Shadow of the Erdtree is a drop dead gorgeous expansion for Elden Ring that makes sure you drop dead. The majority of the DLC is much more difficult than the base game, with enemies damage being turned up to two hit a 50 vigor character. The Scadutree Fragments are required to play without the punishing struggle, yet collecting them doesn't negate all struggle. It's still very difficult, but mostly manageable with the Scadutree Fragments. Exploring the entire map is still very much worth it and a puzzle in it of itself. The setting, the gameplay and the entire package gives the player a sense of absence, loneliness, and worry - it's masterfully crafted to invoke those feelings, while also inspiring the player with jaw dropping locations and landmarks to see. The Final Boss however truly feels hopeless however and soured the DLC for me. I understand the atmosphere the game goes for and how the gameplay enhances those feelings of dread, but the last boss goes too far, and takes those feelings away. The end of the DLC was disappointing and I did not have the drive to see the end of it. Despite that the DLC is still worth playing through as much of as possible, as it is truly a fantastic piece of art. The final boss was not fun though.