How long is the Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC?

Elden Ring was an incredibly expansive game, with some playthroughs lasting over 80 hours. As such, how long can players expect the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC to be?

The highly anticipated Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring has been released and initial reviews have confirmed that it is an essential expansion to play. Similar to the base game, the DLC offers a vast array of content to explore, including eight new weapon types and a fresh collection of Crystal Tears.

By optimizing your build, you can follow in the footsteps of Miquella without facing the challenges posed by the difficult new enemies and bosses. However, the abundance of new content raises a specific question.

After conducting our own review, we have determined the duration of Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Ertree DLC. Additionally, we have provided estimates for a more comprehensive playthrough. So, how long exactly is the DLC? Read on to find out.

Shadow of the Erdtree screenshot — FromSoftware

Everything in Shadow of the Erdtree seems pretty big. Turns out, that’s a theme.

In a recent IGN interview, Hidetaka Miyazaki revealed that the upcoming DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, will take place in an area that is comparable, if not larger, than the base game’s Limgrave area. This statement contradicts his previous claim and shows that he has greatly underestimated the scope of the DLC.

The Land of Shadow is distinct from the wider Lands Between and has its own unique map. The area where the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC takes place is not only larger than Limgrave, but also much more densely populated.

It feels as though multiple versions of Limgrave have been layered on top of each other, resulting in a significant amount of gameplay time. This holds true even if one simply rushes through the main story without taking note of all the additional elements available.

Elden Ring Limgrave map — FromSoftware/Bandai Namco

Limgrave constitutes a pretty sizable chunk of the Lands Between.

Duration of Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree’s Main Story

If you possess both efficiency and skill as a player, completing Shadow of the Erdtree’s main story should take approximately 15-20 hours. However, this timeframe may vary based on factors such as your character’s build, difficulty with certain bosses, and any small side trips you make along the way.

Hunting down the Scadutree Fragments from Miquella’s Crosses to enhance your own abilities can be a lengthy endeavor. This is just one example of the various distractions that can divert even the most dedicated players.

How long is a completionist playthrough of Shadow of the Erdtree?

In Shadow of the Erdtree, fully immersing yourself in the game by seeking out and interacting with every new NPC, completing their quests, and defeating optional bosses can extend your playthrough to anywhere between 40 to 60 hours. Additionally, if you make it a goal to obtain every piece of armor and item, your playthrough may reach the base game’s length of 80 hours.

Shadow of the Erdtree offers an immense amount of content, providing the same sense of awe and exploration that Elden Ring did upon its initial release in 2022. Despite our team of dedicated reviewers playing for weeks without pause, there is still much left to uncover and discover in the game.

A few dozen deaths to Messmer the Impaler will likely pad out your time.

We hope this provides you with a general understanding of what to anticipate during your expedition in the Land of Shadows. While it may not provide a precise answer to the length of Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, our approximations align with those of others who have embarked on the same journey.

If you’re hoping to decrease your gameplay time in Shadow of the Erdtree for any reason, we may be able to assist in overcoming initial obstacles.