Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is more of the same. Admittedly, this is an uninspiring way to discuss one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2024, but that doesn't make it any less apt. The important thing to remember is the "same" we're getting more of is what established Elden Ring as a genre- and generation-defining masterpiece.

Believe it or not, I haven't stopped playing Elden Ring since it was first released in February 2022. Even with every cave explored, dungeon conquered, and demi-god felled, the quest to become Elden Lord presents new ways to keep me engaged. There's always a fresh combination of weapons, items, talismans, and magic to experiment with, and each build can change how the game is played in significant ways.

But I'd be lying if I didn't admit that every new playthrough further diminishes something that is vital to the magic of Elden Ring, and From Software's games overall: a sense of discovery. At a certain point, the road to becoming Elden Lord becomes well-trodden and familiar, even when the means used to walk it isn't.