Finally, Destroyed brothers, we have reached the day of days – start at Elden Ring Shadow of Erdtree. By now you’ll have seen our IGN review of this phenomenal 10/10 DLC masterpiece that almost feels like a standalone sequel. Let’s be straightforward, that’s what you love to hear about a little extra content at a very affordable price.
Another thing many of us love to hear: such an vital gaming event that has gained near-universal acclaim has been appropriately celebrated with a Whizbang Edition for die-hard gamers. FromSoftware actually went this route with Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Collector’s Edition, an inexpensive set that we will soon unpack and track the deals. (While supplies last and, hopefully, before the scalpers drop like a horde of leeches sucking heads off with their hands.)
Now, without further ado, let’s talk about the pricing of this solid contender for GOTY 2024. Or possibly DLCOTY 2024.
Elden Ring The Shadow of Erdtree ed.
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Available on Xbox Series X and PS5.
– To buy Elden Ring Shadow of Erdtree digital on Couple – $59.95
– To buy Elden Ring shade from the Erdtree edition digital on Couple – $119.95
Shadow of the Erdtree Collector’s Edition.
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Available on Xbox Series X and PS5.
– Buy A PC release straight from Bandai Namco – $449.95
In fact, I’ve already played all the way through Shadow of the Erdtree and I know the theme of this collector’s edition like the back of my Malenia’s Gauntlet. The posterboy of the entire DLC and the star of at least one major trailer, Messmer the Impaler is an enemy that both turns heads with its design and destroys lives with its merciless on-screen attacks.
The Elden Ring universe is full of memorable boss battles and some badass beasts – Messmer deserves his place both at the top of the boss food chain and in this swimming pool room site in your own castle.
His Poke-ness rests in a collector’s edition box, covered with runes and measuring 20x27x38 cm. Breaking the seal of this prison will reveal a number of items in addition to the Messmer that you should quickly find in your inventory.
The full list includes:
- Shadow of the Erdtree DLC code (without base game)
- Exclusive hardcover art book
- Digital soundtrack
- Bonus pre-order gesture
As for the artbook, it’s a high-quality visual odyssey into parts of the Shadowlands that, honestly, still gives me PTSD. These are great tourist spots die for, like the archaic ruins of Rauh, the Hinterlands and the always breathtaking Cerulean Coast. These are all places you’ll soon be afraid of and swooning over.
Speaking of fainting, let’s get to the main event – this 46cm Messmer the Impaler figure. For unknown reasons (at least to me), Messmer is an extremely skinny type of guy who was always picked first to play b-ball in Shadow Realms. Our boy will tower impressively over the 23cm Malenia figure included with the original Elden Ring Collector’s Edition if you are lucky enough to own one.
The vision shown here is high, shadowy and macabre. Messmer is simply a conversation piece with a topic at hand Well, how the hell do you kill that bastard? I actually know this information through a lot of trial and error, but I’ll leave you all to discover it for yourself.
Starting with a snake’s head (literally), the Messmer has an open-faced helmet that provides more than enough protection against fire, lightning, and other projectiles described in the average health and safety guide. I also like the details of the snakes decorating his crown, the dragon-shaped wings on his sides, and the face shields of the Centurion galea.
As far as facial details go, it’s a more than decent depiction of the furiously grim demigod. I especially like the true depiction of Messmer’s otherworldly eyes – the same kind of voyeuristic eyes that dragons and rune bears have in this universe, suggesting that the senior friend has Dr. Doolittle’s ability to fight like-minded beasts.
Indeed, we already get that impression thanks to the three slimy sidekicks who hang around our subject. One in particular hangs over his right shoulder, near a miniature parseltongue chat. All of this was recreated using elements of the game that I knew well – especially the little wings sticking out of those little death macaroons. I won’t tell you why this will be bad news for you…
As for decorations, ladies. Snake Hips himself is dressed in the cleverly named Messmer’s Armor (which, pro tip: provides particularly good Lightning and Fire damage denial, but isn’t the best against Slash). The blood-red cloak that unfolds dramatically in the game is recreated quite nicely here in the physical realm. Only Batman rocks a cape with more pizzazz than this guy. And when it comes to subtle fur detailing on the edges of the coat, John Wayne has nothing on our game.
