To directly answer the main question – no, the Elden Ring Digital Deluxe Edition does not include any actual downloadable content or expansions. The Deluxe Edition comes with the full base game plus digital bonus items like an artbook and soundtrack. But no story expansions, new areas, or gameplay content.
As your wise investment guru friend, let me walk you through everything included with Elden Ring‘s various editions, what future DLC may offer, and whether spending extra is worthwhile for you. This comprehensive guide will arm you with insider knowledge to get the best Elden Ring experience!
Breaking Down Elden Ring‘s Editions and Prices
Elden Ring is currently available in standard and Deluxe digital editions on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms. Here‘s what‘s included with each version and how much you‘ll pay:
Elden Ring Standard Edition – $59.99
This base edition includes just the main game. You get the full Elden Ring story experience and access to every area of the Lands Between. No extras.
Elden Ring Deluxe Edition – $79.99
The Deluxe bumps the price up $20 and adds:
- Elden Ring digital artbook
- Elden Ring original soundtrack
That‘s it! No DLC game content is included with the Deluxe Edition. Only the digital art and music.
Down the road, a Game of the Year or Complete Edition will likely launch bundling the base game with all future DLC. But that wouldn‘t arrive until 2024 at the earliest.
Hands-On Impressions of the Deluxe Extras
As an obsessive Elden Ring fan myself, I purchased the Deluxe Edition to get the artbook and soundtrack. Here are my thoughts on what these bonuses offer:
The artbook spans 137 pages and is packed with concept art for environments, enemy designs, weapons, characters, creatures – everything you see in the game. It provides cool insights into how the world was envisioned. The paintings and illustrations are beautiful.
For hardcore fans, the artbook is a neat keepsake. But it doesn‘t influence the gameplay or story at all.
The soundtrack includes 93 tracks from the sweeping orchestral score. The music adds so much atmosphere to Elden Ring‘s world; listening to the OST on its own reminded me of emotional moments in the game.
Again, a nice bonus but not essential. You could buy the soundtrack separately if you just wanted the music.
Analyzing the Actual Value of the Deluxe Edition
Based on the extras included, is Elden Ring‘s Deluxe Edition worth spending an extra $20? Let‘s analyze:
What you get:
- 137 page digital artbook
- 93 track digital soundtrack
Additional cost:
- $20 more than base game
- 33% price increase
Value assessment:
For true collectors and FromSoftware diehards, the artbook and soundtrack are cool, and $20 seems reasonable. However, for casual players who just want to experience the game, the extras are non-essential fluff.
Many players don‘t care about behind-the-scenes content and would rather save $20. I‘d only recommend the Deluxe if you get joy from artbooks and soundtracks specifically.
Elden Ring‘s Free Colosseum DLC Adds Multiplayer Content
Unlike some other big games, Elden Ring has not required any paid DLC purchases (yet) to get new content.
In December 2022, FromSoftware released a free major update adding Colosseum battles. This DLC included:
- PvP battles with up to 6 players
- New cosmetic armor sets
- New emotes and hairstyles
This free DLC gives players cool new ways to compete and customize their characters after finishing the main story. However, it does not expand the primary PvE experience with new areas or bosses.
Think of the Colosseum update as a nice free bonus rather than a core expansion. Elden Ring‘s world remains untouched.
Forecasting Elden Ring‘s Future Paid DLC Plans
While the details are still secret, I predict FromSoftware will release at least 1-2 paid DLC expansions for Elden Ring in the next 1-2 years based on past games.
These paid DLCs will likely cost $15-$20 each and add significant new content like areas, bosses, weapons, and lore. For example:
Dark Souls 3 Paid DLC
Ashes of Ariandel – $14.99
The Ringed City – $14.99
Both expansions were substantial additions to the base game. I expect similar quality and scope for Elden Ring DLC.
By looking at the developer‘s track record, we can make an educated guess of what‘s to come. My money is on paid expansions planning to enrich Elden Ring further.
Recommendations on Which Edition is Best For You
So which version of Elden Ring should you buy, my friend? Here‘s my expert advice tailored to different types of players:
For most gamers, the Standard Edition is the safest bet. You still get the full amazing game everyone is raving about for just $60.
Only upgrade to Deluxe if you really value the art/music extras and want to support FromSoftware.
For Souls lore nuts, the artbook provides cool backstory details. If you want every morsel of worldbuilding, it may be worth it.
For cheeky new players, don‘t buy the Deluxe just because it‘s more expensive! The base game is plenty challenging on its own for first-timers.
For patient perfectionists, wait for a Game of the Year bundle with all DLC included down the road. Probably at least 2 years away though!
Hopefully breaking down each version helps you decide which Elden Ring edition lines up with your budget and interests, valued friend. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Elden Ring By the Numbers: Sales, Scores, and Awards
While we‘ve talked a lot about DLC and extras, let‘s zoom out and look at Elden Ring‘s broader reception and success:
Sales
- Over 16.6 million units sold globally as of January 2023
- Top selling game of 2022 in the US across all platforms
- Bandai Namco‘s fastest selling game ever
Review Scores
- 96 average critic score on Metacritic (PC)
- 9.5 user score on Metacritic (PC)
- Universal acclaim from players and critics
Awards
- Game of the Year winner at The Game Awards, Golden Joysticks, IGN, and over 30 other publications
- Often described as an "instant classic" and milestone in open world gaming
The numbers speak for themselves – Elden Ring has resonated with gamers worldwide in a huge way, from casual players to the hardest of the hardcore.
The phenomenal response proves FromSoftware has another masterpiece on their hands that will be remembered for years to come.
The Verdict: Elden Ring Is a Triumph Regardless of Edition
While I‘ve tried to provide helpful guidance on the Deluxe Edition debate, any version of Elden Ring you play will give you an absolutely magical adventure through the Lands Between.
At the end of the day, the base experience sets the highest bar for open world gaming with its limitless exploration and imagination. Plus outstanding action gameplay with satisfying challenge.
Elden Ring pushes the envelope and trusts players to uncover mysteries at their own pace. There are no hand-holding quest markers or mini-maps cluttering the screen – just you, your wits, and the joy of discovery.
Whichever edition or DLC you choose, Elden Ring allows you to completely lose yourself in its captivating world. And that‘s truly priceless.
Let me know when you start your journey, my good friend! I‘d be happy to provide more tips and cheer you on. This is one trip you‘ll be reminiscing about for a long time after.
