Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree Has A Serious Loot Problem

The latest expansion for Elden Ring, Shadow of the Erdtree, brings exciting new content and breathtaking landscapes. However, it also introduces a notable issue with its loot system that impacts player experience. This article explores the various facets of this challenge and what it means for both new and veteran players.

What is Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree?

Shadow of the Erdtree is the game's latest DLC, adding new areas, items, and weapons to an already expansive game.

This expansion has been highly anticipated, offering players new adventures and further exploration of the game's intricate lore. While it provides an incredible experience overall, some challenges come with the introduction of new content—most notably, the issues surrounding its loot system.

How Does It Differ From Other Games?

One of the hallmarks of Elden Ring is its difficulty and cryptic storytelling, elements that set it apart from many contemporary RPGs. Shadow of the Erdtree maintains these core attributes while presenting new types of challenges and rewards. However, the abundance of certain loot items marks a departure from the finely balanced resource distribution seen in the base game.

Unlike other games that rely on predictable loot tables, Elden Ring thrives on the unpredictability of its drops. However, the DLC exacerbates the issue by overwhelming players with Smithing Stones, overshadowing other valuable loot that could enhance gameplay diversity and enjoyment.

The Problem with Excess Smithing Stones

As players journey through the Shadow of the Erdtree, they quickly realize the staggering number of Smithing Stones distributed throughout the Land of Shadow. This overabundance can lead to a form of frustration, as players repeatedly encounter these upgrade materials at the expense of potentially more engaging finds.

While Smithing Stones are crucial for weapon upgrades, their excessive presence diminishes the excitement of exploration. The repetition creates a sense of monotony, detracting from the thrill of discovering more unique or scarce items.

Balancing New Weapons and Loot

The introduction of more than 100 new weapons in the DLC adds a layer of complexity to the loot system. The plentitude of Smithing Stones seems designed to facilitate the rapid upgrading of these new weapons, encouraging players to experiment rather than depend on their pre-existing arsenal.

However, not all players may welcome this shift. Some might prefer to continue using their tried-and-true equipment, making the overflow of Smithing Stones feel redundant. The lack of balance in loot distribution detracts from the otherwise rich and immersive experience.

Alternative Upgrading Systems

Another factor to consider is that the ability to purchase Smithing Stones from the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold significantly undercuts the necessity of finding them as loot. With unrestricted access to most upgrade materials, players can efficiently enhance their weapons without relying on the DLC's loot.

This convenience makes the DLC's loot feel superfluous. The game's economy allows easy accumulation of the runes needed to purchase Smithing Stones, rendering the overabundant in-game drops largely unnecessary.

Impact on Gameplay and Exploration

The imbalance in loot distribution impacts the sense of adventure and discovery that is central to the Elden Ring experience. Finding diverse and intriguing items scattered across the land enriches gameplay, providing varied incentives for exploration.

The skewed focus towards Smithing Stones takes away from this diversity, making exploration feel less rewarding. Players might find themselves skimming over potential loot spots, assuming they'll uncover yet another Smithing Stone rather than something genuinely valuable or interesting.

Addressing the Loot Issue

To improve the overall experience, FromSoftware could consider rebalancing loot distribution in Shadow of the Eritrea. Introducing more varied and useful items, or even making the Smithing Stones less frequent but more significant when found, could restore excitement to the hunt for loot.

Enhancing the uniqueness and rarity of the loot would not only make exploration more gratifying but also complement the new weapons' introduction. A more strategic placement of Smithing Stones could alleviate the sense of repetition and elevate the DLC's offering.

Final Thoughts

Despite its loot challenges, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree remains a remarkable addition to an already outstanding game. The new landscapes, enemies, and lore continue to captivate players, offering hours of exploration and combat.

While the overabundance of Smithing Stones is a significant criticism, it does not overshadow the entire experience. Addressing this issue could elevate the DLC closer to the impeccable standard set by Elden Ring's base game. For fans of the series, Shadow of the Erdtree is still very much worth delving into, provided they manage their expectations regarding loot diversity.