The wait for Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree is almost over, but before you dive into the Land of Shadows, here’s a fun theory about its release date that might just leave you saying, “Praise the Sun!”
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Release Date and the “Praise the Sun” Theory
As pointed out by user Writer_On_a_Perch on the Elden Ring subreddit, the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC launches on June 20th in the evening for some players, while others will see it arrive at midnight on June 21st. This seemingly ordinary date holds a secret – it coincides with the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year.
This detail has sparked speculation within the community. Some jokingly suggest that director Hidetaka Miyazaki deliberately chose this date for its extended daylight hours, allowing players more time to delve into the DLC. However, others believe it might be a subtle nod to the beloved “Praise the Sun” meme from Dark Souls.
For those unfamiliar, “Praise the Sun” is a long-standing tradition in the Soulsborne genre. It originated in Dark Souls with Solaire of Astora, a cheerful character who offered a ray of hope in the game’s otherwise grim world. His signature “Praise the Sun” gesture became a symbol of optimism and community within the player base.
The connection deepens when considering the DLC’s setting – the Land of Shadows. The symbolism of the longest day leading players into a land shrouded in darkness is quite poetic. While it’s possible this is just a case of classic Soulsborne pattern recognition, it wouldn’t be out of character for Elden Ring to include such an external reference.
Regardless of the intention behind the date, the discovery of a potential Easter egg is a testament to the dedicated Elden Ring community. It adds another layer of intrigue to the already highly anticipated DLC release.
