One New Elden Ring DLC Item Is Going To Completely Transform Combat (2024)

Summary

  • Shadow of the Erdtree DLC may introduce a perfect block mechanic to Elden Ring.
  • The mechanic is likely temporary as a Crystal Tear, restricting its use to boss fights or tough encounters.
  • The Crystal Tear effect may limit perfect blocking in favor of dodging as the premier defensive option.

As Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC looks to make new additions to the game's combat system, one new item in particular might drastically change how the game can be played. In the lead-up to the DLC's release, several new Shadow of the Erdtree previews have shown off the first few hours and areas that players will experience in Shadow of the Erdtree, revealing new weapon types, player progression systems, bosses, and hints at the DLC's narrative and lore.

Like other DLC expansions for FromSoftware games, Shadow of the Erdtree seems to be making some major shake-ups to the base game's core combat, with new weapons and abilities that greatly expand player options and may even give rise to new potential playstyles or builds. For the most part, this means new weapons, with several new weapon types being introduced in the DLC alongside unique additions to already-existing weapons categories, with the most notable additions revealed so far being weapons that can be thrown with certain attacks. Outside of weapons, however, one new addition could significantly change the game.

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Elden Ring is a staggeringly large, nearly perfect culmination of everything FromSoftware has developed since the release of Demon's Souls.

Shadow Of The Erdtree Will Add Perfect Blocking To Elden Ring

Combat Mechanic Straight From Sekiro

As has been revealed in some previews of the DLC, including a video from YouTuber VaatiVidya (link timestamped, full video below), Shadow of the Erdtree could be adding a perfect block mechanic to the game, mirroring the deflect mechanics of games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice or Lies of P. While the exact specifics of this mechanic aren't yet known, previews have revealed that it will be made available through a specific Crystal Tear for the Flask of Wondrous Physick in the DLC - which will also mean that players will have to find the item and potentially fight a boss to gain access to it.

However, it's currently unknown exactly how the Crystal Tear works, or even what the specific wording of its description is. Potentially, it could allow for perfectly timed blocks to negate the stamina depletion that normally occurs when blocking attacks, or reduce/negate any chip damage taken from blocking elemental damage, or blocking with a weapon instead of a shield. Either or both effects would be hugely beneficial to defensive playstyles, which most players forgo in favor of dodging, and would especially make the game's already-existing Guard Counter mechanic much more usable against a variety of enemies.

In particular, the new Crystal Tear could help with many of the game's faster enemies that players might have trouble dodging attacks from. Malenia, for example, can already feel to some players like she belongs more in Sekiro than Elden Ring, with her rapid attacks (especially Waterfowl Dance) feeling more like they're meant to be deflected rather than dodged. If similar bosses are present in Shadow of the Erdtree, the new Crystal Tear could become one of the premier options for dealing with them.

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Perfect Blocking Might Not Be As Good As It Sounds

Certain Limitations Might Make Perfect Blocking A Niche Option In Elden Ring's DLC

One New Elden Ring DLC Item Is Going To Completely Transform Combat (3)

However, there are a few things that could get in the way of the DLC's perfect block mechanics, even aside from not knowing exactly how they work yet. Most concerning is the fact that the mechanic is a Crystal Tear effect at all, as this would most likely mean that the effect is only a temporary buff instead of a permanent new addition. Depending on how long the buff lasts, then, this limitation could restrict the use of Shadow of the Erdtree's perfect guard to boss fights or tough encounters only, instead of being something that players can use constantly.

And while that limitation might make sense for Elden Ring, it does also mean that dodging is likely to remain king in the DLC, especially if it introduces other, more offensively-oriented Crystal Tears that the perfect block buff will have to compete with. Wondrous Physick does, after all, only have two slots for potential buffs, and most players might prefer other options that don't represent as much of a change in playstyle.

Related

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree has received a trailer with significant story implications, connecting the Land of Shadow to important lore.

Perfect blocking has been a popularly requested mechanic for Elden Ring, to the point that a popular mod, Elden Ring Reforged, fully incorporates it into the game. It looks as though Shadow of the Erdtree will finally incorporate it, and while it might lead to new playstyles and help with faster enemies, the fact that it's a Crystal Tear, and therefore most likely a temporary buff, means that it might fall to the wayside. Whatever the case, players will have to wait until the release of Elden Ring's DLC to find out.

Source: VaatiVidya/YouTube

One New Elden Ring DLC Item Is Going To Completely Transform Combat (5)
Elden Ring

Elden Ring is a popular game released by From Software, creators of games such as Armored Core, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne. Players assume the role of a Tarnished, a being once exiled to the Lands Between and has returned to repair the Elden Ring after the events of "The Shattering." "The Shattering" occurred when the offspring of Queen Marika battled to claim the shards of the Elden Ring, known as Great Runes. Their war has brought lawlessness, destruction, and chaos to the land, and the player will challenge them with the assistance of a Maiden known as Melina as they travel towards the great Erd Tree to face their destiny and to become the one true Elden Lord. Players can tackle the game how they choose and can adventure across realms as they build their character how they want - be it a powerful magic caster or a brutal swordsman - they will have complete control over their build.

Platform(s)
PS5 , Xbox One , PS4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC

Released
February 25, 2022

Developer(s)
From Software

Publisher(s)
Bandai Namco Entertainment , From Software
Genre(s)
RPG , Action

Multiplayer
Online Co-Op , Online Multiplayer

Engine
Proprietary

ESRB
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence

Metascore
96

Platforms That Support Crossplay
PS4 &PS5 and Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
  • Gaming
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  • PC Games

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One New Elden Ring DLC Item Is Going To Completely Transform Combat (2024)

FAQs

What is the item to transform in Elden Ring? ›

Mimic's Veil | Elden Ring Wiki.

What does the new Elden Ring DLC do? ›

The first (and likely only) Elden Ring DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, expands the base game with more bosses, weapons, dungeons and more.

Will the Elden Ring DLC have a new ending? ›

While players can't choose new options as Elden Lord, the expansion follows FromSoftware's tradition of not adding new endings to base games.

What level should you be for Elden Ring DLC? ›

We recommend you start the Elden Ring DLC at level 120-150, but if you can beat Mohg then you're likely ready for the Shadow Realm. Don't collect any Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes for an extreme challenge. Collect Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes as you see them for a balanced experience.

How to get the nagakiba? ›

Upon your first encounter with Yura in Limgrave, you can either complete Yura's questline to receive the Nagakiba Katana as a reward or choose to confront and defeat him to acquire the weapon more swiftly.

Are there any transformations in Elden Ring? ›

Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC introduces a new transformation mechanic that allows the Tarnished to assume a new form and boost certain stats. To enable transformation, you must find any of the three available transformation tools, one of which is obtained as part of an NPC quest.

Will DLC be harder on NG+? ›

Accepted Answer. “Does it get harder even if its my first run on the dlc?” The simple answer is, “Yes, the DLC is harder playing NG+ even when you play Shadow of the Erdtree the first time.” However, the simple answer is misleading and I believe you'll have an easier time playing on your existing NG+.

Is Miquella a bad guy? ›

Miquella of the Haligtree, also known as Miquella the Unalloyed is a major antagonist in the 2022 dark fantasy action role-playing video game Elden Ring, serving as the main antagonist in the DLC, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. He is the son of Marika and Radagon, as well as the twin brother of Malenia.

Is Shadow of the Erdtree worth it? ›

As an expansion, this might be the most ambitious and well-worth DLC that's been made. It has so many hours of quality content with incredible places to explore, fun and challenging bosses to fight, and interesting lore that expands on the base game in meaningful ways.

Who is the final boss in Elden Ring DLC? ›

At the very end of the DLC, players are tasked with fighting Radahn, a returning boss character from Elden Ring's base game. Much like he was in that initial encounter, Radahn is an imposing figure who towers over you and wields weapons so massive that they'd make an NBA player feel small.

Who is the final boss in Shadow of the Erdtree? ›

It won't be easy, but I've done it myself, and I promise you that you'll get there. Ready up, Tarnished - it's time to beat Promised Consort Radahn, final boss of Shadow of the Erdtree.

Is Shadow of Erdtree the last DLC? ›

FromSoftware says Shadow of the Erdtree is the only expansion Elden Ring will get, so it's fortunate that it's hard to imagine a better DLC than this – as long as you're not hoping for it to do anything radically outside the box.

Is 150 max level in Elden Ring? ›

Level Rune Cost Calculation in Elden Ring

The highest level possible is a grand total of 713, achievable when all eight attributes are capped at 99 points.

What level to fight moHG? ›

Mohg, Lord of Blood, is located at the end of his blood-decrepit dungeon, Mohgwyn Palace. While getting to Mohgwyn Palace isn't particularly challenging, navigating through it is pretty difficult, so be prepared before entering. We recommend being at least Level 100-110 before attempting to take this area and boss on.

What is a good level to stop at in Elden Ring? ›

Just don't level too far beyond Level 150-160 if you care about playing co-op with friends or engaging in PvP invasions, as Level 125-150 is the widely accepted "meta" for these activities. If you go higher, Elden Ring's matchmaking will struggle to find players who can summon you or that you can invade.

What items are used to respec in Elden Ring? ›

In order to respec in Elden Ring, you'll need to use a Larval Tear - an item you may have already had the opportunity to pick up before reaching this point.

What does altering gear do in Elden Ring? ›

It changes the look of your armour and sometimes adds a bonus to your defence. Maybe it's changing what it scales with and that's why your stats ha e dropped?

What item is used to upgrade summons in Elden Ring? ›

To upgrade your Summons in Elden Ring, you need to progress Roderika's questline until she appears next to Smithing Master Hewg in the Roundtable Hold. At this point, she becomes a Spirit-Tuner, and you can interact with her to upgrade your Spirit Ashes in exchange for Grave Glovewort and Ghost Glovewort.

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