If you were planning on sleeping this week, I have bad news. FromSoftware has just shadow-dropped the first major expansion for Elden Ring Nightreign, titled The Forsaken Hollows. While we all knew something was cooking for the December update, nobody expected a content drop of this magnitude.
Released just six months after the base game’s launch in May 2025, this DLC proves that Miyazaki still loves two things: surprised fanbases and poison swamps. Let’s dive into the rot-filled details.
Welcome to The Great Hollows
The centerpiece of this DLC is a brand new zone called The Great Hollows. Accessible via the new “Shifting Earth” event, this area feels like a twisted cousin of the Ainsel River from the original Elden Ring, but with significantly more verticality. The entire zone is blanketed in a thick, choking ash fog that limits visibility, forcing players to rely on sound cues to avoid ambushes.
And yes, the rumors are true: There are new swamps. Early reports from the Reddit community confirm the existence of not just one, but multiple status-effect zones, including Sleep, Madness, and the fan-favorite Scarlet Rot. Bring your boluses.
New Mechanics: Forges and Shifting Earth
It’s not just a new map; the DLC changes how you play the game. Two major systems have been introduced:
- The Forges: Scattered across the map, these new interactable points allow you to “re-roll” an attribute on your weapon. Got a great sword with a useless stat? You can now gamble at a Forge to change it. It adds a rogue-lite layer to the loot grind that fits perfectly with Nightreign’s replayable nature.
- Shifting Earth Events: This is the wildest addition. Certain conditions now trigger a “Shifting Earth” state where the map geography physically alters, opening up massive cavities like The Great Hollows. It makes the world feel unstable and alive in a very creepy way.
New “Nightfarers” Join the Hunt
For those tired of their current build, The Forsaken Hollows introduces two new playable characters, known as Nightfarers. These aren’t just cosmetic skins; they come with unique starting loadouts and stats tailored for specific playstyles.
| Nightfarer Class | Playstyle Focus | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| The Scholar | Arcane & Observation | High Arcane; gains tactical advantages by observing enemies. |
| The Undertaker | Strength & Faith | Heavy hitter; specializes in putting down undead and Nightlords. |
The Community Verdict
Over on Reddit, the reception has been mostly positive, though there is a hot debate over the price tag. At $15, some users feel it’s a steal for a new map and two characters, while others are comparing it unfavorably to the massive Shadow of the Erdtree expansion from the first game. However, user Spader623 pointed out that getting a new map, bosses, and mechanics for the price of a lunch is hard to argue with.
FAQs
1. How do I unlock The Forsaken Hollows DLC?
You need to defeat two Nightlord expeditions in the base game. One of them must be the Tricephalos expedition. Once done, the Shifting Earth event will trigger, revealing the entrance.
2. Is this a DLC for the original Elden Ring (2022)?
No. This is a DLC for Elden Ring Nightreign, the standalone co-op focused title released in May 2025.
3. How much does it cost?
The DLC is priced at $14.99. However, if you own the Deluxe or Collector’s Edition of Nightreign, it is included for free.
4. Who are the new bosses?
The main threats include the Balancers and a new Nightlord named Libra. There are also several new field bosses scattered throughout the Great Hollows.
5. Can I play the new characters in the base game?
Yes! Once unlocked, the Scholar and Undertaker Nightfarers can be used in any part of the game, including the original base game expeditions.
Conclusion
Elden Ring Nightreign was already a fantastic twist on the Souls formula, and The Forsaken Hollows leans into what makes it special: unpredictability. With the map literally changing shape beneath your feet and new nightmares waiting in the fog, this is the perfect excuse to squad up and dive back in. Just don’t forget to bring some anti-poison moss.