Having had the opportunity to play a portion of Elden Ring’s expansion Shadow Of The Erdtree, one aspect that stood out to me was the intriguing standalone levelling system introduced in the DLC. While my initial preview did not delve into this aspect in detail, I believe it is worth exploring further to understand its implications and impact on gameplay.
The standalone levelling system in Shadow Of The Erdtree revolves around three primary elements: Crosses, Scadutree Fragments, and Revered Ash Blessings. These components play a crucial role in enhancing the player’s abilities and progression within the DLC’s setting, The Land Of Shadow.
Crosses, described as the “footsteps of Miquella,” are scattered throughout The Land Of Shadow, serving as guiding beacons for players. While reminiscent of Sites of Grace from the base game, Crosses cannot be interacted with in the same manner. They also serve as locations where players can discover Scadutree Fragments, the central resource of the levelling system.
Scadutree Fragments function akin to flask shards or Golden Seeds from the base game, offering players the choice to enhance their stats by cashing in these resources at Graces. However, the stat buffs provided by Scadutree Fragments are only applicable within the DLC areas of The Land Of Shadow. This introduces a strategic element for players to consider whether to utilize these buffs to progress through the expansion more effectively.
In addition to Scadutree Fragments, players can also acquire Revered Ash Blessings that provide flat buffs to summonable companions within the DLC areas. These blessings are obtained through defeating challenging enemies or discovering hidden loot, adding another layer of customization and strategy to gameplay.
The optional nature of redeeming Ashes and Fragments raises questions about the intended difficulty level of the expansion. While these buffs may be essential for most players to progress smoothly, they also cater to those seeking a greater challenge by forgoing these enhancements. This duality presents an interesting dynamic that allows players to tailor their experience based on their preferred level of difficulty.
Based on the limited exposure to the DLC, the levelling system appears to offer a balanced approach to player progression. The buffs provided by Scadutree Fragments and Revered Ash Blessings serve as tools for empowerment, catering to both casual and hardcore players alike. However, the true impact of these enhancements on gameplay difficulty remains to be fully realized.
The standalone levelling system in Elden Ring’s Shadow Of The Erdtree expansion adds a unique dimension to the gameplay experience, introducing strategic choices and customization options for players. With the expansion set to release on June 21st, players can look forward to unraveling the full potential of these new mechanics in the challenging and immersive world of Elden Ring.
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