Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC receives a balancing update, making it easier for players. The DLC, while critically acclaimed, proved exceptionally challenging for many, leading to some negative player feedback.
Update 1.12.2 directly addresses this difficulty. It significantly boosts attack power and damage reduction from Shadow Realm Blessings (like Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes) in the early stages of enhancement. While later enhancements still increase stats, the improvement is less dramatic, creating a more gradual scaling curve. The final enhancement level also receives a slight buff.
This means players will find the beginning and end of the DLC less punishing. Struggles with bosses like the Divine Beast Dancing Lion should be eased, and the final battle should be somewhat less difficult. The effectiveness of this update, however, hinges on players actively utilizing Scadutree Fragments, which are new collectibles found throughout the DLC that enhance damage and defense when used at Sites of Grace. The publisher, Bandai Namco, even issued a reminder to players about their proper use.
The update also fixes a PC-specific bug where ray tracing automatically activates when loading saves from older game versions, causing framerate issues for some. Players experiencing instability are advised to manually disable ray tracing in the graphics settings.
Further updates are planned to address additional bugs and implement further balance adjustments.
Elden Ring Update 1.12.2 Patch Notes Summary:
- Shadow Realm Blessing Adjustments: Increased attack and damage negation, particularly in the early enhancement stages. Later enhancements receive a smaller increase. Final enhancement level also slightly buffed.
- Ray Tracing Bug Fix (PC): Resolved a bug causing automatic ray tracing activation when loading older saves. Players should check and disable ray tracing if experiencing framerate problems.
- Future Updates Planned: More bug fixes and balance adjustments are forthcoming.