Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is all open for pre-ordering. Bandai Namco has officially released their Collector’s Edition along with the Deluxe , Shadow of the Erdtree edition and the Premium Bundle Edition. The Shadow of the Erdtree marks as the very first expansion to the Elden Ring universe. If you are a pro Tarnished who wiped out all the old bosses in the original game or If you are a new Tarnished looking to find your way through to the Erdtree, There are many ways you can purchase Elden Ring’s very first DLC.
The Collector’s Edition
The collector’s edition on the other hand has been the hot topic for a while now. There were a number of mixed reviews on the Collector’s Edition. Is it really worth the money?
What it includes
First of all let’s see what the Collector’s Edition includes. Of course it includes the Shadow of The Erdtree Expansion to the original game. Which means you will get a voucher code which will open the DLC for you. Secondly, It comes with the original soundtrack for Shadow of the Erdtree. As for the Merch, You can say Bandai Namco has been generous with the collectors this time.
The collector’s edition includes a 40 page Hard Cover Artbook and also a Statue of Messmer the Impaler, and who will play a huge Role in Shadow Of the Erdtree. This figurine stands tall at 46 cm and comes with the Red cape that Messmer wears. It’s quite the look and I am pretty sure that will add up well to your unique collection. If you are pre ordering it comes with a bonus gesture as well. You get the “Ring of Miquella”. Note that the bonus gesture is only available during the pre-order period.
What it doesn’t bring to the table
First of all what sucks about the Collector’s edition is it does not include the base game. It should be noted the Base game should be already purchased and you should have defeated the Lord of the Blood to access the DLC. So that’s a Bummer. Also it’s priced at USD 249.99. Which is quite the high price in my opinion. It should also be noted it could only be purchased for PS5 or Xbox or PC, exclusively only from Bandai Namco’s Online storefront.
Overall, I would say it is quite a worthy purchase if you enjoy collecting these unique merch. I am absolutely sure the physical Hard Cover Art book is going to filled with impressive art work and the figurine is going to look very impressive. As the name suggests it is indeed for the “collectors”. So if you are a seasoned tarnished who had slayed the old bosses and is a die hard fan of Miyazaki’s work of course this will be worth the purchase.
However, considering the price, and you just want to try the Shadow of the Erdtree there are of course better options you can explore for.
The Premium Bundle Edition
This is also something for the seasoned veterans who is looking to play Shadow of the Erdtree. It includes the Expansion, The Digital Art book and also the Original Soundtrack of Shadow of the Erdtree. While this does not bring in the physical merch, The figurine or the Hard-book I would say this is a worthy purchase for someone who is looking to explore the lands of Shadow without spending way too much. It only costs around USD 56.86!
The Deluxe Edition
This is for the new Tarnished. Bandai Namco offers the base game ‘Elden Ring’ along with the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion under the Deluxe edition. In addition you also get the Elden Ring digital Artbook and the Original Soundtrack along with Shadow of the Erdtree Digital Artbook and the Soundtrack as well! Pre Order bonus gesture is valid as well. All this is offered at a rate of USD 113.73
The Shadow Of the Erdtree Edition
This one again includes the Base game along with the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. This one is quite the budget friendly option. However it doesn’t contain the digital artbooks neither the merch. This edition is priced at USD 88.45 and in my opinion it serves the purpose for the new ones quite well and cuts to the chase.
In a summary, if you are a seasoned player and a big enthusiast of Elden Ring go ahead with the Premium Bundle or the Collector’s Edition. The Premium bundle seems to be the best option for a cost cutting user friendly option compared to the Collector’s Edition.
If you want to join in this amazing fandom and kick some ass inside the universe of Elden Ring your go to purchase is the Shadow of the Erdtree Edition. If you want a bit more sophistication the Deluxe edition works well in my opinion.
The pre-order bonus, the gesture of Miquella’s ring is only available in the pre order period only and it is available in all the above editions. See you on the June 21st!