Elden Ring DLC Release Time: When Can You Install and Play Shadow of the Erdtree?

Shadow of the Erdtree (Elden Ring‘s first and only DLC expansion) is nearing its release time. While fans have been waiting for quite some time to play this game, we now know they won’t need to wait much longer to get their hands on it.

The console versions of Shadow of the Erdtree will be released on June 21st at midnight in most regions. Once the clock strikes midnight wherever you are, that’s when you’ll be able to start playing the game. The only exceptions to those rules apply to those in the PDT and CDT time zones. Console players in the PDT time zone will be able to start playing the game at 9 PM on June 20th. Those in the CDT time zone will be able to start playing the game at 11 PM on June 20th. Those times apply to all console versions of the game, which means you may be able to utilize the New Zealand Time Zone trick to start Shadow of the Erdtree early (where applicable).

The PC release schedule is a little more complicated. The PC version of Shadow of the Erdtree will be released on June 20 at 3 PM PDT, 5 PM CDT, 6 PM EDT, 11 PM BST, and all other corresponding global time zones. That means that some will not be able to technically access the game until June 21st. Furthermore, while PC players everywhere will be able to access the game at roughly the same time due to time zone differences, that does mean that some console players will get a head start on their PC counterparts due to the release schedule differences and time zone discrepancies. If you haven’t bought the game yet and have a preference based on its availability in your region, be sure to account for that factor when making your decision.

It’s all a little confusing, but here’s a map that should help visualize the release time schedule:

As you can see on that map, PlayStation users will be able to pre-load Shadow of the Erdtree 48 hours before the game’s launch in their time zone. However, PC gamers and Xbox users will need to wait until the game launches before they can begin the installation process. What’s a modern video game release schedule without arbitrary complications?

Thankfully, Shadow of the Erdtree‘s file size is reportedly around 16 GB on most platforms. That’s a grain of sand at the beach by modern install size standards. Just remember that you will need the base version of Elden Ring to play Shadow of the Erdtree, so the final file size for both of those installs will be closer to 60 GB.

While you’re waiting for Shadow of the Erdtree, be sure to defeat the necessary bosses, optimize your desired character build, and reach the recommended character level before you dive into the DLC. Shadow of the Erdtree is reportedly significantly more difficult than much of the base Elden Ring experience, so you’ll want to enter it as prepared as possible. Of course, there figure to be so many surprises in the game that going in fully prepared may simply be foolish optimism. Still, the history of FromSoftware’s DLC expansions tells us that you should, at the very least, be prepared to die and die again while enjoying every hour of the experience.