With Elden Ring's multiple endings, it may be tough to resolve which could be canon. Though, the art for Shadow from the Erdtree may hold some clues

The chance of Shadow from the Erdtree being set following the events of Elden Ring has numerous wondering which ending is canon. The game allows players to create a variety of choices that impact the story’s conclusion, also it stands to reason those choices may also impact Shadow from the Erdtree whether it takes place after Elden Ring’s main story. One particular ending sticks out as a possible canon choice, especially according to details in Shadow from Erdtree’s announcement image.

Elden Ring has six endings to select from, with each leaving The Lands Between and also the Erdtree in various states. The art for Shadow from the Erdtree depicts the Erdtree still standing, albeit in a decayed state. This would appear to remove the Frenzied Flame ending, which sees the Erdtree in ruins, like a canon option. Ranni’s Age of Stars is Elden Ring’s best ending but doesn’t necessarily seem sensible, because it entails the ball player leaving behind The Lands Between to become listed on Ranni. This leaves the Elden Lord ending and it is variations up for consideration, which one is noticeable.

Shadow Of The Erdtree Could Make Sense With The Duskborn Ending

The Age from the Duskborn ending could make the most sense as Elden Ring’s canon ending, given some hints in the art for Shadow from the Erdtree. This ending leaves the Erdtree intact but additionally creates a dark ash-like substance permeating the region near the capital city. Something similar is visible falling in the Erdtree within the art for Shadow from the Erdtree, which implies a connection to Elden Ring’s Duskborn ending and also the Deathblight of Godwyn’s corpse. Miquella, the smoothness speculated to be within the Shadow from the Erdtree image, was built with a close relationship with Godwyn. Despite these potential connections, however, the ending might have less of an effect than some players might think.

Elden Ring’s Ending Probably Won’t Matter In Shadow Of The Erdtree

If FromSoftware follows the popularity established using their previous DLCs, then Elden Ring’s ending may have little to no effect on Shadow from the Erdtree. In past titles, FromSoftware DLC is accessed through points within the main game world, which may be a difficult thing to do inside a post-endgame Elden Ring. Moreover, the ending chosen in the past games hardly had an effect on playing through DLCs. There is one notable expiation, though, in Dark Souls 3 and it is Ashes of Ariandel DLC. In this instance, a character will reference the ball player’s ending choice when they followed the Usurpation of Fire, Dark Souls 3’s true ending, before entering the development area.

It can be done something similar could exist in Shadow from the Erdtree, but it’s doubtful that Elden Ring would take it further. With as numerous possible choices, as the game already has, it might be quite time-consuming to implement reactions or consequences that took into consideration all the potential paths the ball player can take. Unless FromSoftware states otherwise just before release, probably the most accurate assumption is the fact that Elden Ring won't have a canon ending that ties into the development. This also implies that players likely don’t have to beat Elden Ring’s main story before playing Shadow from the Erdtree.