Is Shadow of the Erdtree prequel to Elden Ring?

Shadow of the Erdtree is finally available and Elden Ring fans have been wondering whether Shadow of the Erdtree is a prequel to Elden Ring. This is because the DLC Shadow of the Erdtree expands Elden Ring's already huge open world and the vivid lore from the base game. Starting from new weaponry and foes to all the persisting questions regarding the game's lore, Shadow of the Erdtree has something for everyone.

When trying to understand whether Shadow of the Erdtree is a prequel to Elden Ring, the answer has been made clear by Hidetaka Miyazaki (Director of Elden Ring and President of FromSoftware) in a Famitsu interview that Shadows of the Erdtree is not a prequel.

In this article, we will delve into the timeline of Elden Ring and its DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, to clarify why the DLC is not a prequel to Elden Ring.

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How Shadow of the Erdtree is not a prequel to Elden Ring

Messmer in Shadow of the Erdtree DLC (Image via FromSoftware)

Many in the fandom had hoped that they were in for some time-traveling action with this expansion, much like the Dark Souls Artorias of the Abyss DLC. However, Miyazaki-san stated in the aforementioned Famitsu interview that it'll take place in roughly the same period as the original game.

He explained that Shadow of the Erdtree simultaneously takes place with the main title and is not a prequel to Elden Ring. The setting is not in the distant past or future since the shadowlands and Queen Marika's past will be told in a manner that is very similar to that of The Shattering.

In Shadow of the Erdtree, players will not find themselves in a prequel to Elden Ring but rather must follow Miquella, the Empyrean son of Queen Marika, the Eternal, and her King Consort Radagon, as well as Malenia's brother as he goes to the Land of Shadow. This is a region that is been obscured by the Erdtree.

Along the player's journey through these new lands, they will meet other people looking for Miquella and learn about the history of this new region of the Lands Between.

Hidetaka Miyazaki further explained this in the Famitsu interview by stating that, throughout the Shadow of the Erdtree, there will be NPCs that are also following after Miquella. The DLC plot is conveyed through them, as they cross paths with the player, sometimes as allies and sometimes as adversaries. Another important aspect of the DLC tale is the history of the shadow world and that of Queen Marika.

The expansion is described on the official website in a manner that does not reveal much in itself. However, an underlying understanding from Miyazaki-san's explanation is that the Land of Shadow, was cleansed in a battle, and Miquella's purpose was to free himself only to await the return of his promised Lord.

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• Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree guide: How to obtain Dryleaf Arts