Mastering Elden Ring: Overcoming the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Challenges

I have been following the whole discourse about the Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC difficulty with absolute glee and joy.

DLCs that are designed to be post or around endgame are always going to be more difficult. Think of Artorias of the Abyss, The Old Hunters – maybe not Ashes of Ariandel as a whole, but definitely the Sister Friede boss fight. Then there’s The Ringed City, which wasn’t exactly a walk in the park either. This doesn’t just apply to From Software games, though. Monster Hunter, for example, has always had their expansions, re-releases, and now DLC, be a straight-up “new” difficulty. G-Rank and now Master Rank.

When the notes said you need to have beaten Mogh, an optional endgame boss, why would anyone have thought this is going to be a relaxing field trip? It’s clearly meant to be a challenge for those who have conquered the base game. It’s not like From Software has ever made a DLC to be easy or even moderately difficult for that matter. They aim to test the skills of the seasoned players, and Shadow of the Erdtree is no different.

Speaking of challenges, yes, I like challenge runs. I generally don’t use NPC summons or ashes for the proper bosses, or to put it into a category, a remembrance boss. I also play offline, so that limits my pool of options anyway. But that’s not because of some stupid internet git gud BS, right? That’s just how I enjoy playing the game. And for all of these random field bosses and normal enemy bosses in catacombs, caves and such, you best believe I’ll use ashes as soon as that fight starts.

No one is forcing you to do anything solo or to not use the tools the game offers you. I enjoy the struggle, learning the patterns and beating the bosses by myself. If I didn’t like that approach and especially if it was making me angry and regret my purchase, I would not be doing this. Play the game however you like playing it. Don’t let me or anyone else drive you into a miserable gaming experience. Remember, you most likely paid for this.

Elden Ring’s main goal is to entertain you

Additionally, it’s important to remember that games are meant to be enjoyable. The tools and mechanics that developers put in the game are there for a reason. They provide various ways to tackle challenges and experience the game. If using summons or other aids enhances your enjoyment, go for it! It doesn’t make you any less of a player. Elden Ring, like many other From Software games, provides multiple paths to victory. Embrace the flexibility.

Also, just an FYI, patch 1.12.2 is awesome. They didn’t unnecessarily nerf the bosses but instead gave a not insignificant buff to players who are still early on in the DLC, which is where, I believe, most of the complaints come from anyway. By increasing the amount of damage you dish out and increasing your defence faster up until Scadurtree Level 8 or so, it means less time spent running around collecting those things early on. The total is also in the player’s favour, with 5% more damage at Scadurtree Level 20 and something for defence. I don’t know much about defence, as I usually die in one hit anyway. The point is they responded to the complaints but thankfully didn’t nerf the boss fights.

It’s worth noting that such updates and patches show the developers’ dedication to balancing the game without compromising on the challenge. They are listening to the community and making adjustments where necessary, but they’re not making the game easier. They’re ensuring that the game remains a tough but fair challenge, which is exactly what many players love about it.

Again, if you’re struggling with the bosses, use the tools given to you. This isn’t a NES game from the late 80s where you simply don’t have a choice in the matter. You have options, just use them, please. Elden Ring is such a great game and Shadow of the Erdtree is, as far as DLCs go, absolutely fantastic in terms of sheer content and things to explore and do. Just enjoy the game. Who’s going to judge you? And if the git gud special ed class is judging you, why would you care?

Enjoy your time in the Lands Between, and remember, the only thing that matters is that you’re having fun. The game is an experience, and how you choose to experience it is entirely up to you.