Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree’s new characters are breaking down

The waiting for Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is almost over. FromSoftware and Bandai Namco released the first trailer for the game on Wednesday, revealing that the highly anticipated DLC for the open-world role-playing game will be released on June 21.

The trailer was just over three minutes long, but the developers packed it full of looks at several new characters and monstrosities that would be coming as part of the expansion. Between that and the new images in the announcement, we have plenty of hotties, weirdos, and downright horrors to look forward to. Let’s break it down.

Messmer the Impaler

Of all the characters shown, Messmer the Impaler came out on top as the clear star of the new trailer. In an interview with IGNHidetaka Miyazaki said that Messmer will play a central role in the DLC and will have a story that fits the expansion’s main theme: ‘shadow’. According to Miyazaki, Messmer’s throne is the same as the one from the palace room where you fight Morgott, which is “supposed to symbolize that Messmer is on equal footing with these other demigods and children of Marika.”

Besides being a main character, Messmer also has a great design. He wears a long red hose and has shiny red locks. It’s no wonder he’s already inspired fans to post about him online. If you’re already obsessed, here’s some good news: Messmer is releasing the Collector’s Edition of the game.

Miquella, is that you?

At the very end of the trailer, the developers teased another character. We don’t see their faces, but it shows a brief shot of them and their glowing locks from behind. The developers haven’t confirmed who it is, but it’s possible it’s Miquella of the Haligtree, the demigod and twin brother of Malenia. We know from the game’s trailer and description that Miquella will play a central role in the new DLC, so it’s possible this is his first real appearance.

New possible bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree

One point in the trailer flashes between different characters in quick succession. Fans speculate that each could be an important boss fight in the Tarnished’s journey through the Land of Shadow. They all look terrifying and creepy in their own way and you can watch a slideshow of them above. My personal favorite is the creepy lady who looks like a carcass lying in a violet forest and the fat suit of armor with its pot.

The return of the Academy of Raya Lucaria

The trailer showed a person sitting on a throne in a dark palace. We only get a very brief glimpse, so there’s not much to go off of, but the setting and design could indicate that this character could be part of the Academy of Raya Lucaria, home of the Glintstone Sorcerers and scholars .

The scariest possible boss fight shown in the Shadow of the Erdtree trailer

Of all the monsters shown, this giant flaming basket looked particularly terrifying. The size alone would put me off. It towers over everything around it and seems like it has the potential to burn down entire forests and kill the Defiled over and over again.

This scary worm monster stole the show

The trailer showed a worm monster that can leak out of a character’s head. There’s not much to say here other than I don’t want to be the person in this scenario.

More lion guards

The trailer showed a battle against a horrific lion-like monster. The design reminds me a lot of the Lion Guardians from the base game, so it’s possible the DLC will add even more of them to protect the castles.

More new Elden Ring monsters

Both the trailer and the released screenshots tease quite a few monsters that the Tarnished will encounter in the Land of the Shadow. At this point it’s hard to tell what is or isn’t a boss fight, but each monster looks impressive either way. Some, like this glowing worm, look a little too cute to put up a full-on battle, but others seem strong enough to pose formidable challenges for the Tarnished. Scroll through the images to see all the creatures shown in the trailer. Overall, it seems like this journey will be terrifying.