Summary

• Shadow of the Erdtree for Elden Ring introduces new mechanics like jump attacks and perfect blocking.
• Jump attacks with strength weapons are effective for dodging and dealing powerful blows in combat.
• The Deflecting Hardtear buff allows players to block without taking damage and adds a new dynamic to boss fights.

Although many expansions treat players to more of the same, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree adds many new mechanics to fundamentally change how people can approach the game. Of course, this doesn't mean the tried and true method of jump attacking with a massive hammer won't continue to work. Still, for those looking for a new approach to deal with the DLC's crushing difficulty, Shadow of the Erdtree has them covered.

Jump attacks are especially effective as the jump allows players to dodge attacks while unleashing a powerful blow. It is particularly potent with large, strength weapons.

From entirely new move sets to a vertical level design philosophy, Shadow of the Erdtree's map has added plenty, while ensuring that help from the base game, like the Mimic Tear, can be buffed with new items. Some of these new mechanics seem to have been inspired by other FromSoftware titles. One of the most exciting (and most fun) seems to have come right out of Sekiro, adding a deflection and perfect block system that helps with the flow of combat while allowing players to make the most out of the Guard Counter feature.

Shadow Of The Erdtree's New Crystal Tear Is Perfect For The Next Souls Game

The Deflecting Hardtear In Elden Ring Is Excellent

Elden Ring is the closest to the Dark Souls series with its combat, but has some incredibly fast and aggressive bosses that sometimes feel like they belong in a quicker game, like Bloodborne or Sekiro. Thankfully, Elden Ring offers some help in this regard with Spirit Ash and Ashes of War. Shadow of the Erdtree added even more, specifically the Deflecting Hardtear, which gives players the ability to perfect block and deflect with both shields and weapons.

If players want some help with parrying, the Golden Parry Ash of War gives players a bigger hit box for parrying.

Players can now block without taking damage with both shields and weapons, and if the timing is right, they will also use less stamina. Unfortunately, the mechanic is temporary, as the Deflecting Hardtear must be mixed in the Flask of Wondrous Physick and then consumed to work. Thankfully, the buff will last five minutes and its duration is adequate for any boss fight. With Guard Countering, it is the perfect solution to overly aggressive bosses and adds a brilliant flow to combat.

Could This Be The Future Of Souls Titles?

Perfect Blocking Offers The Perfect Solution

Although Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree could have benefited from the deflection feature being an ability from a talisman, this mechanic is perfect for dealing with aggressive bosses while letting players use whatever they want. It doesn't go as far as Sekiro by having it be the center of the combat system, but it gives players a new approach while letting the developers make bosses faster without them being unfair. It could become a core mechanic for Souls titles going forward and be the perfect solution to preventing the dodge and poke combat from feeling old.