Finally, fellow Tarnished, we've reached the day of days—launch o'clock for Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree. By now, you would have seen our IGN review for this phenomenal 10/10 masterpiece of a DLC that almost feels like a sequel in its own right. Which, let's be honest, is what you love to hear about a bit of add-on content that's very reasonably priced.

Another thing many of us love to hear: a touchstone gaming event like this, that's garnered almost universal praise, has been suitably celebrated with a whizbang edition for diehards. FromSoftware has indeed taken that route with the Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Collector's Edition, a not inexpensive bit of kit that we'll be unboxing and tracking bargains for in a moment. (While stocks last, and hopefully before the scalpers descend, like a horde of head sucking leeches with arms.)

And now, without further ado, let's get you sorted for prices on this rock solid contender for GOTY 2024. Or, possibly, DLCOTY 2024.

Best Shadow of the Erdtree Standard Prices

- Buy Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree digital on Steam - $59.95

- Buy Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Edition digital on Steam - $119.95

Best Shadow of the Erdtree Collector's Prices

- Buy a PC edition direct from Bandai Namco - $449.95

Shadow of the Erdtree Collector's Unboxing

Truth be told, I've been all the way through Shadow of the Erdtree already, and I know the subject of this Collector's Edition like the back of my Malenia's Gauntlet. Posterboy of the entire DLC and star of at least one lead-up trailer, Messmer the Impaler, is a foe that is both eye-catching in his design and lifebar-destroying in his merciless onscreen assaults.

The Elden Ring universe is chock full of memorable boss battles and bad-ass beasties—Messmer deserves his place both at the top of the boss food chain and in that pool room display cabinet in your own castle.

His Poke-ness rests entombed within a Collector's Edition box that's coated in runes and measures 20x27x38 cm. Breaking the seal on this prison reveals a range of items besides Messmer which should be quickly scooped up into your inventory.

The full list includes:

• Shadow of the Erdtree DLC code (no base game)
• Exclusive hardcover art book
• Digital soundtrack
• Preorder Bonus Gesture

With regards to the artbook, it's a high-quality visual odyssey into some parts of the Shadow Realm that I, honestly, still have PTSD from. Wonderful tourist destinations that are to die for, like the Ancient Ruins of Rauh, the Hinterlands, and the always breathtaking Cerulean Coast. They're all locales you'll soon come to fear as well as swoon over.

Speaking of swooning, let's cut to the main event—that 46cm Messmer the Impaler figurine. For reasons unknown (to me at least) Messmer is an especially lanky sort who would always get selected first in a pick up game of Shadow Realms b-ball. Our boy will tower impressively over the 23cm Malenia figure that came with the original Elden Ring Collector's Edition, if you're lucky enough to own that as well.

The visage on display here is one of tall, dark, and gruesome. Messmer is nothing less than a conversation piece, with topic at hand being Well, How On Earth Does One Kill This Bastard? That information I do in fact know, thanks to many an attempt plus trial and error, but I'll leave you all to discover it yourself.

Starting at the head of the snake (so to literally speak), Messmer has an open faced helm that provides more than adequate protection from Fire, Lightning, and other projectiles covered in your average OH&S guide book. I also love the detailing on the snakes that adorn his crown, the dragon-esque winglets on the sides, and those Centurion galea face-guards.

When it comes to actual facial detail, this is a more than decent rendering of a fiercely brooding demigod. I particularly like the accurate portrayal of Messmer's unearthly eyes—the same sort of peepers that dragons and runebears have in this universe, which suggests old mate has an ability to Dr. Doolittle with like-minded beasts.

Indeed, we're already given that impression with the three slithery sidekicks that wind about our subject. One in particular hangs over his right shoulder, in proximity for a quick parseltongue chit-chat. All of these are recreated from the in-game asset that I'm intimately familiar with—particularly the little winglets that protrude from those little death noodles. I'll not reveal why they're going to be bad news for you...

When it comes to finery, Mr.' Snake Hips Himself is draped in the imaginatively named Messmer's Armor (which, pro tip: provides especially good damage negation to Lightning and Fire, but isn't the best against Slash). The blood red cloak that furls out dramatically in-game has been recreated quite nicely here in the physical realm. Only Batman rocks a cape with more pizazz than this guy. And when it comes to the fine fur detailing on the cloak edges, John Wayne ain't got nothing on our fringe game.

Beneath that battle drape is a finely detailed chainmail curiass with additional material accents around the hips. Incidentally, it's a theme that all the cool kids are wearing in the Shadow Keep this season—you'll soon meet a cadre of Fire Knights, Messmer loyalists who ape their bosses style without exceeding it. Because upstagers probably get impaled in that workplace.

Moving below the equator, we're hiding our modesty today with the Roman-esque Messmer Greaves. These are essentially wrapped leather shingards that conjoin with a pair of open toe sandals. Every little pig is accounted for and clearly Messmer has gone with open toe as a means to keep cooler—overheating can and will occur when you're a pyromaniac who spews flames and ground-pounding explosions all day long.

Last but not least, and speaking of flambe, this figurine is dominated by the presence of the Spear of the Impaler. Long enough to be God's own letter-opener and devilishly OP enough to be Satan's favourite pitchfork, this weapon is indeed a 1:1 replica of the in-game stick that jabbed me into a 'You Died' many a time.

The intricate (faux) metal work that makes up the crossguard is impressive, as is the detailing of the mid-shaft handle that reveals the true nature of this stick. Yep, this Great Spear is just as much a throwable javelin as it is a CQC shanker. The only thing that could have made it more authentic would be a hint of flame at the business end—because this stick can be made to explode if you have the mind to R2 charge it up.

At the end of the unbox, what we have here is more authenticity than you can poke a red hot stick at. If you want to adorn your game cave with a stark reminder of how many times you had your butt handed to you by Messmer the Impaler, there is no finer way to do it. (And that includes this Messmer Helmet replica that I feel caters more to the cashed-up cosplay crowd.)

Essentially, I think the Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Collector's Edition can stand proud and tall alongside FromSoftware's many other premium figurines, like this especially dashing Dark Souls 3 one.

If Hidetaka Miyazaki speaks true, Erdtree might well be the last piece of the Elden universe we'll get to experience. I'm certain, then, in the years to come that my eyes will wander over to this figurine and remember back to the great struggle that was. With a thousand-yard stare. As Adagio For Strings plays.