral abilities, and entirely new weapon categories that promise to redefine how players approach the Lands Between.

Spectral Combat System

The most significant addition is the Spectral Combat System, allowing players to temporarily phase between the physical and shadow realms. This mechanic opens up new tactical possibilities, enabling players to dodge through attacks, traverse previously inaccessible areas, and discover hidden secrets scattered throughout the Shadow Lands.

Spectral abilities consume a new resource called Shadow Essence, which can be gathered from defeated spectral enemies or found in shadowy pools throughout the world. Managing this resource becomes crucial for survival in the more challenging areas of the DLC.

Enhanced Torrent Mechanics

Torrent receives significant upgrades in Shadow of the Erdtree, including the ability to perform aerial attacks, wall-running sequences, and spectral dashes that allow passage through certain barriers. These enhancements are essential for navigating the vertical landscapes of the Shadow Realm.

New Weapon Categories

Eight new weapon categories have been introduced, with Spectral Blades being the most innovative. These weapons can shift between physical and spectral forms, each offering different movesets and damage types. Spectral form weapons can damage ethereal enemies that are immune to physical attacks.

Other new categories include Shadow Catalysts for dark sorceries, Wraith Bows that fire spectral arrows, and Umbral Shields that can absorb and redirect shadow-based attacks back at enemies.

Boss Design Philosophy

Director Hidetaka Miyazaki revealed that boss encounters in the DLC feature dual-realm mechanics, where players must utilize both physical and spectral abilities to overcome challenges. Some bosses exist simultaneously in both realms, requiring players to coordinate attacks across dimensions.

The development team has focused on creating encounters that feel fresh while maintaining the challenging, fair design philosophy that defines the Souls series. Each major boss introduces new mechanics that players must master to progress.

Release and Availability

Shadow of the Erdtree will launch on February 25, 2025, for all platforms. The DLC requires players to have defeated Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood in the base game to access the new content. Pre-orders are now available with exclusive cosmetic rewards.