Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree vs Path of Exile 2
Shadow of the Erdtree is a dense, opaque expansion for Elden Ring veterans; Path of Exile 2 offers refined ARPG depth but still lacks finality as early access.
Updated 25d ago
Best-in-class single-player DLC if you finished base Elden Ring — Land of Shadow rivals a full game, and patch 1.14 tamed Consort Radahn's combos.
Punches above its Early Access tag if you want Diablo combat with PoE1's depth — wait for 1.0 if you hate league build wipes.
By the numbers
Prices checked Sep 9; they move faster than we refresh, so confirm on the store page.
Recent-review figures are Steam's own last-30-days window, read Sep 9.
| Measure | Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree | Path of Exile 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Value Path of Exile 2 wins on value | ||
| Price now | $35.17 −12% · GameBillet | $29.99 Steam |
| All-time low | $31.49 | $29.99 |
| Cost / hour | $1.37/hr $35.17 · 26 h main story | $0.79/hr $29.99 · 38 h main story |
| Off its low | +12% low was Aug 2024 | At its low vs $29.99 low |
| Main story | 26 h | 38 h |
| Health Path of Exile 2 wins on player health | ||
| Steam reviews | 70% 104k reviews | 75% 226k reviews |
| Recent reviews | 53% 200 votes · vs 70% lifetime · souring | 81% 1k votes · vs 75% lifetime · improving |
| Peak players | — Not yet charted | 36,995 Aug 2026 · ↓ 71% MoM |
| Launch peak | — | 6% of Dec 2024 launch peak · as of Aug 2026 |
| All-time peak | — | 578,562 Dec 2024 |
| Support | ||
| Last patch | — | 3 weeks ago |
| Patch cadence | — | 1+ in last 90 days, at minimum |
| Steam Deck | — | Platinum |
Key differences
Which one is for you?
Pick Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree if
- You finished base Elden Ring and want more of that world
- You enjoy opaque exploration where secrets hide behind fragments
- You want a tight 26-hour expansion with no ongoing patches
Pick Path of Exile 2 if
- You like ARPGs with endless build-crafting and seasonal resets
- You prefer a live game that evolves with frequent balance patches
- You want under $1-per-hour value across a long 38-hour campaign
Bottom line
Choose Erdtree if you're done with Elden Ring and want a polished, finite challenge; pick Path of Exile 2 if you accept early-access wipes and want endless build experimentation.