Shadow of the Erdtree Shows that an Elden Ring Mechanic is Better Avoided

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Shadow of the Erdtree Shows that an Elden Ring Mechanic is Better Avoided

Highlights

  • Shadow of the Erdtree is a massive Elden Ring expansion larger than any previous Soulslike DLC, offering more content and a new story.
  • Imbued Sword Keys in Elden Ring unlock special areas, providing previews and unique challenges, enhancing the open world experience.
  • The DLC eliminates Stonesword Keys, focusing on environmental puzzles and foraging, setting an example for future game mechanics.

As a seasoned veteran of the Soulsborne series, I can confidently say that the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring has truly outshone its predecessors. The sheer scale and depth of this DLC have brought Elden Ring to its peak, making it feel like a standalone action RPG in its own right.

Enthusiasts of Elden Ring were given another glimpse into its universe with the latest expansion titled Shadow of the Erdtree, and it’s expected to hold them over until FromSoftware begins their next venture. In comparison to any Soulslike DLC released thus far, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is expansive enough to stand as a full-fledged action RPG in its own right, effectively completing the transformation of Elden Ring into its final form. Featuring additional characters, combat, gear, and open environments that made Elden Ring so unique, Shadow of the Erdtree concludes the Tarnished’s journey on a triumphant note.

One particular point of interest in Shadow of the Erdtree has been seeing which of Elden Ring‘s strengths and weaknesses were brought forward into its DLC. As FromSoftware itself has noted that Elden Ring represents the largest scale its design can be feasibly realized in, Shadow of the Erdtree was used to test if parts of Elden Ring’s design would work in smaller projects for the future. Synthesizing Elden Ring‘s normally distinct open world and legacy dungeons was likely the main experiment, but one other recurring piece of the base game was nearly absent in the DLC, and Shadow of the Erdtree was all the better for it.

Elden Ring’s Stonesword Keys Explained

From the very start of gameplay in Elden Ring, players encounter the notion of Stonesword Keys. These items can be used on statues found throughout the Lands Between, and they open various seals, Waygates, and elevators that lead to hidden areas and riches. Stonesword Keys are abundant across Elden Ring’s map, but their scarcity from merchants means diligent players should always have a few spare keys several regions into the game. It’s beneficial because areas to use Stonesword Keys can be found in almost every region and legacy dungeon, many of which conceal dungeons within them.

Imbued Sword Keys Are More Interesting, But Also More Limited

In my gaming adventures within Elden Ring, I stumbled upon the enchanted Sword Keys hidden in the lower portion of the game’s map. These keys are rare, as there are only three in the base version of the game. They correspond to unique Waygates located at the Four Belfries in Liurnia of the Lakes. Each Imbued Key grants access to brief, confined paths, either to late-game locations or the prologue area, and each path includes a mini-boss battle and some enticing rewards. While these keys play a crucial role in Nepheli Loux’s quest, their primary purpose appears to be offering sneak peeks, much like Super Mario Odyssey’s painting portals. It may seem minor compared to the regular Stonesword Keys, but the Imbued Sword Keys feel more unique and special in this vast open world.

Shadow of the Erdtree Clamped Down On Elden Ring’s Stone Keys

In Shadow of the Erdtree, it appears FromSoftware decided against including additional Imbued Sword Keys or Imp statues in the DLC. Instead, players must navigate environmental and puzzle-solving challenges to access off-the-beaten-path areas. The game now emphasizes collecting Scadutree Fragments, and adding a map-wide key hunt could have tested players’ patience even further than the Stonesword Keys did in the past.

Stonesword Keys Would Have Held Shadow of the Erdtree Back

Regrettably, the Stonesword Key system in Elden Ring demonstrated it had reached its limit. Players often discovered additional Imp statues without sufficient keys or hoarded excessive keys that turned out to be worthless. The Imbued Sword Keys, their locations, and the areas they unlock are valuable primarily because they serve a unique purpose rather than functioning as tolls that require a specific currency. Leaving the entire Stonesword Key mechanic behind in Elden Ring may feel nostalgic, but discarding it helped Shadow of the Erdtree establish a commendable precedent for future games.

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2024-08-17 21:34