Hot Take - Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Isn't That Hard, Actually

It’s Time to Rethink Your Stance on Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

When FromSoftware released the much-anticipated DLC for Elden Ring, titled Shadow of the Erdtree, the initial response wasn’t what many had hoped for. Unlike the base game, which was met with overwhelming praise, the DLC faced harsh criticism for its perceived difficulty, with some players even deeming it unbeatable. Many complained that the bosses had erratic attack patterns that demanded near-perfect timing to overcome.

While some of this criticism may have had merit, it's becoming clear that Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree isn’t as daunting as those first reviews suggested. In reality, players have access to a variety of tools and strategies that can make the DLC more manageable. Though challenging, Shadow of the Erdtree is not necessarily tougher than other titles from FromSoftware.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Challenges the Unprepared

There’s no denying that Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is a challenging experience. Players who aren’t well-prepared and who rush into battles will find themselves struggling. This is largely because the bosses in this DLC are more aggressive, often attacking in relentless waves that require precise timing to counter. For those who found the base game difficult, Shadow of the Erdtree could feel nearly impossible.

Another reason for its difficulty is that Shadow of the Erdtree doesn’t feature any overwhelmingly powerful weapons. While there are impressive weapons to discover, FromSoftware has carefully balanced each one to avoid breaking the game’s flow or making the base game too easy if taken back. The DLC aims to maintain a balanced gameplay experience by avoiding the introduction of any game-breaking elements.

For players new to FromSoftware’s challenging titles, especially those whose first exposure was through Elden Ring, the difficulty of Shadow of the Erdtree might feel overwhelming. Even seasoned players from the Dark Souls series have found the DLC’s toughest boss to be a formidable challenge. The difficulty of Shadow of the Erdtree aligns more closely with the Dark Souls series and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, making it feel more punishing to those expecting the relatively gentler experience of the base game.

Shadow of the Erdtree: A Challenge on Par with Dark Souls

Many players who enjoyed the slightly more forgiving design of Elden Ring may have approached Shadow of the Erdtree with a bit too much confidence. Being overpowered in the base game could lead to underestimating the DLC’s challenges. Unlike Elden Ring, where players could often avoid tough battles by exploring other areas, Shadow of the Erdtree features consistently difficult boss fights that leave little room for avoiding confrontations.

Players who started the DLC at seemingly high levels may have been surprised by the new difficulty curve, finding themselves under-leveled despite appearances. To handle the challenges effectively, players should ideally enter Shadow of the Erdtree at level 150, though it is possible, albeit tougher, at level 120.

For veterans of FromSoftware’s other titles like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, or Sekiro, the more intense boss encounters and linear progression in Shadow of the Erdtree are familiar territory. Shadow of the Erdtree returns to the classic level of difficulty these games are known for, offering a rewarding challenge to those who found the base Elden Ring experience too lenient. Naturally, this shift feels jarring for newcomers.

The Importance of Scadutree Fragments in Shadow of the Erdtree

Thankfully, Shadow of the Erdtree introduces a new mechanic designed to ease the difficulty: Scadutree Fragments. These valuable consumables significantly boost both the player’s damage output and their ability to withstand attacks. Following the 1.12.2 calibration update, the buffs provided by Scadutree Fragments were increased, making the early stages of the DLC less daunting.

Players who neglect to gather these Fragments miss out on a vital tool for making boss battles more manageable. Fortunately, Scadutree Fragments are not too hard to find, and collecting them offers a nice diversion from early tough bosses. To achieve the same level of power as in Elden Ring, finding all the Scadutree Fragments is crucial.

In Shadow of the Erdtree, there are 50 Scadutree Fragments available. Collecting all of them elevates the player to the maximum Scadutree Blessing level of 20.

Collecting just seven Scadutree Fragments, as adjusted in the 1.12.2 update, boosts the player's damage to 150%. While the benefits from each additional Fragment diminish, gathering them all still allows players to deal substantial damage. More importantly, the reduced damage taken makes it easier to survive trading blows with bosses.

Patience is Key in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is undoubtedly a difficult expansion, one that will test even the most seasoned FromSoftware players. The bosses are more relentless, their attacks are harder to predict, and they have devastating moves that can quickly wipe out unprepared players. Entering Shadow of the Erdtree is not for the faint of heart, and players should brace themselves for a tough journey.

However, the DLC is not as insurmountable as some initial reactions suggested. This isn’t just because of the scaling tweaks in the update, but because Shadow of the Erdtree provides players with everything they need to succeed. In return, it demands that players come equipped with the right level, strategy, and build.

Players who take the time to gather Scadutree Fragments and learn the new boss patterns will find Shadow of the Erdtree to be a challenging yet rewarding experience. The DLC requires players to reassess their strategies, significantly raising the difficulty, but still respecting the progress made in the base game. For those willing to tackle Shadow of the Erdtree with patience and preparation, another unforgettable journey awaits.