Despite warnings from both reviewers and FromSoftware, Shadow of the Erdtree, the expansion to 2022's Elden Ring, has gained a reputation for extreme difficulty since its release on June 21. Director Hidetaka Miyazaki himself predicted this challenge, pushing the player beyond what they may be used to. While some argue that the game lacks balance and fairness, others defend FromSoftware's tradition of creating tough DLCs for those seeking a higher challenge. This debate around difficulty in Soulslike games is nothing new, but with Shadow of the Erdtree, it has sparked renewed conversation. The expansion's difficulty shock has disappointed some players, with even the publisher suggesting strategies to overcome it. With Elden Ring being accessible to newcomers, the intense challenge of the DLC has come as a surprise to many, leading to mixed reviews and discussions on the true nature of difficulty in gaming.