15 Hidden Details in the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Trailer

The Mystery of Miquella

The Elden Ring’s most intriguing enigma, Miquella, the cursed twin of Malenia, is prominently featured in the trailer. The trailer opens with a depiction of Miquella’s still-dormant cocoon in Mohgwyn Palace, hinting at his continued slumber rather than death, as previously implied. This renewed focus on Miquella suggests the DLC will delve into his enigmatic past and explore his possible connection to the Erdtree’s predicament. The trailer’s imagery portrays a figure seemingly emerging from the cocoon, emphasizing a possible role for Miquella in the upcoming events.

How to Access the DLC

The trailer offers a possible clue on accessing the DLC content. The voiceover’s cryptic directive to “touch the withered arm and travel to the realm of shadow” aligns with the idea of interacting with Miquella’s cocoon as the entry point. This aligns with FromSoftware’s past practices, where interactivity with objects and environments within the game world often unlocks DLC content. The lore suggests Miquella’s spirit might be in the Land of Dreams, and entering that realm could be the key to accessing this new realm.

What’s Wrong With the Erdtree?

The trailer depicts the Erdtree, usually a symbol of vitality and blessing, in a deteriorated state. Its appearance is withered, bleeding an unnatural golden fluid, reminiscent of decaying trees found in other regions of the Lands Between. This suggests that something has severely impacted the Erdtree, potentially connected to Miquella’s plight or the broader themes of the DLC. The visual decay of the Erdtree contrasts strongly with its usual representation of power and order, indicating a fundamental shift in the balance of the Lands Between.

If Not Now, Maybe When?

The trailer subtly hints at a potential time-shifted setting for the DLC. Referencing past FromSoftware games, where DLCs often explore alternate timelines, suggests that Shadow of the Erdtree might precede the main game’s events. This would help explain the differing state of the Lands Between, including the apparently well-preserved structures. If true, the DLC’s events could potentially reveal a lost history of the Lands Between, and reveal significant events affecting the present.

New (Armored) Faces

The trailer shows glimpses of new characters clad in unique armor, suggesting a plethora of new customization options. One set resembles the Carian Knight armor, suggesting a possible link to the Carian Royal Family or a new faction. Another armor type exhibits a Roman-legion-esque aesthetic. This diverse array of new armor pieces suggests a wealth of collectible items, potentially offering an array of gameplay styles and combat tactics.

A Young Rennala?

A character seated on a throne in a regal hall bears a striking resemblance to Rennala, the Carian Queen. The presence of this character in a possible past setting of the Lands Between raises the possibility of seeing a younger version of the Queen. The design and setting imply a significant historical event within the Carian family. This mystery, coupled with the possibility of a different timeline, suggests a crucial shift in power dynamics within the Carian lineage.

Portrait Perfect

Several portraits of notable figures feature in the trailer. These portraits hint at prominent characters, crucial to the narrative of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. This is consistent with the game’s overarching storytelling approach, revealing prominent individuals through portraits, which are deeply intertwined with the game’s overall narrative.

Not-Crumbling Farum Azula

The trailer shows a structure resembling Farum Azula, but without its trademark decay. This could indicate that this depiction represents a previous era before the destruction of the region. This comparison suggests that the DLC will explore a timeline preceding the main game’s narrative, where crucial locations and landmarks appeared in a different, perhaps more prosperous state.

New Giant Boss

A formidable giant boss appears in the trailer, possibly a new fire-themed enemy. This new adversary potentially represents an escalating threat to the Lands Between. This hints at a possible difficulty increase in this DLC, making the encounter a key challenge for players.

I Hate That Thing

A disturbing, brain-sucking enemy is showcased in the trailer, referencing similar monstrous creatures in previous FromSoftware titles. This new enemy suggests a potential threat to players. The appearance of these creatures may reflect a possible shift in the threat landscape of the Lands Between or a new, dangerous area.

This Person Seems Important

The trailer features a key figure, seemingly a demigod, identified as Messmer by Hidetaka Miyazaki. This figure’s prominence and Miyazaki’s emphasis on his importance suggest a central role for Messmer in the DLC’s narrative. The description of Messmer as a key figure indicates a potential pivotal role in the conflicts and the shaping of events in the Lands Between.

Details in the Montage

A montage of new weapons and enemies is shown, hinting at a variety of combat options and challenges. The appearance of pugilist-like combat and powerful new weapons suggest diverse ways to engage in combat. This display of weapons and enemies points to an interesting combat-focused DLC.

The Golden Order

A scene shows a decaying figure with protruding bones, reminiscent of the Elden Ring rune. The imagery reinforces the importance of the Golden Order and potentially hints at its weakening or corruption. The presence of the Elden Ring rune suggests a possible link to the core conflicts and the fate of the Golden Order.

A New Crucible Spell?

The trailer depicts the player character wielding Crucible Wings, a powerful spell, suggesting its availability within the DLC. The player character utilizing this spell suggests that this will be a useful ability for players, potentially enabling them to gain an advantage over enemies or navigate the new environment.

Miquella Shows Himself

The final shot reveals Miquella in a potentially improved state, with the great tree appearing healthier. This implies a possible connection between Miquella and the Erdtree’s restoration. The scene suggests that Miquella might play a crucial role in restoring the balance or revitalizing the Erdtree, potentially offering a positive resolution to the DLC’s central mystery.