How Big is Shadow of the Erdtree compared to base Elden Ring?

We all know that Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree expansion pack is absolutely massive, but what does this mean, exactly? We've known how big the game's map is for some time now, for example, but that doesn't help us build context as to how quickly we may or may not push through its content.

So, we thought now was the right time to consult the community: how long has it taken for the absolute tip-of-the-spear players to barge through the DLC and its many, many hurdles? More concretely, how does Shadow of the Erdtree's value proposition compare to that of the basic Elden Ring experience? Well, here's what we know.

Get a copy of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC right here at 2Game!

Comparing Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree's sizes

For context, the information we have for you today comes from Elden Ring player DaemonXHUN who's been talking about their experience with the DLC on Reddit. Believe it or not, they managed to 100% complete Shadow of the Erdtree DLC already. We are, obviously, not even remotely close to doing the same, and so we concede our take to that of an obvious expert. Here's the summary of information DaemonXHUN has shared with us!

• The base Elden Ring took about 130 hours for DaemonXHUN to complete 100%.
• Shadow of the Erdtree took about 40 hours for DaemonXHUN to complete 100%.
• DaemonXHUN expects that it'll take about 100 hours for regular players to get through the DLC in full, especially if they engage in PvP and Invasions.

That's... a lot of content to parse through. And, of course, while DaemonXHUN could push onwards until everything was done, this isn't how most people play, and so we think it'll take weeks if not months for most of us regular players.

In other words, Shadow of the Erdtree is about as big as a huge ARPG in its own right. A whole game's worth of content... in an expansion pack. FromSoft's done it again!

Is the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC worth its price?

The big question that remains, then, is whether Shadow of the Erdtree's asking price is worth it compared to Elden Ring proper. For a newcomer, for example, is it worth it to splurge on the DLC, too, or should they stick with the base game for the foreseeable future? Here are the hard facts!

• Elden Ring is priced at $59,99 for 130 hours of content, give or take
• Shadow of the Erdtree is priced at $39,99 for 40 hours of content (for the same type of player), give or take

At the same time, Shadow of the Erdtree is the pinnacle of difficulty and challenge in Elden Ring. If you're a total newcomer, you shouldn't expect to be able to push through the DLC anytime soon. At the same time, once you've already had a sense of what this game has to offer, you will inevitably want to play the expansion pack. So, we highly recommend it regardless!

Get a copy of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC right here at 2Game!