Does New Game Plus Affect Shadow of the Erdtree’s Difficulty in Elden Ring?
If you’re a veteran player of Elden Ring, chances are you might have encountered the concept of New Game Plus (NG+) in your gaming journey. With the latest expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, many players are left wondering how NG+ affects the overall difficulty of the game, especially in relation to new content provided in the DLC. This guide aims to unravel the intricacies of NG+ and its implications on your gameplay experience in Shadow of the Erdtree.
Understanding New Game Plus
New Game Plus is a feature that allows players to start a new playthrough with their existing character, retaining their levels, items, and skills. This mode significantly alters the game’s dynamics by ramping up the challenge. Enemies become tougher, and their damage output increases substantially. Players who opt for NG+ can expect a different experience, one that tests their skills honed through previous playthroughs.
How Does NG+ Influence Difficulty?
The answer is clear: yes, NG+ significantly raises the difficulty in not just the base game but also in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Players have noted that even if you tackle the new content for the first time in NG+, the challenge remains elevated. If you find the original game challenging, starting in NG+ might lead to an even more formidable experience that can be overwhelming.
As of June 20, 2024, players have described their ventures into Shadow of the Erdtree during NG+ as “harder,” emphasizing that if you are looking to enjoy a less stressful experience, it’s advisable to complete the main game once before venturing into NG+. The DLC has been designed to be challenging, and playing it on NG+ makes it doubly so.
Changes and Challenges in Shadow of the Erdtree
Shadow of the Erdtree introduces areas that are believed to be “even larger than Limgrave,” according to early trailers and player observations. With this expansive new world, the complexity of navigating through it increases significantly. Along with newfound exploration, players will face tougher bosses, enhanced enemy abilities, and increased resource scarcity.
One notable feature included in Shadow of the Erdtree is the introduction of new Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes. However, these elements are also renewed as part of the NG+ experience. This means while you have access to better resources, your enemies will also be scaling up in difficulty, creating a balance that can be tough to manage.
Tips for Managing NG+ in Shadow of the Erdtree
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Preparation is Key: It is essential to adequately prepare before entering NG+. Ensure you have a solid build, strong weapons, and a good understanding of enemy behaviors. Picking your gear and upgrading them is crucial.
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Level Up: Try to max out your character’s development in the original game before jumping into NG+. This gives you a foundation from which to tackle the increased difficulty in NG+.
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Familiarize Yourself with Boss Mechanics: The boss fights in Shadow of the Erdtree might require a different strategy due to the altered health pools and damage outputs. Take your time learning the mechanics, perhaps even watching other players’ strategies or walkthroughs if you’re struggling.
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Co-op Play: If you find your solo venture through NG+ too daunting, consider partnering with friends or other players. Co-op mode allows for a shared experience and can make boss fights significantly easier.
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Experiment with Builds: NG+ gives you a chance to try out different builds and strategies that might have been too risky in your original playthrough. Use the knowledge you’ve gained to make more unconventional choices in your strategy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New Game Plus in Elden Ring, particularly in the context of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, is a path of heightened challenge and excitement. While the allure of NG+ comes with thrilling rewards, it’s wise to be prepared for the tougher enemies and bosses that await. As you embark on this new journey, utilize these tips to help make your experience enriching rather than frustrating. Happy gaming, and may the Elden Ring guide you!