If you’ve been searching for information about the Chained Echoes DLC, chances are you’re wondering one of three things: what the DLC actually adds, whether it’s worth buying, or how to access and complete it. Fortunately, Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant delivers answers to all of those questions through a compact but content-rich expansion that expands the world of Valandis while introducing a new region, new character, fresh gameplay systems, and additional lore.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the base game or a newcomer curious about the expansion, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Chained Echoes DLC.
What Is the Chained Echoes DLC? (Ashes of Elrant Overview)
Quick Summary — Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
| DLC Full Name | Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant |
| Base Game | Chained Echoes (2022) |
| Developer | Umami Tiger (Matthias Linda) |
| Publisher | Deck13 Spotlight |
| Release Date | August 7, 2025 |
| Platforms | PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S |
| Price | $9.99 / €9.99 |
| DLC Length | ~7–10 Hours |
| Metacritic Score | 78 (Critics) / 7.5 (Users) |
| OpenCritic Rating | Strong – 78 Average |
What Is Chained Echoes? (For New Players)
Chained Echoes is a retro-inspired JRPG created by solo developer Matthias Linda. Originally released in December 2022, the game quickly gained a dedicated following thanks to its classic 16-bit aesthetic, strategic turn-based combat, memorable cast, and modern quality-of-life features.
The game went on to earn critical acclaim and even won Best German Game at the 2023 German Computer Game Awards. Many JRPG fans consider it one of the strongest indie RPGs of the last decade.
If you haven’t played the base game yet, it’s highly recommended to start there before considering the DLC.
What Is Ashes of Elrant? (DLC Story Setup)
Ashes of Elrant is a story expansion set shortly before the final boss battle of the main campaign.
The Crimson Wings receive a new request for aid from the mysterious land of Elrant. During this adventure, players learn more about the Order of Leonar, explore additional details surrounding Lenne’s past, and recruit a new playable companion known as White Wolf.
Unlike many RPG expansions, the DLC operates through its own separate progression system rather than integrating directly into your main campaign save.
Chained Echoes DLC Release Date, Price & Platform Availability
Chained Echoes DLC Release Date — All Platforms
Ashes of Elrant launched worldwide on August 7, 2025, across all supported platforms simultaneously.
The DLC was originally planned for a Q2 2025 release but was delayed to accommodate additional localization work and bug-fixing efforts. The expansion was first announced publicly in December 2024, with the official delay confirmed in June 2025.
Chained Echoes DLC Price — How Much Does It Cost?
| Platform | Price |
| Steam | $9.99 |
| GOG | $9.99 |
| Nintendo Switch eShop | $9.99 |
| PlayStation Store | $9.99 |
| Xbox Store | $9.99 |
Occasional sales have reduced the price to approximately $6.49, making it an even stronger value proposition for fans willing to wait.
Is Chained Echoes DLC on Nintendo Switch eShop?
Yes. Ashes of Elrant is available directly through the Nintendo Switch eShop.
Players must own the base version of Chained Echoes to access the DLC. Once purchased and installed, it becomes available from the game’s title screen.
How to Access the Chained Echoes DLC (Step-by-Step)
Requirements Before Starting Ashes of Elrant
Before beginning the DLC, make sure you:
- Own the base game Chained Echoes
- Purchase and install Ashes of Elrant
- Understand that the DLC contains significant story spoilers
- Have either a completed save file or use the provided pre-made save
The good news is that finishing the base game is not technically required.
How to Start the Chained Echoes DLC — Step-by-Step
Follow these steps:
- Purchase Ashes of Elrant from your platform store.
- Install the DLC.
- Launch Chained Echoes.
- Select “DLC – Ashes of Elrant” from the title screen.
- Choose either:
- Cleared Story Save
- Pre-Made Save File
- Watch the optional story recap.
- Begin your journey in Elrant.
This process is identical across all platforms.
How to Access Chained Echoes DLC on Nintendo Switch Specifically
Switch owners simply need to:
- Purchase the DLC via the Nintendo eShop.
- Download the content.
- Launch Chained Echoes.
- Select “DLC – Ashes of Elrant” from the main menu.
One minor inconvenience is that switching between the DLC and base game requires fully closing and relaunching the game.
Chained Echoes DLC Review — Is Ashes of Elrant Worth It?
My Honest Take on Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant
Ashes of Elrant successfully captures everything fans loved about the original game. Combat remains excellent, character interactions are engaging, and the soundtrack continues to impress. Modern JRPG fans who enjoyed games like
- Octopath Traveler II Review,
- Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes Review,
- Metaphor: ReFantazio Review (2025)
will immediately appreciate the same blend of strategy, storytelling, and classic turn-based design found in this DLC expansion.
The biggest criticism involves story placement. Since the expansion takes place before the main game’s finale, it can feel somewhat awkward narratively. Many players may have preferred a true post-game chapter.
Still, the DLC offers meaningful additions:
- White Wolf as a new playable character
- Over 40 new monsters and bosses
- New towns and explorable regions
- Fishing and digging minigames
- Fifteen new music tracks
- Additional lore surrounding Lenne and the Order of Leonar
While it may not feel “massive” compared to some marketing expectations, it remains a worthwhile expansion.
Chained Echoes DLC Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Expands important lore | Story placement feels unusual |
| New character: White Wolf | Shorter than some expected |
| 40+ new enemies and bosses | Separate save structure |
| Excellent soundtrack additions | No seamless campaign integration |
| New minigames | Must relaunch game to switch modes |
| Affordable price | Not ideal for newcomers |
Chained Echoes DLC Review Score Breakdown
| Source | Score |
| Metacritic Critics | 78/100 |
| Metacritic Users | 7.5/10 |
| OpenCritic | 78 |
| Recommendation Rate | 50% |
Who Should Buy Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant?
If you enjoy evaluating RPG value and long-term replayability, you may also find comparisons useful from
- Is Cyberpunk 2077 Worth It in 2025/2026?,
- Witcher 3 Next Gen Update Guide,
- Ghost of Tsushima Review & Rating
to better understand how expansions and upgrades affect overall game value over time.
Buy it if:
- You loved the original game.
- You want more story and lore.
- You enjoy Chained Echoes’ combat system.
Wait for a sale if:
- You’re uncertain about paying $9.99 for a 7–10 hour expansion.
Skip it if:
- You haven’t played the base game yet.
Chained Echoes DLC Length — How Long Is Ashes of Elrant?
DLC Completion Time Breakdown
| Playstyle | Estimated Time |
| Main Story Only | 6–7 Hours |
| Story + Side Content | 7–10 Hours |
| Full Completion | 10–12 Hours |
Most players report finishing the expansion in around eight hours while completing a reasonable amount of optional content.
Chained Echoes DLC Walkthrough — Key Areas & Progression Guide
DLC Story Chapter Overview (No Major Spoilers)
Act 1 – Into the Unknown
Players arrive in Elrant and begin investigating the region’s troubles.
Act 2 – Elrant City
The first major hub area opens, introducing important NPCs and story developments.
Act 3 – The Wastelands & Deadlands
Exploration expands significantly, requiring progression items such as the Sewerage Key.
Act 4 – Pools of Power
Players unlock additional traversal options and advance through key progression chains.
Act 5 – The Open Way
The final stretch includes endgame preparation and climactic boss encounters.
Chained Echoes DLC Tips & Tricks for Beginners
- Watch the recap if you haven’t played recently.
- Equip Water Resistance crystals before major aquatic encounters.
- Explore thoroughly in the Deadlands.
- Complete Fishing Guild quests early.
- Don’t overlook the Sewerage Key.
- Use Sky Armors whenever possible.
- Remember that returning to the base game requires a full restart.
Pools of Power — Quick Location Guide (Spoiler-Light)
Pools of Power are among the most important progression systems in the DLC.
Key progression often involves:
- Fishing Guild tasks
- Obtaining bait
- Acquiring a sieve
- Meeting specific NPCs
- Unlocking swimming
- Creating the Water of Life item
Completing these chains unlocks both story progression and valuable rewards.
Chained Echoes DLC vs. Base Game — What’s New?
What’s Added in Ashes of Elrant Compared to the Base Game?
| Feature | Base Game | DLC |
| Characters | Original Party | + White Wolf |
| Setting | Valandis | Elrant |
| Enemies | 100+ | +40 New |
| Music | Original OST | +15 Tracks |
| Minigames | Standard Content | Fishing & Digging |
| Story | Main Campaign | Pre-Finale Chapter |
| Saves | Standard | Separate DLC Save |
Chained Echoes DLC on Nintendo Switch — eShop Buying Guide
How to Buy Chained Echoes DLC on Nintendo Switch eShop
- Open the Nintendo eShop.
- Search for “Chained Echoes Ashes of Elrant.”
- Confirm you own the base game.
- Purchase the DLC.
- Download and install.
- Launch from the title screen.
Is the Base Game Required to Play the DLC on Switch?
Yes. Ashes of Elrant is not a standalone release.
You must own Chained Echoes before the expansion can be accessed.
Chained Echoes DLC Reddit & Community Verdict
What Players Are Saying About Ashes of Elrant
Community reception has generally been positive.
Players consistently praise:
- Combat quality
- Boss design
- Additional lore
- White Wolf’s inclusion
- Music and presentation
Common criticisms include:
- Short runtime
- Story placement before the finale
- Separate save implementation
Overall, most fans consider Ashes of Elrant a solid extension of an already beloved JRPG.
About Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant
Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant is the official DLC expansion for Chained Echoes, the acclaimed retro-inspired JRPG developed by Matthias Linda and published by Deck13 Spotlight. Set shortly before the final battle of the base game, the expansion sends the Crimson Wings on a new mission to the mysterious land of Elrant. Along the way, players uncover more about the Order of Leonar, explore Lenne’s past, and recruit a brand-new playable character, White Wolf.
The DLC expands the original game’s world with new locations, over 40 enemies and bosses, fresh equipment, side activities, and more than 15 new music tracks. Fans of the base game will find the same strategic turn-based combat, pixel-art visuals, and character-driven storytelling that made Chained Echoes popular among JRPG enthusiasts. With roughly 7–10 hours of additional content, Ashes of Elrant offers a meaningful extension of the adventure while providing deeper lore and challenging new encounters for returning players.
Minimum System Requirements
| Component | Requirement |
| OS | Windows 7 or newer |
| Processor | Dual Core Processor |
| Memory | 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics | Radeon R9 200 or equivalent |
| DirectX | Version 11 |
| Storage | 1 GB available space |
Recommended System Requirements
| Component | Requirement |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Processor | Intel i5 (or equivalent) |
| Memory | 6 GB RAM |
| Graphics | GeForce 780 or equivalent |
| DirectX | Version 11 |
| Storage | 1 GB available space |
Frequently Asked Questions — Chained Echoes DLC
Is There a Chained Echoes 2 or Sequel?
No official sequel has been announced. Ashes of Elrant remains the only expansion released so far.
Do You Need to Finish Chained Echoes Before Starting the DLC?
No. A pre-made save file is included.
However, because of major spoilers, completing the main game first is strongly recommended.
What Platforms Is Chained Echoes DLC Available On?
The DLC is available on:
- PC (Steam and GOG)
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X|S
Is Chained Echoes DLC on Game Pass?
The base game has been available through Xbox Game Pass, but Ashes of Elrant is sold separately and is not included with Game Pass.
How Is the DLC Accessed — Is It Separate From the Base Game?
Yes. The expansion is launched from the title screen and uses separate save slots rather than integrating directly into the main campaign.
Final Verdict — Is the Chained Echoes DLC Worth Buying?
Overall Rating Summary
| Category | Score |
| Story & Lore Depth | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Combat & Gameplay | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Content Volume | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| Music & Presentation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (78/100) |
Bottom Line
Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant is a worthwhile expansion that successfully delivers more of what made the original game special. The combat remains excellent, the soundtrack is fantastic, and the new lore adds meaningful depth to the world and characters.
Its biggest weaknesses are the somewhat awkward story placement and a runtime that may feel shorter than expected for players hoping for a truly massive expansion. Nevertheless, at $9.99, the DLC provides strong value and several hours of quality JRPG content.
Verdict: If you loved Chained Echoes, Ashes of Elrant is an easy recommendation. If you haven’t played the base game yet, start there first and return to the DLC afterward for the best experience.
