Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Slowly Redeems Itself with Players

Elden Ring's latest DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, didn't exactly burst onto the scene with universal acclaim. Upon release, players flooded Steam with negative reviews, expressing their frustration mainly about excessively difficult bosses. As a result, the title initially languished at a "Mixed" rating. However, a week later, the tide turned, and Shadow of the Erdtree climbed to a "Mostly Positive" rating. What's driving this change in sentiment, and how have player experiences evolved over time?

The numbers tell an intriguing story. When the DLC was first released, a mere 61% of its reviews were positive. Now, however, over 70% of the 57,000 reviews on Steam express favorable opinions. This reversal might stem from multiple factors. One possibility is that early reviewers, frustrated and feeling rusty, found the bosses to be overwhelmingly challenging. As time progressed, either these players adapted or new players, initially holding back their judgment, finally had their say. Another consideration is the potential mobilization of a FromSoftware fan base aiming to counter perceived review bombing.

Upon reviewing recent feedback, a common theme emerges among the more recent positive reviews: those early criticisms were the cries of unprepared adventurers. A Steam user, Dr. Voidburn, encapsulates this sentiment perfectly: "Don't listen to the negativity. Big sword still go brrr." The paraphrased sentiment amongst positive critiques echoes a common respect for the challenging nature of FromSoftware titles. This suggests that the fans were prepared for the notorious difficulty, while some newer players might not have been as steeled against the challenge.

Despite the rise in positive feedback, the DLC is not without its detractors. There remains a notable number of negative reviews, with recent critiques shifting focus from boss difficulties to performance issues. Several players complain about frequent FPS drops and hitches, particularly during the final boss fight. These technical hiccups can severely diminish the gaming experience. This prevalent issue has even echoed through some of the positive reviews, indicating that while the difficulty might be a matter of 'git gud,' performance issues aren't as easily waived off.

As the player community continues to engage with the treacherous new content, it's fascinating to see how perceptions evolve. Whether they wrestle with performance snags or face the steep learning curve of Shadow of the Erdtree's bosses, the "thumbs up" momentum seems to be holding. For those yet to confront the Land of Shadow, the rallying cry remains: Don't give up, skeleton! In conclusion, it's safe to say that the shifting tides of opinion highlight the passionate and resilient spirit of the Elden Ring community, navigating through trials and triumphs with determination.