The highly anticipated Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring has been captivating players since its release in June 2024, and one question keeps coming up among both newcomers and veterans alike: just how long is Elden Ring DLC compared to the main game? After extensive playtesting and community feedback, we now have a comprehensive understanding of the time investment required to explore FromSoftware's latest masterpiece.
The Surprising Scale of Shadow of the Erdtree
Despite creative director Hidetaka Miyazaki's modest claim that the DLC would be "comparable, if not larger, than the area of Limgrave from the base game," players have discovered that Shadow of the Erdtree is substantially more expansive than initially suggested. According to recent data, completing just the main storyline of the DLC takes approximately 25½ hours – a remarkable length for an expansion.
Many players have reported spending 30-40 hours in the Realm of Shadow without feeling close to completion. One player shared: "I was about 60 hours in the DLC, mainly because I kept suspecting I'd missed something." This contrasts with the 110-120 hours typically needed for a thorough first playthrough of the base game.
Completion Times Breakdown
Based on collected player data, here's how long you can expect to spend in Shadow of the Erdtree:
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Main Story: 25½ hours (median: 25 hours)
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Main + Side Content: 39 hours (median: 37 hours)
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Completionist Run: 51 hours (median: 50 hours)
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Average Across All Playstyles: 40 hours
Area Richness and Vertical Design
What's particularly noteworthy about the Elden Ring DLC is not just its horizontal expanse but its vertical design philosophy. The Realm of Shadow features more vertical exploration than the base game, with spiraling castle structures, deep underground tunnels, and even a massive volcano to traverse.
The expansion begins in Gravesite Plain, which, while sizeable, is merely an appetizer for what's to come. Once players reach Belurat Castle, the first legacy dungeon, the true scope of the DLC begins to unfold. From the Cerulean Coast with its stunning blue scenery to the fiery eastern regions and ancient forests of the north, each area offers distinct visual themes and challenges.
Challenging New Content
Shadow of the Erdtree doesn't just offer more of the same – it introduces ten major boss encounters alongside dozens of mini-bosses. The Divine Beast Dancing Lion in Belurat Castle serves as an introduction to the expansion's difficulty curve, which ramps up significantly as players venture deeper into the Realm of Shadow.
The DLC also introduces over 100 new weapons specifically tailored for this new world. Many players report that their trusted armaments from the base game – like the Dark Moon Greatsword or Sword of Night and Flame – quickly become outclassed by new finds like the Star-Lined Sword and Dragon-Hunter's Katana.
Platform Differences
Interestingly, completion times vary slightly across platforms:
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PC players average 25½ hours for the main story and 52 hours for completionist runs
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PlayStation 5 owners take slightly longer at 29 hours for the main story
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Xbox Series X/S players complete the main content fastest at about 24 hours
Is It Worth Your Time?
For anyone wondering how long Elden Ring DLC takes to beat and whether it's worth the investment, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. With a 89% player rating and only 1.3% abandonment rate, Shadow of the Erdtree has delivered on its promises and then some.
As one player eloquently put it: "Considering how rich and varied The Realm of Shadow is, it often feels like I'm playing Elden Ring 2, rather than an expansion of the base game."
The expansion's substantial length, combined with FromSoftware's signature attention to detail and environmental storytelling, makes Shadow of the Erdtree one of the most value-packed DLCs in recent gaming history. Whether you're a seasoned Tarnished or just beginning your journey, the Realm of Shadow offers dozens of hours of challenging, rewarding gameplay that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the main adventure.
So prepare your builds, sharpen your weapons, and clear your calendar – the journey through Shadow of the Erdtree is longer and more rewarding than anyone anticipated.