FromSoftware’s Elden Ring has captivated players with its challenging gameplay and expansive world. The release of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC has reignited the debate: is the DLC harder on New Game Plus? The answer, as with many things in the Lands Between, isn’t straightforward.
For those unfamiliar, New Game Plus allows players to restart Elden Ring with their current character, retaining stats, equipment, and most items. Enemies become tougher, offering a renewed challenge for seasoned Tarnished. So, does the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC crank up the difficulty even further for NG+ players? Let’s dive into the intricacies of this much-discussed topic.
Understanding the Difficulty Spike in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC introduces new areas, enemies, bosses, and weapons. These additions undoubtedly bring a new layer of challenge, regardless of whether you’re on your first playthrough or deep into New Game Plus. However, the perceived difficulty increase on NG+ stems from a combination of factors.
- Scaled Enemy Stats: Enemies in the DLC have inherently higher stats compared to the base game. On NG+, these stats are further amplified, leading to significantly tougher encounters.
- New Enemy Types and Attacks: The DLC introduces unique enemy types with unpredictable attack patterns. NG+ players, even with prior knowledge of enemy behaviors from earlier playthroughs, will find themselves having to adapt to these new threats.
- Demand for Optimized Builds: The DLC’s challenges often require players to have finely tuned builds. While this isn’t strictly an NG+ issue, players on subsequent playthroughs often have more specialized builds, making the impact of any shortcomings more pronounced.
Elden Ring DLC Difficulty Comparison between Standard Playthrough and New Game Plus
Is the Elden Ring DLC Harder than the Base Game on NG+?
Many players feel the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC hits harder than the base game, even on NG+. This perception isn’t necessarily due to the DLC being objectively harder, but rather a shift in player expectations. By the time players reach NG+, they’ve often mastered the base game’s mechanics and enemy encounters. The DLC throws them back into the deep end, demanding they relearn and adapt. To put it another way, it’s less about a direct numerical increase in difficulty and more about a recalibration of the challenge relative to the player’s existing skill and knowledge.
“The DLC isn’t necessarily harder,” explains veteran Soulsborne player and streamer, Amelia “SoulSister” Reeves. “It’s more that it disrupts your comfort zone. You’re no longer fighting enemies you’ve fought dozens of times. You’re facing the unknown again, and that can feel much more challenging.”
This renewed sense of challenge is, for many players, what makes the DLC so engaging. It revitalizes the core Elden Ring experience, forcing players to rethink their strategies and approach combat with a fresh perspective. If you want to learn more about Elden Ring DLC and new game plus mode, you should visit is elden ring dlc harder on new game plus. This will help you get a clearer understanding.
Challenging New Boss Fight in Elden Ring DLC on New Game Plus
Tips for Tackling the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC on New Game Plus
While the DLC presents a significant challenge on NG+, it’s not insurmountable. Here are some tips to help you survive the journey:
- Refine your Build: Ensure your build is optimized for the challenges ahead. Focus on maximizing damage output while maintaining adequate survivability.
- Master the New Mechanics: The DLC introduces new mechanics, such as spirit ashes and weapon arts. Familiarize yourself with these to gain an edge in combat.
- Explore Thoroughly: Don’t rush through the new areas. Take your time to explore, uncover secrets, and collect valuable resources.
- Summon Help: Don’t hesitate to summon spirits or other players for assistance, especially during challenging boss encounters.
- Practice Patience: The DLC demands patience and strategic thinking. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Learn from your mistakes and keep trying.
Should You Play the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC on New Game Plus?
Ultimately, the decision of whether to play the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC on New Game Plus is a personal one. If you’re looking for a fresh and demanding challenge that pushes your skills to the limit, then diving into the DLC on NG+ is highly recommended. For more information about the Elden Ring DLC and whether or not it’s harder on New Game Plus, check out this resource: is elden ring dlc harder on new game plus.
However, if you’re new to Elden Ring or simply prefer a more measured experience, consider completing the DLC on a fresh playthrough first. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the new content before tackling the amplified difficulty of NG+.
“Playing the DLC on a fresh character lets you appreciate the narrative and level design without the added pressure of NG+,” suggests game designer and Elden Ring enthusiast, Dr. Kenji Tanaka. “It allows for a more balanced experience, especially for newcomers.”
Exploring New Areas in Elden Ring DLC on New Game Plus
Embracing the Challenge
The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is a worthy addition to the Elden Ring universe. Regardless of your chosen playthrough, it offers an engaging and challenging experience. Whether it’s “harder” on NG+ is subjective, but it certainly presents a different type of challenge, demanding players adapt and refine their skills. Embrace the challenge, Tarnished, and uncover the secrets that await in the Shadow of the Erdtree. You can get a deeper understanding of this topic here: is elden ring dlc harder on new game plus.
Conclusion
The question of whether the Elden Ring DLC is harder on New Game Plus depends largely on your perspective. It presents a familiar yet different experience, demanding adaptation and strategic thinking. Whether you choose to embrace the challenge on NG+ or a fresh playthrough, the Shadow of the Erdtree offers a rich and rewarding expansion to the world of Elden Ring.
