Recently, I had the opportunity to delve into Elden Ring’s expansion, Shadow Of The Erdtree, and what I discovered was truly intriguing. One aspect that truly caught my attention was the standalone leveling system introduced in the DLC, which I didn’t explore in my initial preview. In this article, I will delve deeper into this system and provide a detailed analysis of its components and implications.
The standalone leveling system in Shadow Of The Erdtree revolves around three primary components: Crosses, Scadutree Fragments, and Revered Ash Blessings. These elements play a crucial role in shaping the player’s experience within the DLC and offer unique gameplay mechanics that differentiate it from the base game.
Crosses, resembling brilliant golden shafts of light, are scattered throughout The Land Of Shadow and serve as guiding markers for players. NPCs mention them as the “footsteps of Miquella,” hinting at their significance in navigation and exploration. These Crosses lead players to new areas within the DLC and prompt them to track down as many as possible in the Gravesite Plains. While they may resemble Site-of-Grace locations, Crosses operate differently and often contain Scadutree Fragments, the primary resource for the leveling system.
Scadutree Fragments are essential resources that players can collect from Crosses in the DLC areas. Similar to flask shards or Golden Seeds from the base game, Scadutree Fragments provide players with the opportunity to enhance their stats by redeeming them at Graces. However, the buff obtained from Scadutree Fragments is exclusive to the DLC areas and expires once the player leaves The Land Of Shadow. This mechanic adds a strategic element to the gameplay, as players must decide when and where to utilize the resources to maximize their effectiveness.
In addition to Scadutree Fragments, players can also acquire Revered Ash Blessings, which offer flat buffs to summonable companions within the DLC areas. These blessings function similarly to Scadutree Fragments but cater to augmenting the abilities of AI-controlled allies. Obtaining Revered Ash Blessings may require defeating challenging minibosses or exploring hidden areas, adding a layer of depth to the progression system in Shadow Of The Erdtree.
The introduction of the standalone leveling system in the Shadow Of The Erdtree expansion raises intriguing questions about its potential impact on gameplay. The optional nature of redeeming Scadutree Fragments and Revered Ash Blessings allows players to customize their experience based on their preferences. While these buffs may assist in overcoming challenges and progressing through the DLC, refraining from utilizing them presents a more formidable obstacle for masochistic players seeking a heightened level of difficulty.
As the release date of the Shadow Of The Erdtree expansion approaches, players can anticipate a fresh and dynamic gameplay experience enriched by the standalone leveling system. The interplay between Crosses, Scadutree Fragments, and Revered Ash Blessings offers a nuanced approach to character progression and strategic decision-making. Whether players choose to embrace the buffs or challenge themselves without them, the DLC promises an engaging and immersive journey through the mysterious Land Of Shadow.
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