Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion continues the game’s tradition of punishing difficulty with a twist: the introduction of Scadutree Fragments, which offer players a way to enhance their defensive and offensive capabilities in the new Shadow Realm. Here’s how these fragments work and what you need to consider:
Scadutree Fragments are scattered across key locations in the map, including legacy dungeons and Sites of Grace. Collecting these fragments allows you to bolster your Shadow Realm Blessing, which directly boosts your damage output and reduces the damage you take from enemies. This enhancement is separate from your base stats and gear values, providing a comprehensive buff without altering your character build.
To upgrade your Shadow Realm Blessing, you’ll need to gather increasing numbers of Scadutree Fragments at each level. Starting from 1 fragment for Level 0 up to 3 fragments for Level 20, each upgrade incrementally enhances your combat effectiveness in the Shadow Realm.
The decision to use Scadutree Fragments is entirely optional and depends on your gameplay preferences. If you relish a severe challenge akin to the base game, you can forego these enhancements. However, if you find the new environment particularly daunting, investing in the Shadow Realm Blessing can alleviate some of the difficulty.
It’s crucial to note that once you apply Scadutree Fragments to enhance your Shadow Realm Blessing, the decision is irreversible for that character. This permanence underscores the importance of making an informed choice before committing to use the fragments.
Lastly, remember that the benefits of the Shadow Realm Blessing are confined to the Land of Shadow itself. Returning to the Lands Between means leaving behind these enhancements, reverting your combat capabilities to their original state.
Navigating the challenges of Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion requires careful consideration of how you approach difficulty and progression. Whether you opt for the heightened challenge or seek to empower your character with Scadutree Fragments, the choice is yours to make, shaping your experience in this treacherous new realm.
