Elden Ring, known for its notoriously challenging gameplay, has taken difficulty to a new level with its Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. While players expected a difficult experience from FromSoftware, some have found the DLC to be particularly punishing. However, Redditors have uncovered a secret difficulty setting within the DLC that further increases the challenge.
A thread by user Spleenczar on Reddit brought this hidden difficulty setting to light. The user discovered a feature labeled “DLC+” on the Fextralife New Game Plus page. This feature, according to the page, activates on subsequent playthroughs of the DLC after a New Game+ run, making enemies deal more damage and possess increased health.
To verify this claim, Spleenczar made a save copy of an almost-completed DLC playthrough and compared the performance of the character in an encounter with Messmer the Impaler, both before and after defeating the final boss. The results showed a significant difference in damage taken by the character who had already cleared the DLC.
Many Redditors corroborated this difficulty spike, now known as DLC+. One user meticulously documented the Messmer fight, noting that the enemy dealt considerably more damage after the DLC had been completed once. However, the damage didn’t increase further after two DLC playthroughs. This suggests that the DLC+ setting only applies once, adding a single layer of difficulty on subsequent DLC runs.
Damage scaling is a common mechanic used by Elden Ring to adjust difficulty based on player progress. This mechanic is also utilized in New Game+ runs, progressively increasing difficulty with each playthrough, culminating in a significant challenge on the eighth playthrough. However, unlike New Game+, DLC+ doesn’t stack, meaning players only experience its effects once.
Despite the potentially overwhelming difficulty, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree has enjoyed immense success, selling over 5 million copies in its first week. This success indicates that the DLC has resonated with players, even those who may be struggling with the increased difficulty.
This doesn’t mean developers have been ignoring player feedback. A June update addressed issues with Scadutree Blessing, a DLC-exclusive blessing that helps players deal and take more damage with each upgrade. The patch adjusted the blessing’s effectiveness, making the initial stages of the game less demanding while ensuring a gradual increase in difficulty as the player progresses.
The discovery of DLC+ adds a new layer to Elden Ring’s already complex gameplay. While the increased difficulty may pose a challenge for some players, it reinforces the game’s reputation for demanding and rewarding experiences. It also highlights the commitment of the developers to continually refine and evolve the game, ensuring an engaging experience for players of all skill levels.
