Here are some general tips for navigating and succeeding in "Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree" based on common advice and strategies seen in the community:
Exploration and Navigation
•Scadutree Blessings: Collect these as they significantly boost your attack and defense, especially useful in the DLC's tougher areas. They can be found in various locations, often after defeating enemies or solving environmental puzzles.
•Map Exploration: The Shadow of the Erdtree map has its own mechanics and secrets. Pay attention to environmental clues, like butterflies or light sources, which might lead to hidden paths or items.
•Legacy Dungeons: These areas are central to the expansion. Explore thoroughly for unique items, NPCs, and to progress the story. Remember, these dungeons can be vast, with verticality playing a big role.
•Mount Usage: Torrent, your spectral steed, is crucial. Use him to traverse the landscape quickly, reach high places, or escape from overwhelming enemy encounters.
Combat and Boss Strategies
•Learn Boss Patterns: Each boss has a rhythm to their attacks. Take time to observe and learn when to dodge, when to attack, and when to heal.
•Dodging: Forward dodging can often place you in a safer position under or behind larger enemies. For area-of-effect attacks, jumping can be an effective dodge.
•Summoning: Utilize NPC summons or your Spirit Ashes wisely. They can distract enemies, allowing you to deal damage or heal safely.
•Status Effects: Bosses in the DLC can be sensitive to certain status effects like Bleed, Frostbite, or Rot. Tailor your build to exploit these weaknesses where possible.
Build and Equipment
•Weapon Upgrades: Ensure your weapons are upgraded to match your level and the challenges you face. The DLC introduces new upgrade materials, so keep an eye out for them.
•Armor and Talismans: Consider your armor for both protection and weight. In some cases, lighter armor might be better for dodging. Talismans like the Pearldrake Talisman for mitigating holy damage or the Golden Braid for additional buffs can be game-changers.
•Magic and Incantations: If you're a magic user, adapt your spells to the new enemies. Some might resist your usual spells, so having a variety can be beneficial.
General Tips
•Patience: This expansion is known for its difficulty. Don't rush into fights, especially with bosses. Analyze, retry, and learn.
•Save Scum: For particularly tough or story-critical moments, save your game manually. Some actions can have irreversible consequences.
•Community Resources: Use guides and walkthroughs from the community for tricky areas or bosses. Players often share detailed strategies on platforms like X or gaming forums.
•Item Management: The DLC introduces new items and mechanics. Keep track of what you pick up, as some might be crucial for specific builds or quests.
•Stay Updated: Keep an eye out for patches or updates from the developers. These can introduce balance changes or fix bugs that might affect gameplay.
Conclusion
By applying these tips, players can navigate the challenges of Shadow of the Erdtree more effectively, adapting to its unique environment, enemies, and mechanics. Remember, the essence of Elden Ring gameplay is exploration, patience, and learning from each encounter.