Elden Ring was a roaring success back when it released in 2022, and has just achieved 25 million players. The first, and only, expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, launches on the 21st June 2024 and you may be wondering what’s the best version for you? You’ll even find a physical collector’s edition, something that doesn’t happen too often for a DLC, but is it worth it? Keep reading to learn more!

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The Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Collector’s Edition is a pricey, but amazing looking version of the game!

Physical Editions and Pre-Orders¶

Let’s get the physical editions out of the way first, and there are two available to you if you want this to sit on your shelf. Unfortunately, there’s not a standard physical version of the DLC, so you’re going to need to splash out the cash or rebuy the game.

Shadow of the Erdtree Collector’s Edition¶

Sitting at a whopping $249.99, the physical Collector’s Edition contains the following:

• Shadow of the Erdtree DLC voucher
• 46 cm statue of Messmer the Impaler
• 40 page Hardcover Artbook
• Shadow of the Erdtree Digital Soundtrack

This is the choice for those of you who are looking to add to your growing collection of statues, as you’ll get your hands on a 46 cm Messmer the Impaler statue, which frankly, looks cool as hell, but if you’re not into statues, may be worth passing on this edition as it’s the main draw. You’ll also get a 40 page Hardcover Artbook full of stunning art from Shadow of the Erdtree and a voucher for a digital soundtrack along with the DLC itself. Do keep in mind that this edition does not include the base game of Elden Ring!

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Edition¶

This is the only other physical version available, setting you back $79.99 and contains the following:

• Elden Ring on disc
• Shadow of the Erdtree DLC voucher
• Bonus Gesture if you pre-order

This version of the game is only really useful for those who don’t already own Elden Ring and want a complete edition of the game. You’ll still need to download the DLC, as only the base game is on the disc and the game features the same cover art as the original, with a Shadow of the Erdtree banner at the top.

Digital Editions and Pre-Orders¶

When it comes to digital, there are few more options available to you and is perhaps the best route to go for those who already own the base game and have no desire for a statue.

Shadow of the Erdtree Expansion Only¶

As you may expect, this is exactly as it says and contains only the DLC expansion, costing $39.99. This is the cheapest way to get your hands on the expansion, even if it’s more expensive than most DLC out there. It is, however, worth the price considering how massive the expansion is.

Shadow of the Erdtree Premium Bundle¶

Similar to the expansion only edition above, put down $49.99 and you’ll get your hands on a slightly beefier version of the expansion that contains the following:

• Shadow of the Erdtree DLC voucher
• Digital Soundtrack
• Digital Artbook

If you want to listen to the music while flicking through the digital artbook, this is the edition for you and at only an extra $10, isn’t too bad in terms of value.

There you have it, you now have all of the knowledge you need to make a decision on how to purchase the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. We believe that standard Digital version is the way to go if you have the base game, but that Messmer the Impaler statue is mighty tempting!