Summary
Crafting a stable character progression throughout the main campaign of a game likeElden Ringcan already be a monumental task without having to consider possible New Game Plus playthroughs or even DLC. However, with thelaunch ofShadow of the Erdtree, FromSoftware has managed to work on a solution that still gives a sense of progress by no longer relying on runes, and instead focusing on Scadutree Blessings.
The key to this new form of progression inShadow of the Erdtreecomes from collecting an item unique to the DLC called Scadutree Fragments and turning them in at sites of grace. It’s a surprisingly standard system of improvement forElden Ring, but it manages to give a sense of improvement for the player character, without making them overpowered when they head back into the base game.
Scadutree Fragments Dictate Player Progress
Earning Scadutree Fragments in Shadow of the Erdtree
Gathering up all of the Scadutree Fragments hidden throughout the Land of Shadow isn’t as simple as checking for important-looking locations on the map and collecting a few items in churches. Instead, these critical items are scattered across a number of different activities, with some being found lying around near statues of Marika, and others being rewards for defeating specific bosses. There is honestly no real way of knowing exactly which ofElden Ring’s activities will drop aScadutree Fragment without a guide. So, it is often best to simply search around for every hidden alcove or illusory wall in hopes of running into one of these items.
The fact that some of these Scadutree Fragments can be found as a reward for some boss fights is what marks these less as a method foradjustingShadow of the Erdtree’s difficulty, and more as a symbol of progression through the DLC. With Scadutree Fragments locked behind certain progress thresholds, players can only ever make themselves so strong before being forced to challenge the next boss that stands in their way. That being said, by putting the choice to turn in Scadutree Fragments for the Blessings that improve character damage and defense on the player, this does mean that there is a choice of whether or not to take the new advantage.
Shadow of the Erdtree Avoids Pay-to-Win
One major issue that comes with introducing player progression into a paid DLC is the fear that whatever improvements this new content grants could give an unfair advantage in the base game. In this case, FromSoftware also has a worthwhile solution, by only making the improvements offered by the Scadutree Blessings valid in theShadow of the ErdtreeDLC location itself. This way, players can’t simply take the new upgrades back to the base game and trivialize previously difficult encounters, or break thebalance inElden Ring’s PvPbetween those who purchased the DLC and those who didn’t.
Designing a DLC for the Choice to Improve Over Time
While the introduction of the Scadutree Fragments and Blessings is a workable solution for offering progression inShadow of the Erdtree, it does imply a difficulty in developing balance. Essentially, if the DLC is now balanced for players being expected to find Scadutree Fragments, then the Blessings received stop becoming rewards and start to become requirements to progress for all but thebestElden Ringplayers. Combine this with the already high damage output and health pools of the later game bosses that need to be defeated to even access the DLC, and later bosses could easily be tipped out of balance with the strength players can achieve.
Of course,Elden Ring’s difficulty is a core part of its design, and leaning too hard in the other direction could leave players dissatisfied ifShadow of the Erdtreedoesn’t offer a proper challenge. As a result, FromSoftware is not exactly in an enviable position, when striking a balance on difficulty scaling. While the DLC has been mostly received well so far, patches will likely be coming in the near future to fully dial in this balance.
Elden Ring
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ELDEN RING, developed by FromSoftware, Inc. and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., is a fantasy action-RPG adventure set within a world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. Danger and discovery lurk around every corner in FromSoftware’s largest game to date. Hidetaka Miyazaki - President and Game Director of FromSoftware Inc. Known for directing critically-acclaimed games in beloved franchises including Armored Core and Dark Souls.George R.R. Martin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including the acclaimed series A Song of Ice and Fire - A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast For Crows, and A Dance with Dragons. As a writer-producer, he has worked on The Twilight Zone, Beauty and the Beast, and various feature films and pilots that were never made. He lives with the lovely Parris in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
