Will Elden Ring Have DLC in 2023?
Elden Ring, the highly anticipated action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware, has sparked a lot of excitement among gamers worldwide. With its unique blend of exploration, combat, and dark fantasy, many fans are eager to know if there will be any DLC (Downloadable Content) released in 2023.
No Reason to Release DLC in 2023
According to recent reports, there is no reason to release Elden Ring’s DLC in 2023 at this point. The DLC appears to be experiencing a full game’s development cycle, just like the base game did. This implies that the DLC will likely have a significant chunk of content, similar to the game’s main campaign.
Shadow of the Erdtree: The First DLC Expansion
In February 2022, Bandai Namco announced Shadow of the Erdtree, the first DLC expansion for Elden Ring. This expansion is expected to add a new storyline, characters, and mechanics to the game. Although there has been no official release date announced, we can expect it to drop sometime after the game’s initial launch.
Armed Core 6: The Cause of the Delay
One factor that might contribute to the delay in releasing the DLC is the development of Armored Core 6, FromSoftware’s upcoming mecha-action game. The game is scheduled to release on August 25, 2023, and might take priority over Elden Ring’s DLC. This could be the reason why the DLC is not likely to release in 2023.
Previous DLC Releases
For comparison, FromSoftware’s previous game, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, received its first DLC pack, "Izsha’s Honor", in February 2020. The DLC added a new storyline, characters, and challenges to the game. Similarly, Dark Souls 3 received its final DLC, "The Ringed City", in March 2017.
Expected Release Date
Although there has been no official announcement on the release date of Elden Ring’s DLC, it’s likely to drop sometime after the game’s initial launch. Based on FromSoftware’s previous DLC releases, we can expect the DLC to release within the following timeframe:
- 2024 (Q1 or Q2): A reasonable estimate considering the typical development cycle of FromSoftware’s games.
- 2025 (Q1 or Q2): If the development team requires more time to create an extensive DLC experience.
Table of Expected Release Dates
| Game | Release Date | DLC Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | April 2019 | February 2020 |
| Dark Souls 3 | April 2016 | March 2017 |
| Elden Ring | February 2022 | TBA (2024 or 2025) |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there is no official confirmation on the release date of Elden Ring’s DLC, there are several factors that suggest it might not drop in 2023. The development of Armored Core 6, FromSoftware’s upcoming game, might take priority, while the DLC is likely to receive the same level of attention as the game’s main campaign. Fans can expect the DLC to release sometime after the game’s initial launch, possibly in 2024 or 2025.