Elden Ring: The Difficulty of Shadow of the Erdtree

Despite the developers’ recommendation to wait until reaching a higher level before entering the expansion, fans of Elden Ring have discovered the immense difficulty of Shadow of the Erdtree and how unprepared they were.

Given the necessary prerequisites for entering the new DLC, it was evident that the upcoming zone and adversaries would pose a significant challenge, making it unwise for anyone to attempt without first properly leveling up.

Despite the players’ preparation, it seems that the difficulty of Elden Ring has surpassed their expectations, leading to many sharing their frustrations on social media.

Shit is Tough out here byu/datboi_salami inEldenring

On the subreddit for the game, fans were finally able to spend time with Shadow of the Erdtree and discovered the true brutality of the new enemies.

As a user pointed out, “Everything hits like a bus,”which is not surprising considering it is FROM DLC.

The fan described their build as being specifically designed for tanking and having high poise, allowing them to withstand attacks without being staggered, including those from the toughest enemy in the base game, the Elden Beast. However, they have noticed that the enemies in the DLC are now able to deal significant damage, taking half of their health with each attack.

It was anticipated to encounter challenging opponents in Shadow of the Erdtree, but FromSoftware has truly elevated the difficulty to a whole new level.

One fan shared their experience with encountering one of the first enemies in the game, stating that it caused them a lot of difficulty. They recalled, “At first, I thought people were exaggerating when they said the gargoyle birds were tough. I easily defeated one in just three hits. However, when I got hit, it quickly depleted 10% of my HP and left me struggling.”

To address this issue, several individuals have emphasized the importance of collecting additional DLC-specific items that provide a boost while in the Realm of Shadow.

Exploring the initial section of the new map allows players to come across valuable items known as Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ash, which can be utilized to enhance their character’s abilities.

Despite causing players significant difficulties, it seems that the increased challenge of Elden Ring’s expansion was intentionally designed to accompany the introduction of these new collectibles.

Despite the challenges, it is evident that they have not deterred players from enjoying the DLC, as Shadow of the Erdtree has already surpassed Blood and Wine from The Witcher 3 as the top-rated DLC ever released.