Elden Ring DLC Release Date and Preparation Guide

Recent leaks from Exputer indicate FromSoftware plans to launch Armored Core 6 around September or October 2023 before releasing the highly anticipated Elden Ring DLC – Shadow of the Erdtree. According to corporate reports, parent company Kadokawa hasn’t included the expansion in fiscal plans ending March 31, 2024, suggesting an April 2024 or later release window for Shadow of the Erdtree.

Complete the Main Story Campaign

Before diving into DLC content, ensure you’ve fully completed the main narrative and explored every region, dungeon, and hidden secret throughout the Lands Between. This comprehensive completion strategy allows you to discover potential clues and narrative hints about the upcoming expansion while mastering core gameplay mechanics. Understanding the complete storyline, character relationships, and combat systems will provide essential context for Shadow of the Erdtree’s challenges. Many players make the mistake of rushing to the DLC without proper context – take time to defeat all major bosses and explore optional areas to build foundational knowledge.

Comprehensive Item Collection Strategy

Scavenging and collection will consume significant preparation time, focusing on four critical categories: Bell Bearings for unlimited vendor access, Talismans for build optimization, diverse weapon types for flexibility, and complete armor sets for situational advantages. While it’s tempting to focus exclusively on your current build, the DLC will introduce numerous new items and equipment combinations. Having comprehensive collections saves substantial time when respeccing characters for new strategies. Pro tip: Create organized storage systems for quick access to specialized gear when the expansion launches.

Strategic Character Progression

Anticipating challenging DLC content requires thorough character preparation through systematic leveling, equipment enhancement, and ability acquisition. Dedicate time to complete side quests, conquer optional bosses, and thoroughly explore the game world to strengthen your Tarnished. Advanced players should target level 150+ for optimal DLC readiness, focusing on balanced stat distribution rather than specialized min-maxing initially. Common mistake: Over-leveling one stat while neglecting vitality – maintain balanced progression for adaptability.

Strategic Resource Accumulation

DLC content typically introduces new items, weapons, and areas requiring substantial in-game currency and resources. Begin systematically saving Elden Ring runes and gathering valuable crafting materials that might become essential in Shadow of the Erdtree. Target accumulating 1-2 million runes minimum for immediate access to new content and upgrades. Efficient farming routes in Mohgwyn Palace or Haligtree can yield 50,000+ runes per hour with optimized setups. Consider our comprehensive Weapons Unlock Guide for similar strategic collection approaches in other games.

New Game Plus Advantages

This unlockable feature becomes available after completing the main story, enabling new journeys while retaining statistics and equipment selections. New Game Plus significantly increases difficulty while enhancing replay value through exclusive items, enemies, and events. Starting the DLC in NG+ provides additional challenges and potentially unique rewards. Time investment: Completing NG+ typically requires 15-25 hours depending on playstyle and completion level.

Comprehensive Build Experimentation

Systematically test different weapons, spells, and skills to master diverse playstyles and combat strategies. This experimentation phase helps discover innovative approaches to game challenges while identifying powerful synergies and combo potential. Advanced strategy: Create multiple character saves with specialized builds rather than constantly respeccing one character.

Cooperative Play Preparation

Many DLC expansions incorporate multiplayer elements and cooperative gameplay features. If you enjoy collaborative experiences, begin joining dedicated communities, guild structures, or organizing playgroups in preparation for the expansion launch. You can assist or challenge fellow Tarnished in their quests or participate in Colosseum battles across various arenas. Building reliable co-op partners before release ensures you have skilled allies for challenging DLC content. Reference our Class Guide for insights on role specialization in multiplayer scenarios.

PvP Optimization Strategies

Develop a solid Player versus Player build even if you don’t regularly engage in competitive combat. Historical patterns suggest Colosseums will receive significant enhancements, as previous Souls game DLCs consistently delivered superior PvP experiences. FromSoftware has clearly communicated that competitive play remains integral to their design vision, making PvP preparation essential.

Previous Colosseum implementations received new maps with each DLC release, and Elden Ring will likely follow this established pattern given substantial community demand. Beyond map design improvements, expect enhanced reward structures, potential leaderboard systems, and possibly the return of covenant mechanics. Even without dedicated PvP bosses like Dark Souls 3 introduced, DLC level design typically creates exceptional invasion opportunities. Key insight: Even casual players should prepare PvP-capable builds since competitive elements will likely be integrated throughout Shadow of the Erdtree.

Lore and Narrative Refresher

If Shadow of the Erdtree expands the game’s narrative and world lore, refreshing your understanding of existing story elements becomes crucial. Revisit key narrative moments, major characters, and central plot points through in-game exploration or supplemental lore videos. This preparation enhances immersion and comprehension when experiencing new DLC story content. Pro tip: Create personal lore notes or bookmarks for quick reference when the expansion launches.

Official Update Channels

Monitor official Elden Ring and FromSoftware social media platforms for development updates and release announcements. Simultaneously, participate in dedicated online communities and discussion forums where enthusiasts analyze and speculate about DLC features and content. Our Complete Guide framework demonstrates how structured information tracking improves gameplay preparation across different titles.

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