Having spent three hours with Elden Ring’s expansion Shadow Of The Erdtree, the standalone levelling system caught my attention. While my experience with the system is limited to the opening area, the Gravesite Plains, I found it intriguing and worth exploring further. This article delves into the details of the standalone levelling system and its components, shedding light on how it enhances the gameplay experience.
The Components of the Standalone Levelling System
In Shadow Of The Erdtree, the standalone levelling system is centered around three key elements: Crosses, Scadutree Fragments, and Revered Ash Blessings. These components work in tandem to provide players with buffs and enhancements as they progress through the DLC areas. The Crosses, resembling brilliant, golden shafts of light, serve as markers guiding players through The Land Of Shadow. NPCs in the game mention that Crosses are the “footsteps of Miquella” and encourage players to follow them to discover new areas and challenges. One NPC even provides a map to track down Crosses within the Gravesite Plains, hinting at rewards for those who collect them.
Unlike the familiar Graces found in the base game, Crosses in Shadow Of The Erdtree do not allow direct interaction. However, they serve as locations where players can often find Scadutree Fragments. These Fragments are essential resources for the new levelling system, offering buffs to player stats when cashed in at Graces. It is important to note that these buffs are only effective within the DLC areas; once players leave The Land Of Shadow, the buffs are lost. Similarly, Revered Ash Blessings function in a similar manner to Scadutree Fragments, providing buffs to summonable allies within the DLC areas.
Exploring the Purpose of Scadutree Fragments
As I reflect on my experience with the standalone levelling system, particularly the acquisition and use of Scadutree Fragments, I question the intent behind FromSoft’s design choice. It appears that these Fragments serve as a necessary means for players to grow stronger and overcome challenges within the DLC areas. For those who may have entered the expansion underleveled or missed optional content in the base game, the buffs offered by Scadutree Fragments become crucial for survival.
However, the optional nature of redeeming the Ash Blessings and Fragments raises interesting possibilities. Players who seek a greater challenge or prefer a more immersive experience may choose to forego these buffs, testing their skills and expertise against tougher adversaries. The decision to make these enhancements optional caters to a diverse range of players, from those seeking a more challenging gameplay experience to those looking to progress more smoothly through the expansion.
The standalone levelling system introduced in Elden Ring’s Shadow Of The Erdtree expansion adds depth and complexity to the gameplay experience. Through the exploration of Crosses, the acquisition of Scadutree Fragments, and the utilization of Revered Ash Blessings, players can customize their journey and approach to combat. The balance between gaining buffs for strength and facing challenges without them creates a dynamic and engaging gameplay loop that will appeal to a variety of players. As the expansion’s launch date approaches, it will be interesting to see how players adapt to and utilize the standalone levelling system in their adventures through The Land Of Shadow.
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