11 Amazing Action-Adventure Games You Need to Play

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Remember when director Hidetaka Miyazaki touted Shadow of the Erdtree’s new map to be larger than Limgrave? Naturally, there was a caveat, but diving into the Realm of Shadow, and the expansion as a whole felt more like a brand-new game. The new boss fights, from the Dancing Lion and Relanna to the threats of Jagged Peak, pushed players to never-before-seen limits.

The 100 new weapons offered more combat options than ever, while new Incantations, Sorceries and Spirit Summons ensured even deeper build-crafting. More than anything, however, is the sheer depth of exploration. Whether you were investigating a mysterious coffin leading to the Abyssal Woods or trying to get to the very south of the map, platforming across rivers and delving deeper into catacombs, the Realm of Shadow recaptured the magic and joy of exploration.