# TLDR Review: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

*Published: 2026-06-13 | Updated: 2026-06-13 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/elden-ring:-shadow-of-the-erdtree*

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## Product: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
**Brand:** Bandai Namco

## Pros
- Promises approximately 50 hours of extensive gameplay, offering great value for dedicated players.
- Features intense, challenging bosses that elevate the difficulty compared to the original game.
- Adds a variety of new items, significantly expanding gameplay options and strategies.
- Stunning visuals and breathtaking exploration scenery enhance immersion.
- Deep, emotional storylines with NPCs enrich the narrative experience.
- Engaging gameplay provides long-lasting entertainment.
- Suitable difficulty level challenges players without becoming frustrating.
- Offers opportunities to improve skills and reduce mistakes over time.
- Includes in-game messages and tips from other players, adding a fun communal element.
- Recognized as a masterpiece that enriches the original game with new content.

## Cons
- The included DLC code doesn’t work; it just displays a 'try later' message.
- The map is complex and maze-like, which could be confusing or frustrating for some players.
- Randomized items and recipes may require a learning curve and exploration to understand fully.
- Some users find the high difficulty potentially overwhelming rather than rewarding.
- Performance issues or bugs aren’t specifically mentioned but could impact experience given the technical issues noted.
- Limited mention of multiplayer or cooperative features, which could be a downside for players wanting those elements.

## Bottom Line

While *Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree* offers an extensive, visually stunning, and challenging extension to the original game, the technical hiccup with the DLC code is a notable snag. If you’re a dedicated fan ready for more brutal bosses and deep exploration, this might still be worth the investment—just be prepared for possible issues with content access. If the DLC code is a dealbreaker, you might want to wait until it’s resolved or explore alternatives. We consider this game a *must-have* for hardcore dungeon crawlers and fans of tough, rewarding gameplay. Otherwise, check out <component-button-product identifier="12345-67890"> for a version with more reliable DLC access.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Promises approximately 50 hours of extensive gameplay, offering great value for dedicated players. | The included DLC code doesn’t work; it just displays a 'try later' message. |
| Features intense, challenging bosses that elevate the difficulty compared to the original game. | The map is complex and maze-like, which could be confusing or frustrating for some players. |
| Adds a variety of new items, significantly expanding gameplay options and strategies. | Randomized items and recipes may require a learning curve and exploration to understand fully. |
| Stunning visuals and breathtaking exploration scenery enhance immersion. | Some users find the high difficulty potentially overwhelming rather than rewarding. |
| Deep, emotional storylines with NPCs enrich the narrative experience. | Performance issues or bugs aren’t specifically mentioned but could impact experience given the technical issues noted. |
| Engaging gameplay provides long-lasting entertainment. | Limited mention of multiplayer or cooperative features, which could be a downside for players wanting those elements. |
| Suitable difficulty level challenges players without becoming frustrating. |  |
| Offers opportunities to improve skills and reduce mistakes over time. |  |
| Includes in-game messages and tips from other players, adding a fun communal element. |  |
| Recognized as a masterpiece that enriches the original game with new content. |  |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| Best Buy | $79.99  | In Stock |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*