- “Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree” is a strong Game of the Year contender for 2024.
- The DLC expands the base game’s lore, especially through the mystery of Miquella.
- The final boss fight redefines the player’s role, suggesting a deeper narrative complexity.
“Shadow of the Erdtree” Among Game of the Year Contenders
As we enter the latter half of 2024, discussions about the Game of the Year are already heating up. It’s no surprise that “Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree” is a leading contender. FromSoftware’s substantial DLC could have easily been the base game back in 2022, given its depth and scope. This expansion significantly enhances the base game, especially in terms of lore and narrative depth.
The Core Narrative: Miquella’s Mystery
The heart of “Shadow of the Erdtree” revolves around the enigmatic figure of Miquella. Players must uncover his whereabouts and the reasons behind his journey to the Shadow Realm to achieve godhood. These revelations provide new insights into the Tarnished, the Empyreans, the Erdtree, and the Greater Will. The DLC not only enriches Elden Ring’s core story but also redefines the player’s role within it.
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The Count Ymir Questline’s Significance
One of the most significant contributions to Elden Ring’s lore in “Shadow of the Erdtree” comes from the Count Ymir questline. To grasp the importance of Ymir’s dialogue and the final boss fight, it’s crucial to understand the roles of The Greater Will and the Fingers in The Lands Between. The Greater Will, an Outer God, once exerted influence over The Lands Between, eventually creating The Two Fingers, its “children” or physical manifestations.
Metyr, Mother of Fingers: New Lore Revelations
Completing Ymir’s quest chain unveils crucial information about The Greater Will and The Two Fingers, thanks to the introduction of Metyr, Mother of Fingers. Metyr, the first child of The Greater Will to appear in The Lands Between, was driven mad by the loss of contact with her parent. She entices Miquella to the Shadow Realm, aiming to restore communication with The Greater Will, thus driving much of the DLC’s narrative.
The Final Confrontation: Rethinking The Tarnished’s Role
The climax of “Shadow of the Erdtree” redefines the Elden Ring lore and The Tarnished’s role. The final boss fight with Promised Consort, Radahn, reveals Miquella’s intention to surpass The Greater Will and the Erdtree, ending the cycle of conflict initiated by his mother, Marika. If successful, Miquella could bring true peace to The Lands Between, suggesting that Elden Ring’s Age of Stars ending might be the only “good” conclusion. This twist positions The Tarnished as a potential antagonist, endlessly pursuing power unless they side with Ranni to abolish the Golden Order.
By the end of 2024, “Shadow of the Erdtree” may well be recognized not just as a compelling addition to Elden Ring, but as a game-defining expansion in its own right.
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Source: How Shadow of the Erdtree Lore Recontextualizes Elden Ring’s Base Game (gamerant.com)