In this Best Builds for Elden Ring DLC: Shadow of the Erdtree Guide, we’ll dive deeper into what the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC has to offer. Recently, we released a video on how to prepare for this DLC, covering essential information such as how to access the DLC, the steps needed to get there, and the pros and cons of using an existing character versus creating a new one or entering New Game Plus. Additionally, we provided a refresher on the key aspects of the game that you’ll need to unlock to avoid being underprepared when diving into the new content.

Some Insight On The New Power System

First, I want to explore a different approach to preparing for the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. One key detail that wasn’t covered in our recent video—but has been frequently mentioned in the comments—is the new attack power scaling system in the DLC area. While it’s crucial to have a strong build regardless of the attack power system, understanding this new mechanic can give you an edge.

According to a Famitsu interview with Miyazaki, there will be a unique attack power system in the DLC area, similar to the one in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. In Sekiro, defeating bosses and offering their memories at the Sculptor’s Idol increased your attack power, allowing you to deal more damage. The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is expected to implement a comparable system, where completing specific content will enhance your character’s strength.

Although we don’t have all the specifics yet, and more detailed guides will be released later, it’s important to note that this system aims to provide a fresh experience in Shadow of the Erdtree akin to what players felt when they first played Elden Ring. So, as you prepare for the DLC, keep in mind that progressing through its content will be key to maximizing your character’s potential.

A Familiar Feel

When you first dove into Elden Ring, your character started out weak and directionless. Not all bosses were created equal, and encountering the Tree Sentinel likely resulted in you getting destroyed. Most players, realizing this was a skill check, opted to return later with better gear. Of course, if you’re like me, you might have stubbornly fought for hours until achieving victory. The key takeaway here is that the game’s structure encouraged players to recognize their limitations, seek improvement, and revisit tough challenges.

The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC seems designed to replicate this experience. You might face bosses that overpower you initially, prompting you to boost your attack power through items or progression before attempting the fight again. This approach preserves the exploration and growth elements, preventing you from steamrolling through the DLC with an overpowered build.

In preparation for the DLC, there are strategies to enhance your character’s readiness, beyond what we discussed in the previous video. While specifics about the new attack power system are still hypothetical, understanding and anticipating these mechanics can help you adapt your build effectively. This isn’t a comprehensive guide, but these insights should remain relevant given the core mechanics of Elden Ring, which are unlikely to undergo drastic changes in the DLC.

Theorycrafting The Best Builds For Shadow of the Erdtree

So, the first thing to consider is whether the new system in the DLC will nerf your attack power or if it will enhance it through items or progression. If your current build is overpowered and the DLC doesn’t nerf your attack power, you’ll likely still perform well. However, if it does nerf your attack power, it will level the playing field. For instance, if your attack power of 1000 is reduced to 100 and someone else’s 500 is reduced to 50, the gap between 50 and 100 is much smaller, making all builds more balanced.

If you have an OP build and the DLC doesn’t negatively affect your attack power, you should be fine. However, I suspect that the DLC will include some form of nerf to maintain the intended challenge and exploration experience. If players could simply breeze through with their overpowered builds, the DLC wouldn’t provide the same sense of progression and accomplishment as the base game. Therefore, I believe some form of nerfing will be implemented.

Assuming overpowered Elden Ring builds are nerfed and attack power is equalized, there are still strategies to excel in the DLC. Players who have completed low-level challenge runs can attest to the effectiveness of status effects like bleed, frostbite, poison, and scarlet rot. These status effects are powerful because their damage scales with the enemy’s health rather than your attack power. This means they remain effective even if your attack power is reduced, making them a valuable asset in the DLC.

So, in theory, assuming bleed, frostbite, poison, and scarlet rot mechanics remain unchanged, utilizing builds centered around these status effects could prove advantageous in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Even if your attack power is reduced, these status effect-focused builds may outperform others that rely solely on attack power. While this isn’t confirmed, it’s worth considering if you aim to enter the DLC with a potent build.

Another factor to consider is stance damage. If the new progression system primarily affects attack power and stance damage remains consistent, focusing on stance damage could be a reliable strategy for DLC builds. Many builds prioritize stance damage and breaks to defeat bosses efficiently. Skills like Square Off, Unsheath, Nebula, Impaling Thrust, Lion’s Claw, Glintblade Phalanx, or spells such as Dragon Maw or Great Blade Phalanx, as well as items like the Stonebarb Cracked Tear, can significantly enhance stance damage, enabling players to stagger bosses quickly and execute critical strikes repeatedly.

Even if your damage is reduced due to a decrease in attack power, maintaining unaffected stance damage could allow you to execute the same effective strategy against bosses. This means that while some builds may suffer from the attack power nerf, those centered around stance damage could remain potent. Moreover, if you combine a stance damage build with status effects like bleed, frostbite, poison, and scarlet rot, you could have a particularly advantageous setup for the DLC. I might consider developing a couple of builds like this before the game’s launch to provide players with optimal setups.

Of course, it’s possible that new information may emerge before the DLC’s release that contradicts this theory. For example, stance damage might also be nerfed, or bosses could have increased resistance to status effects. However, based on current knowledge, it appears that status effects and stance damage should function similarly to how they currently do.

And two other aspects I want to address before concluding this guide. Firstly, let’s talk about holy damage. There’s speculation that holy damage might become a potent type in the land of shadow. Currently, holy damage is often considered one of the weaker damage types in the base game, as many bosses resist it. However, in the DLC, with its theme of shadow and light, holy damage might find redemption. This leads to my last point: if you’re starting a new character for the DLC and aiming for a lower level but still want a strong build, consider the Gargoyle’s Black weapons. These weapons not only deal holy damage but also boast high attack ratings, especially considering their minimal stat requirements.

Now, onto one more thing I forgot to mention earlier: Spirit Ashes. It’s unclear how the new attack power system will affect Spirit Ashes. While not every player uses them, they can be a valuable resource, particularly in challenging situations. Consider assessing your spirit ashes and ensuring they complement your build, as they might come in handy in the DLC.

So that concludes our guide on preparing for Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, set to release in June. Remember, this isn’t a definitive guide, but rather suggestions based on current information. Your thoughts? Do you agree with my reasoning, or is it too early to speculate? Let me know in the comments.