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Choose the package according to whether you already own ELDEN RING. If you do not own the base game, buy ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition, which bundles the original game and its expansion. If you already own ELDEN RING on a supported platform, buy the standalone Shadow of the Erdtree expansion instead; Bandai Namco states that the DLC requires the base game.
The original expansion release covers PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC through Steam. Nintendo Switch 2 has a separately named bundle, ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition, announced in August 2026. Check the exact platform, store region, format and included extras on the listing you are about to purchase.
Which Shadow of the Erdtree purchase is right for you?
The simplest decision is based on ownership:
- You do not own ELDEN RING: choose Shadow of the Erdtree Edition, or its Deluxe Edition if you want the included digital artbooks and soundtracks.
- You already own ELDEN RING: choose the standalone Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for the same platform and account. A bundle that repeats the base game can leave you paying for a copy you already have.
- You are buying on Nintendo Switch 2: look for ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition. It is a separate Switch 2 bundle name, not another name for the original Shadow of the Erdtree Edition.
Do not rely only on a product title. Retailers can list physical and digital SKUs separately, and the contents can differ by platform or region. Open the full listing and verify the “included” section before checkout.
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| Purchase path | Included content | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow of the Erdtree Edition | ELDEN RING base game plus Shadow of the Erdtree DLC | New players who need both the original game and expansion |
| Shadow of the Erdtree Deluxe Edition | Base game, DLC, a digital artbook for each and a digital soundtrack for each | Players who want the digital bonus materials as well as the games |
| Standalone Shadow of the Erdtree DLC | The expansion only; ELDEN RING base game is required | Existing owners of the base game on the matching platform |
| ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition | Base game and Shadow of the Erdtree on Nintendo Switch 2, with additional edition content described by the publisher | People buying the bundled Switch 2 release |
Bandai Namco’s official listing distinguishes the regular bundle from the Deluxe Edition by the digital artbooks and soundtracks. It does not establish that every platform edition has identical bonus content, so confirm the exact Switch 2 or regional listing rather than assuming the Deluxe extras are included.
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Do you need ELDEN RING to play Shadow of the Erdtree?
Yes. Shadow of the Erdtree is an expansion, not a self-contained game. Bandai Namco’s official product listing states: “Shadow Of The Erdtree requires ELDEN RING base game to play.” The requirement applies whether you buy the DLC digitally or as part of a physical or digital bundle.
If you are starting from zero
Buy a package that explicitly contains both products. Shadow of the Erdtree Edition is the straightforward choice because the base game and expansion are sold together. The Deluxe Edition adds the two digital artbooks and two digital soundtracks; it does not replace the base game requirement.
If you already own the base game
Buy the standalone expansion for the same platform family and the account that owns your copy of ELDEN RING. Check the store page’s ownership wording before paying: a DLC listing should identify Shadow of the Erdtree as an add-on or expansion, while a bundle will list the base game again.
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A digital expansion generally still depends on the installed base game and the platform account’s entitlement. Keep the disc available when the console requires it to launch a disc-based game. The evidence available for this buying guide does not establish universal disc-and-code behavior across every region, so follow the instructions printed on the exact SKU.
Supported platforms
Bandai Namco’s June 21, 2024 expansion announcement lists these platforms for the original release:
| Platform family | Original expansion availability | What to verify before purchase |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 4 | Listed | Whether the listing is a PS4 edition, a cross-generation package or a particular regional SKU |
| PlayStation 5 | Listed | Which console version your account and store page support |
| Xbox One | Listed | That the add-on is for Xbox One and not a different platform family |
| Xbox Series X|S | Listed | The exact Series X|S entitlement and edition contents shown in your store |
| PC via Steam | Listed | That the purchase is the Steam version and is attached to the intended Steam account |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Available through the separately named ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition announced in August 2026 | Switch 2-specific contents and any additional Tarnished Edition material in the listing |
The original base-game announcement used the same PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Steam PC platform families. That establishes where the original release was offered; it does not automatically grant a purchase on another platform.
What the Nintendo Switch 2 Tarnished Edition means
In an August 28, 2026 announcement, Bandai Namco said ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition was available on Nintendo Switch 2 and bundled the original game with Shadow of the Erdtree. Treat this as its own product name and SKU.
Do not confuse it with Shadow of the Erdtree Edition
Shadow of the Erdtree Edition is the bundle name used for the original console and Steam release family. Tarnished Edition is the Switch 2 bundle. The publisher also described new Tarnished Pack content for ELDEN RING on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Steam PC; that announcement concerns content on those platforms and should not be treated as proof that those platforms use the Switch 2 edition or receive identical packaging.
Rank #2
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Check Switch 2 extras individually
The publisher describes additional edition content for Tarnished Edition, but the available information does not establish that its extras match the Deluxe Edition’s digital artbooks and soundtracks. Read the Switch 2 store or retailer description for the precise contents of the package you are considering.
Cross-platform ownership and upgrades: what is not guaranteed
Owning ELDEN RING or Shadow of the Erdtree on one platform should not be assumed to unlock it on another. The platform announcements establish availability, but they do not establish cross-buy rights, automatic save transfers, upgrade entitlements or identical performance between console generations.
- A PlayStation purchase is not documented here as a free Xbox, PC or Switch 2 entitlement.
- An Xbox One purchase is not documented here as an automatic Series X|S upgrade.
- A Steam purchase is tied to the Steam account and does not establish console access.
- Save compatibility and transfer rules are separate from DLC ownership and must be checked for the specific platform and account.
Use the store page for the console or PC you will actually play on. If you are changing platforms, budget and plan as though a new platform-specific purchase may be required unless the current listing explicitly says otherwise.
How to choose without buying the wrong SKU
- Identify your hardware. Write down PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Steam PC or Nintendo Switch 2. Do not select a listing from a neighboring platform family merely because the title looks similar.
- Check base-game ownership. Confirm whether ELDEN RING appears in your console library or Steam account. For a disc copy, confirm which account and hardware will be used to play it.
- Select the purchase path. New players should select Shadow of the Erdtree Edition; existing owners should compare the standalone DLC first. Choose Deluxe only when you specifically want the digital artbooks and soundtracks.
- Open the complete product description. Verify the platform, edition name, included games, bonus materials and whether the item is a download code, a disc, a cartridge or a code packaged with physical materials.
- Match the store region. Confirm that the account region, console store and retailer region agree. The available evidence does not verify universal cross-region disc or code compatibility.
- Review the final checkout line. Make sure the quantity and title do not include a duplicate base game unless that is intentional. Keep the receipt and product page in case the delivered item differs from the description.
Physical versus digital purchases
Digital editions
A digital bundle normally attaches the game and add-on licenses to the platform account used at purchase. Before buying, sign in to the account that will play ELDEN RING and confirm the platform store’s edition label. A standalone DLC purchase is useful only when that account already owns, or will obtain, the matching base game.
Physical editions
Physical packages can contain a game disc, a cartridge, a download code or a combination. Read the box and the retailer’s detailed contents rather than inferring them from the front-cover title. For a code, check redemption-region language; for a disc, check whether the package is intended for your console and account region. No universal cross-region compatibility rule is established for these products.
Used copies and sealed bundles
A used base-game disc may satisfy the base-game requirement, but a separately redeemed DLC code may already be consumed. Ask the seller whether every included code is unused and whether the package contains the advertised expansion. A sealed bundle is less ambiguous, but you should still verify the platform and region before opening it.
Installing and launching the expansion
- Install or insert the ELDEN RING base game for your platform.
- Apply the latest game update offered by your console or Steam. Bandai Namco published version 1.12 patch notes in June 2024 documenting DLC support.
- Redeem or install Shadow of the Erdtree from the same platform account that owns the base game and expansion entitlement.
- Check the platform’s add-on or downloadable-content management screen to confirm that the expansion is installed.
- Launch ELDEN RING and use the in-game progression and access conditions for the expansion. The DLC does not function as a separate executable that bypasses the base game.
If the expansion is not recognized, fully close the game, confirm that the base game and DLC use the same account and region, and check the platform’s download queue. A missing add-on after a physical purchase can indicate an unredeemed or region-mismatched code rather than a gameplay problem.
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Common buying mistakes and fixes
Buying the DLC without owning the base game
Symptom: the store shows an expansion at a lower price, but you cannot launch it. Fix: return to the listing and buy the base game plus expansion bundle, or acquire the base game on the same platform and account.
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![ELDEN RING - Shadow of the Erdtree - Xbox [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41oWZz2OeeL._SL160_.jpg)
- Playable on 21st June 2024.
- Pre-order now and get the following bonus content for the expansion: ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Bonus Gesture
- Winner of hundreds of accolades including The Game Awards Game of the Year and Golden Joystick Awards Ultimate Game of the Year, ELDEN RING is the acclaimed action RPG epic set in a vast, dark fantasy world. Players embark on an epic quest with the freedom to explore and adventure at their own pace.
- The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion features an all-new story set in the Land of Shadow imbued with mystery, perilous dungeons, and new enemies, weapons and equipment.
- Discover uncharted territories, face formidable adversaries, and revel in the satisfying triumph of victory. Dive into the riveting interplay of characters, where drama and intrigue intertwine, that create an immersive experience to savor and enjoy.
Buying a bundle when you already own the base game
Symptom: the package description lists ELDEN RING and Shadow of the Erdtree even though ELDEN RING is already in your library. Fix: compare the standalone DLC listing before checkout so you do not intentionally pay for a second base-game license.
Assuming console generations share an entitlement
Symptom: an add-on purchased for one console does not appear on another. Fix: verify the store’s stated generation and upgrade terms. Cross-buy and upgrade rights are not established by the platform announcements summarized here.
Confusing Tarnished Edition with Deluxe Edition
Symptom: a Switch 2 buyer expects the digital artbooks and soundtracks listed for Deluxe. Fix: check the Switch 2 Tarnished Edition contents separately; do not infer equivalent extras from the name alone.
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Symptom: a code cannot be redeemed or a disc does not behave as expected on the account. Fix: compare the package region, account region and store region, then contact the retailer or platform support with the SKU and receipt. Universal cross-region compatibility has not been established.
Decision examples
You have no copy of ELDEN RING and use a PS5
Buy the PS5 listing for Shadow of the Erdtree Edition. Select Deluxe only if the digital artbooks and soundtracks are worth the additional cost shown by your store. Do not buy the standalone DLC by itself.
You own the Xbox One base game digitally
Open the Xbox listing for the standalone expansion and confirm that it is compatible with your Xbox One account and edition. A bundle is unnecessary unless you deliberately want another base-game license.
You own ELDEN RING on Steam and are moving to Switch 2
Your Steam ownership does not, on the evidence available here, establish a Switch 2 entitlement. Look for ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition on Switch 2 and review its included content and region before buying.
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Ask the recipient which platform and account region they use. A gift card or platform-specific code can be unusable if it targets the wrong store, even when the game title is correct.
Quick Recap
Final checklist
- The package says whether it includes the base game.
- The platform matches your hardware: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Steam PC or Switch 2.
- The account and store region match the product’s redemption or disc region.
- Deluxe extras are explicitly listed if you want them.
- Switch 2 purchases are labeled Tarnished Edition, with its own contents checked.
- You have not assumed cross-buy, save transfer or a free generation upgrade without an explicit store statement.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
