The upcoming “Shadow of the Erdtree” DLC for Elden Ring is set to offer a unique challenge even to players who have reached the pinnacle of character development in the main game. The expansion, slated for release in June, will feature a distinct leveling system inspired by the one found in Sekiro, as revealed by the game’s director, Hidetaka Miyazaki. The DLC’s innovative approach will require players to develop a new “attack power” stat specific to the DLC’s areas, which will determine the amount of damage inflicted upon adversaries.
Elden Ring DLC: A New Way to Power Up
Miyazaki, in discussion with Famitsu and translated by Reddit user theangryfurlong, highlighted that the inclusion of this system serves to maintain the sense of freedom and progression experienced in the base game. The new mechanism allows players to enhance their attack power, ensuring that even high-level characters find the DLC challenging and engaging. The intention is for players not to circumvent the new content’s difficulty simply by using their existing maxed-out characters.
Adjusting to the Shadows
This novel “attack power” stat will be pivotal in facing off against formidable bosses within the DLC, some of whom will present a challenge on par with Malenia—one of the main game’s most notorious adversaries. Based on the interview, it seems that players will be able to collect resources to boost their attack power from the bosses they defeat, aligning with the progression system from Sekiro. However, it is yet to be determined how this new stat will weigh against the traditional character levels in the game.
Self-Contained Adventures Await
“Shadow of the Erdtree” is designed as a self-contained experience, accessible to those who have vanquished the necessary bosses, Radahn and Mohg, in the main storyline. Miyazaki assures that the DLC will not intrude upon the main narrative, meaning the events within the DLC remain exclusive to that realm.
The DLC’s introduction of the attack power system strikes a balance, providing a fresh challenge while avoiding the redundancy of overpowering the new content with pre-existing character builds. This design choice allows for diverse gameplay experiences and encourages players to experiment with the new weapons and enemies introduced. Additionally, the flexibility of the system caters to a broad spectrum of playstyles, from those who enjoy a rigorous challenge to those who prefer to tackle the content with unconventional approaches.
In preparation for the release of “Shadow of the Erdtree,” players are encouraged to strategize and refine their approach to fully engage with the new challenges that await. This expansion promises to revitalize the Elden Ring experience with fresh mechanics and enthralling content for both seasoned players and newcomers to the game.
Searching for additional insights into “Shadow of the Erdtree,” I came across an article on IGN titled “Elden Ring’s Upcoming DLC Will Challenge Even the Mightiest Players.” The article provided an in-depth look at the new mechanics and how they would impact gameplay. The DLC not only introduces new enemies and a fresh storyline but also integrates a combat mechanic that requires players to adapt and refine their strategies. The system encourages exploring new tactics, enriching the player’s experience. By ensuring that the DLC remains separate from the main game’s progression, it allows both newcomers and veterans to experience the content without having to invest in an entirely new playthrough. This ingenious design choice keeps the DLC challenging and relevant, offering a fresh experience that complements the original game.
