As I sit here, basking in the afterglow of conquering the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring, I can’t help but feel a mixture of triumph and melancholy. The journey through this expansive new content has been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with breathtaking landscapes, formidable foes, and lore that deepens the already rich tapestry of the Lands Between. But now, as the final boss lies vanquished, I find myself wondering: what’s next?
For many of us who have poured countless hours into Elden Ring, the end of new content can feel like the closing of a chapter. However, I’m here to remind you that the adventure doesn’t have to end here. There are still numerous ways to keep the flame of engagement burning bright.
First and foremost, if you haven’t already, consider diving into New Game+. The increased difficulty and the ability to carry over your hard-earned gear and skills offer a fresh perspective on familiar territories. NG+ provides a perfect stage to showcase the new weapons, spells, and incantations you’ve acquired in your DLC adventures.
Imagine revisiting Limgrave, but this time you’re armed with cosmic weaponry that would make even the toughest enemies think twice. That Tree Sentinel who gave you so much trouble in your first playthrough? Now you can approach him with a spell that bends reality itself. It’s a satisfying way to measure your growth as a player and see how far you’ve come.
The new incantations and sorceries from the DLC can completely change your approach to early game challenges. Bosses that once seemed insurmountable might now fall to your enhanced arsenal with surprising ease. There’s a certain charm in bringing these late-game abilities back to the beginning, like a seasoned adventurer returning to their humble roots.
Of course, it’s not all about steamrolling through content. NG+ with your DLC gear allows you to experiment with different strategies and playstyles you might not have considered before. Maybe that unique weapon you picked up in the Shadow of the Erdtree inspires you to try a completely different build this time around. If you’ve been a stalwart strength build user, try your hand at sorcery or incantations. The beauty of Elden Ring lies in its versatility, and each approach to combat feels like a new game entirely.
For those seeking community engagement, the PvP scene is always evolving. With the new weapons, spells, and abilities introduced in the DLC, the meta is ripe for exploration. Dive into duels, invasions, or cooperative play to test your skills against other players and discover new strategies – but be prepared to be chased by the bro (maybe you can guess who I am talking about).
Lore enthusiasts, rejoice! The Shadow of the Erdtree has undoubtedly introduced new mysteries and connections to the base game. Now is the perfect time to revisit item descriptions, NPC dialogues, and environmental storytelling with fresh eyes. Engage with the community on forums and social media to share theories and unravel the deeper meanings behind the expanded narrative.
For the completionists among us, there’s always more to discover pieces. Have you found every hidden boss? Completed all NPC questlines? Collected every piece of armor and weapon? At least, I’m still missing some stuff and will go for the grind. The world of Elden Ring is vast, and even seasoned players often stumble upon new discoveries hundreds of hours in.
Lastly, why not share your journey? Start a blog, create videos, or stream your adventures. The Elden Ring community is passionate and always hungry for content. Your experiences and insights could inspire or help other Tarnished on their quests.
Remember that the Lands Between are vast and full of wonders. The end of Shadow of the Erdtree isn’t a finale, but rather an invitation to delve deeper into this masterpiece of a game. Well, these are things I came up with, but I would assume there is much more you can dive into. So, fellow Tarnished, what will your next adventure be?
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Please note: This article was created using the help of AI (claude-3-5-sonnet-20240620, DALL-E 3)
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