Elden Ring fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of the game's first downloadable content (DLC) titled Shadow of the Erdtree. Set to launch on June 20, 2024, Shadow of the Erdtree promises to expand on the game's lore and storyline. However, many players are already wondering what comes next after this initial DLC drops. Will FromSoftware support Elden Ring with additional content down the road?
No Immediate Plans but the Possibility Remains
In an interview with IGN, Elden Ring director Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed the possibility of more DLC after Shadow of the Erdtree. Miyazaki stated that FromSoftware currently has "no plans to make a second DLC or a sequel." However, he was quick to note that the studio "definitely doesn't want to snuff out that possibility" either.
Miyazaki drew parallels to Dark Souls 3's DLC strategy as an example. While the first DLC Ashes of Ariandel contained no hints of additional content, The Ringed City was released about half a year later to expand the story further. So even if Shadow of the Erdtree is meant to be a standalone expansion, the door may remain open for FromSoftware to revisit Elden Ring down the line.
Potential Topics for a Second DLC
Given the vast scope and lore of Elden Ring's Lands Between, there are certainly more narrative threads left to explore in a potential second DLC. Two areas that could be covered are the harsh Badlands region and the mysterious Land of Reeds homeland of the Samurai class.
Demigod characters like Godfrey who were exiled to the Badlands also present opportunities to flesh out incomplete backstories. And delving deeper into the origins and abilities of the game's powerful rune-bearing demigods could spice up gameplay with new challenges.
| Elden Ring items | Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Dragonstone | Placidusax's arena | Important Elden Ring items for Darien's quest |
| Mask of Confusion | Nokron, Eternal City | Important Elden Ring items for Darien's quest |
| Rune of Death | Black Knife assassins | Important Elden Ring items for Darien's quest |
Story Threads Left by Shadow of the Erdtree
Exactly what narrative breadcrumbs, if any, will be left by Shadow of the Erdtree also remains to be seen. Based on datamined info, the first DLC will focus on Marika's origins in the Land of Shadow. But her full history and rise to becoming Elden Lord is still vague.
Plenty of questions also linger around other major characters like Malenia, Miquella, Millicent and Gideon Ofnir. Further development of these figures could serve as the basis for additional DLC storylines. Much will depend on how Shadow of the Erdtree leaves things to be expanded upon.
Player Demand for More Elden Ring
Given Elden Ring's commercial and critical success, there is undoubtedly strong demand among fans for FromSoftware to support the game further with extra content. Even with the eventual release of Shadow of the Erdtree, discussions around a potential second DLC seem inevitable. While nothing is confirmed, Miyazaki's open-ended comments suggest the option may stay on the table depending on FROM's plans and player interest.
