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Wondering if Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree is a sequel? We’ve got you covered. The new DLC has the game community buzzing, and the ever-important question has popped up: Where is this in the timeline? In any franchise, a timeline of sorts gets established and fans try constantly to accurately place each entry in order. Here’s what we know about the Elden Ring DLC’s timeline.
Is Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree a sequel?
From our best guess, Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree is not a sequel. Precious few details surrounding the DLC on all platforms have been revealed, and not much of the gameplay has been shown. As such, it’s tough to get a feel for where it takes place, but it doesn’t appear to be coming in direct succession to the original game, which won Game of the Year in 2022.
The shape the tree itself is in has given a hint that the DLC could be a sequel and that it comes after the Tarnished, but the fact that Elden Ring has so many endings that it’s hard to trust Elden Ring fans with this theory and hard to place something after a timeline that has so many possible branches.
Zach’s Tips
It’s hard to predict just where the DLC will land, but it’s also possible that Shadow of the Erdtree exists outside or adjacent to the events of Elden Ring!
FromSoftware has kept the details close to the chest for the most part, only revealing a little bit in a couple of trailers thus far. They do not indicate that it’s a sequel, but there are some details that suggest the DLC content could be something else.
Is Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree a prequel?
Based on a few key observations, it looks far more likely that Shadow of the Erdtree is a prequel of sorts. The art revealed for the upcoming expansion showed off a few things that suggest it comes before the events of the original game.
Miquella appears to be seen in the art riding Torrent, and looks much younger. Miquella is shown similarly in the Elden Ring cinematic, and the in-game version of the character is in much worse shape. So much so that it’s hard to envision him recovering for Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, indicating that this is a prequel and not a sequel.
FromSoftware is no stranger to massive DLC (like The Old Hunters for Bloodborne, which this is akin to) and setting the downloadable content in the past. They did that with Artorias of the Abyss for Dark Souls as well.
The first trailer was only shown off in February, so there’s still plenty of time before the DLC goes live for more details to show exactly when and where this expansion takes place in the Elden Ring timeline. The announcement of the release date sets exactly when that will be, so at worst, we will know where this transpires eventually.
That’s all you need to know for Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC timeline, but be sure to check out the cost, the announcement, and the launch window!
Also check out the official release date revealed today and what pre-order bonuses you can get!
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Timeline FAQs
When does Shadow of the Erdtree take place?
The Elden Ring DLC seems to take place before the game.
Will there be another Elden Ring DLC?
We do not know if Shadow of the Erdtree will be the last DLC for Elden Ring.
