Best New Areas In Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree

Highlights

Shadow of the Erdtree offers expansive and challenging new regions with more verticality and diverse landscapes than ever before.
Certain areas like Abyssal Woods and Cerulean Coast have unique atmospheres and optional dungeons that enhance the exploration experience.
Standout areas like Ancient Ruins of Rauh and Shadow Keep provide memorable boss fights, rewards, and intricate level design for players to enjoy.

As a seasoned Elden Ring player with countless hours under my belt, I’ve explored countless lands and delved into the depths of numerous dungeons. But none have left me as captivated and enthralled as the areas you’ve described: the breathtaking expanse of the shattered realm, the imposing Shadow Keep, and the intricately connected Belurat Tower Settlement and Enir-Ilim.

Contrary to Hidetaka Miyazaki’s initial suggestions linking the Land of Shadow to Limgrave, the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion proved to be a massive overhaul, filled with numerous vast regions teeming with mysteries and difficult to navigate. The revamped Elden Ring map showcases an unprecedented level of verticality compared to its original version, boasting expansive undergrounds, towering peaks, ominous catacombs, and colossal towers reaching towards the sky. Traversing these new territories is a delight for every soulslike enthusiast, though some areas within Shadow of the Erdtree stand out more prominently than others.

The new Legacy Dungeons and open expanses in “Shadow of the Erdtree” provide unprecedented experiences unlike anything seen in “Elden Ring” before. The game’s map is segmented into 16 distinct locations, most of which are unrelated to the main storyline. It’s important to mention that some areas within “Shadow of the Erdtree,” such as the massive and awe-inspiring Finger Ruins, occupy a significant portion of the map but may not deliver an engaging exploration experience and could even leave players feeling underwhelmed. Here are some of the top areas in the expansion that offer both visual appeal and intriguing exploration opportunities.

5 Abyssal Woods & Midra’s Manse

A Unique Elden Ring Area That Doesn’t Quite Deliver

Best New Areas In Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree

The Abyssal Woods in “Shadow of the Erdtree” can be a contentious pick for one of the game’s top areas. While some players may find it underwhelming or unappealing due to its size, lack of rewards, and perceived emptiness, others argue that this location is worth exploring for its unique features.

The Abyssal Woods are made even more captivating by the presence of Midra’s Manse, a hidden Legacy Dungeon. This location is impressive on its own, boasting an eerie and deserted “haunted mansion” atmosphere filled with enigmas and optical illusions. Moreover, the optional boss battle against Midra, the Flame-Frenzied Lord, is an unforgettable experience and a notable highlight of the expansion. Its intense and beautiful soundtrack complements the challenging encounter, showcasing FromSoftware’s exceptional boss design. It’s strongly advised that players do not ignore this area.

4 Cerulean Coast & Stone Coffin Fissure

A Stunningly Colorful Vista That Doesn’t Offer Too Much To Do

1. The initial sight of the Cerulean Coast in Shadow of the Erdtree is hard to erase from memory: a vast expanse of land adorned with dazzling blue blossoms stretching as far as the eye reaches, intermingled with ancient gravemarkers and colossal coffins scattered haphazardly yet harmoniously. The atmosphere is serene, but tranquility doesn’t last long before the Ghostflame Dragon emerges, summoning an undead horde to escalate the battle into a more formidable challenge than players may anticipate.

In the near future, players may find that Cerulean Coast provides limited activities beyond collecting Glovewort from tricky coffins and encountering unusual enemies such as Trolls. Nevertheless, this region gains significance due to its unique dungeon, the Stone Coffin Fissure, where players can meet St. Trina and battle an iconic boss, the Putrescent Knight. This dungeon offers a thrilling exploration experience and boasts stunning visuals, rewarding adventurers with powerful loot, Thiollier’s questline, and earning its status as one of the stronger areas in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.

3 Ancient Ruins Of Rauh

A Fresh Type Of Open Area In Elden Ring

Now, we’ve arrived at the exceptional zones within “Shadow of the Erdtree,” requiring no modifications – they’re simply fantastic with no conditions attached. The Ancient Ruins of Rauh is one such zone, positioned midway between the traditional Elden Ring open areas and complex dungeon designs. Players can navigate its shattered splendor on Torrent while exploring the maze-like network of underground tunnels and passages, sometimes enveloped in a crimson decay known as scarlet rot.

As a devoted fan of FromSoftware’s creations, I can’t help but be captivated by this region’s meticulously crafted design. Every corner brims with elements that have made my heart race with excitement: challenging boss encounters that test both my skills and wits, ample rewards scattered throughout to keep me motivated, diverse foes that keep combat engaging (although none are exclusive to this area), breathtaking vistas filled with awe-inspiring cliffs and cascading waterfalls, hidden nooks demanding precise platforming, and enigmatic puzzles that challenge my problem-solving abilities. And let’s not forget the unexpected Golem arrows that can catch me off guard when I least expect it.

2 Shadow Keep

Dark, Grim, Intricate, And Immensely Satisfying To Explore

Without a doubt, one of the most impressive locations in Shadow of the Erdtree is the colossal Shadow Keep, home to the menacing Messmer the Impaler. This massive gothic castle exudes an atmosphere perfect for dark fantasy and acts as a crucial intersection for multiple NPC questlines and routes to various parts of the Land of Shadows’ map. Known as a Legacy Dungeon, it’s so vast that it is divided into three largely self-contained areas (the Main Plaza, the Church District, and the Specimen Storehouse), allowing players to explore each section at their leisure and come back whenever they choose.

Navigating Shadow Keep can be challenging because it’s multi-leveled, intricately designed, and filled with concealed passages and fake walls. However, it never becomes monotonous as the Fire Knights, who are formidable and aggressive adversaries, are consistently present. These enemies require constant vigilance from players. The incredible boss battles against the Golden Hippopotamus and Messmer serve as exciting highlights to the thrilling adventure that Elden Ring players will encounter while exploring Shadow Keep.

1 Belurat Tower Settlement & Enir-Ilim

Easily Among The Best Legacy Dungeons In Elden Ring

In Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, some gamers may contend that Belurat Tower Settlement and Enir-Ilim are distinct locales. However, considering their intricate connection, with numerous passages joining them and similar narrative themes, these regions can be considered as one expansive Legacy Dungeon, much like Leyndell, the Royal Capital, split into two parts for narrative purposes. This design is a testament to FromSoftware’s masterful storytelling and world-building, filled with concealed pathways, hidden drops, and enticing rewards such as the Euporia twinblade.

In the expansion of “Shadow of the Erdtree,” two unforgettable boss encounters await players. The first impressive Divine Beast battle against the Dancing Lion can be found in Belurat. At the pinnacle of Enir-Ilim lies the powerful final boss. As the initial and concluding points of interest for most “Shadow of the Erdtree” adventurers, Belurat and Enir-Ilim outshine many base game locales with their stunning beauty.

2024-07-30 18:33