Can my kid play this expansion without finishing the main game?

Technically no. To even enter the expansion area, they have to defeat two specific, very difficult bosses in the base game (Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood). If they haven't done that, they can't access this content.

Is there any way to make the game easier?

There is no 'Easy Mode' button. However, the expansion introduces 'Scadutree Fragments' which significantly boost the player's power. Using 'Spirit Ashes' (AI companions) also makes boss fights much more manageable.

Is there voice chat with strangers?

No. Elden Ring uses a very limited communication system. Players can leave pre-written messages using a menu of words, or use character gestures (like a wave or a bow). There is no open mic or text box for strangers to harass your kid.

How long does it take to finish?

It's massive. A standard playthrough of just the expansion can take 30 to 50 hours, depending on how much they explore. It's more like a full sequel than a small add-on.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

game2024Role-playing (RPG), Adventure

78%

WISE Score

86%

IGDB

A brutal, beautiful expansion that rewards extreme patience with world-class art and the most satisfying 'I finally did it' moments in gaming.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

game

2024, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure

78%

WISE Score

86%

IGDB

A brutal, beautiful expansion that rewards extreme patience with world-class art and the most satisfying 'I finally did it' moments in gaming.

Jump to

Also rated on

IGDB86

View →

Where to Play

Xbox

PlayStation

PC/Steam

Screenwise Verdict

Shadow of the Erdtree is a masterpiece of game design, but it's also a grueling test of will. It takes the already-difficult Elden Ring and cranks the intensity to eleven. For an older teen who loves a challenge, it’s the ultimate digital mountain to climb.

However, don't let the 'fantasy' label fool you—this isn't Zelda. It’s filled with grotesque monsters and a heavy sense of dread. If your kid isn't ready for 'Souls-like' difficulty or M-rated gore, steer clear. But if they are, they’re about to experience one of the best games of the decade.

Age Fit

This is strictly for teens (14+) and adults. The difficulty requires a level of emotional maturity to handle failure, and the imagery is frequently too disturbing for younger kids.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It's a dark fantasy world defined by rot, death, and tragic cycles. While it rewards perseverance, the 'vibe' is oppressive and heavy.

Imaginative

FromSoftware's art direction is peerless. The Land of Shadow is a masterclass in environmental storytelling and surreal, gothic architectural design.

Safe

M-rated for a reason. Expect visceral blood spray, body horror (limbs where they shouldn't be), and intense, frightening boss encounters. No predatory monetization, though.

Enriching

Few games teach the 'growth mindset' better. It demands patience, observation, and the ability to fail a hundred times before succeeding.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Resilience training at its peak; the game doesn't give trophies for participation, you have to earn every inch of progress.
Stunning art direction that feels like walking through a heavy metal album cover or a dark Renaissance painting.
Deep curiosity is rewarded, as the game rarely uses map markers, forcing players to actually look at the horizon and explore.
Zero predatory loot boxes or battle passes; it’s a massive, old-school expansion that respects the player's purchase.

⚠

What to Watch For

Body horror is a major theme; one boss is literally a mass of fused bodies, and another is covered in weeping eyes and snakes.
The frustration factor is real. If your kid is prone to throwing controllers when they lose, this game will provide a dozen opportunities for a meltdown.
Cryptic storytelling means they might spend 60 hours playing and have no idea what actually happened without watching a 3-hour YouTube lore deep-dive.
Online interactions are limited to 'ghosts' of other players and written messages, but some players use the message system to leave crude jokes or trick others into jumping off cliffs.

Conversation Starters

"How did you feel after finally beating that boss that took you twenty tries?"
"The Land of Shadow is pretty bleak—do you think any of the characters are actually 'good guys'?"
"Why do you think the game doesn't just tell you where to go with a big yellow arrow?"
"When you get stuck, do you prefer to look up a guide or figure it out yourself?"

Deep Dive

The FromSoftware Philosophy

To understand Shadow of the Erdtree, you have to understand the developer, FromSoftware. They don't believe in difficulty settings. They believe that the struggle is the point. When a player enters the Land of Shadow, they are immediately met with enemies that can kill them in two hits. For a certain type of kid—the one who loves puzzles, deep lore, and high stakes—this is intoxicating. For others, it’s a recipe for a broken TV.

Content vs. Context

While the ESRB mentions blood and gore, the context is what matters. The violence isn't 'fun' or 'slapstick' like Fortnite; it's heavy and somber. The Land of Shadow explores themes of abandonment, religious fanaticism, and the cost of power. It’s high-level storytelling that often requires reading item descriptions and paying attention to statue placements to fully grasp.

The Resilience Factor

There is a legitimate developmental benefit here: resilience. In an era of games that hold your hand and shower you with 'Legendary' loot for just showing up, Elden Ring demands mastery. Your teen will fail. They will lose their 'Runes' (currency). They will have to walk back to the boss room for the 50th time. Seeing them navigate that frustration, adapt their strategy, and eventually triumph is a genuine 'proud parent' moment, provided they have the temperament for it.

What Parents Ask

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Related Guides

Elden Ring Parents Guide: Rated M for Blood and Violence

Elden Ring is rated M for Mature, but many 13 and 14-year-olds play it. Here is what to know about the body horror and difficulty before you buy it.

Elden Ring 2 and the 'Shadow' Expansion: A Parent’s Survival Guide

Everything you need to know about the brutally difficult sequel rumors, the massive DLC, and why your teen is glued to the Lands Between.

Writing about Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree? Put this WISE score on your site