The last thing a game as massive as Elden Ring is in need of is more content, but given how excellent the open world action RPG is, more of the same isn’t something most players would say no to. A large-scale expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, is indeed in development, though interestingly enough, FromSoftware’s initial post-launch plans for the title may have looked quite different.
That’s as per prominent FromSoftware insider Lance McDonald, who recently claimed in a series of Discord messages (shared later on Reddit) that FromSoftware originally intended to release two DLCs for Elden Ring as part of a season pass.
The Colosseums, which were added to the game in free post-launch updates, were seemingly set to be part of the two DLCs, and according to McDonald, feature “tons” of cut content in their final form. Though the insider is sure when DLC plans changed, FromSoftware ultimately decided to pivot to developing a single, larger expansion for the game, similar to what the developer did with 2015’s Bloodborne.
How long it’ll be before Shadow of the Erdtree releases remains to be seen. Reports have claimed that the expansion has been in the works for over year at this point, though FromSoftware is currently also developing Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, which is set to launch this August.
Recently, FromSoftware parent company Kadokawa suggested that Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree wouldn’t be out until the next fiscal year, which begins in April 2024.