GamesAction RpgElden RingHow Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC got me through my darkest daysWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesAction RpgElden RingHow Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC got me through my darkest daysWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: FromSoftware Inc.)
Depression is indiscriminate. All the success and love in the world will not shield you from its fangs. It doesn’t care if you’re on vacation. It doesn’t care if you got that promotion. It certainly doesn’t care ifShadow of the Erdtree, the DLC you have been anticipating for ages, is finally due to be released.
For months, I had been counting down the days until Shadow of the Erdtree’s June 21 release date. But when the big day arrived, I found myself approaching theElden RingDLC with trepidation. I traveled to Mohgwyn’s Palace and began my journey into The Shadow Realms, wishing I could feel the excitement and sense of occasion that I knew this DLC is worth. But how would I be able to enjoy it when I was, at that time, incapable of enjoying anything?
(Image credit: FromSoftware)
I died – as tends to happen in Elden Ring – and as I ran back to face Logur for the fifth time, I noticed another emotion flooding back to me: determination. One tough lil' enemy was making me feel things other than sadness for the first time in so long. When I finally killed him, I was more grateful to Logan for this than for the spectacular Beast Claws gloves he dropped.
One to fight for(Image credit: FromSoftware)Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree review: “It’s almost getting boring praising FromSoftware every time”
One to fight for
(Image credit: FromSoftware)Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree review: “It’s almost getting boring praising FromSoftware every time”
(Image credit: FromSoftware)
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree review: “It’s almost getting boring praising FromSoftware every time”
When you’re feeling bleak, there’s nothing more comforting than bleak art – be it a sad song, a tragic film or a harrowing backstory to the Warrior Jars. The gloomy atmosphere of Shadow of the Erdtree felt like a symbolic mirror, the somber visuals and soundtrack reflecting the tensions within my own mind. It was strangely reassuring to walk around a world as gritty as The Shadow Realms when feeling depressed, because I knew no one in The Shadow Realms was going to tell me to cheer up. I felt no pressure to be happy when exploring the desolate Scorched Ruins. The DLC became my safe sad space with its relentless lack of cheer.
After a few hours playing the DLC, I was hooked. In-game struggles became an outlet for my own mental health struggles. If I could take down Rellana Twin Moon Knight, then I could do anything – even if ‘anything’ just meant getting dressed that day.
(Image credit: FromSoftware / Bandai Namco)
At a time in my life when everything felt futile, I could feel myself caring about something again
At a time in my life when everything felt futile, I could feel myself caring about something again
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Riding into the Cerulean Coast for the first time, I gasped aloud. The beauty of the ghostly flowers glowing against the rich purple and blue hues of the sky struck me hard. I felt appreciation return and sat still atop Torrent for a few minutes, drinking in the bewitching in-game view. Then a thought cut through my brain fog like Milady’s sword: If I can relate to the dark themes in Shadow of the Erdtree whilst also finding beauty within them, maybe I can find the same within myself?
Inspired, I continued into The Cerulean Coast to face Ghostflame Dragon. While his flame continued to kill me, nothing was stopping me from trying once more. This boss fight gave me a much-appreciated sense of purpose. At a time in my life when everything felt futile, I could feel myself caring about something again. And that something is one of the greatest DLCs ever made.
(Image credit: FromSoftware)
A few days before Shadow of the Erdtree’s release, I struggled to find the energy to brush my teeth. Shortly after its release, I saw myself in the mirror while cleaning my teeth – after an evening defeating bosses – and was taken aback to see a spark of light in my eyes. A spark I hadn’t seen in so long. To my surprise, I looked alive again. As alive as I feel when exploring The Shadow Realms.
I may have died many times in-game, but my hope in real life persevered. I guess I have one more Flask of Wondrous Physick left in my heart after all, and it’s thanks to Shadow of the Erdtree.
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