Summary
Elden Ring’s DLC,Shadowof The Erdtree, contains many difficult bosses, but also introduces new items to make them easier. It should come as no surprise: the newbosses are a major part ofElden Ring’sDLC, perhaps its greatest selling point. Because both are so expansive, it’s impossible to say definitively whetherShadow of the Erdtreeis more difficult than the base game. But it certainly presents an equivalent challenge, with a handful of mandatory and countless optional bosses for players to challenge.
But theElden RingDLC also gives the player a few new options for character progression. They don’t exactly make the bosses trivial, but, if sought out and used correctly, they can give the Tarnished an extra edge. Here are two of the most important items inShadow of the Erdtree, what they do, how to find them, and how to use them.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Review
Screen Rant’s Chris Teuton reviews Elden Ring’s highly-anticipated Shadow of the Erdtree DLC ahead of its launch on June 19, 2025.
Elden Ring’s Scadutree Fragments Boost The Tarnished’s Power In The DLC
What Scadutree Fragments Are & Where To Find Them
Elden Ring’s DLC introduces a new type of item called aScadutree Fragment, which gives the player semi-permanent buffs to various stats.Scadutree Fragment Blessings increase the Tarnished’s attack power and defense, regardless of their other attributes. Once activated, Scadutree Fragment Blessings apply throughout the DLC: in the field, in dungeons, against regular enemies, during boss fights, et cetera. These blessings stack, and multiple levels can apply at once. They’re not a substitute for aproperly leveledElden Ringcharacter in the DLC, but they can be a big help.
Scadutree Fragments are found throughout the Land of Shadow, but there are a few reliable places players can look if they’re in need. First, abandoned churches tend to have them at their altars - just be prepared to take on a few members of Messmer’s army before claiming them. They’re also occasionally found near Miquella’s crosses, the subject of the DLC’s biggest collect-a-thon, and important sites in its plot.
Scadutree Fragments are also occasionally dropped by minibosses and other rare enemy types. In particular, Shadow Undead who carry pots on their heads almost always drop Scadutree Fragments. They don’t put up much of a fight, but they will run away if they spot the player, and can magically teleport away. It’s best to use stealth when approaching them, but if they do disappear, they’ll respawn when the player rests at a Site of Grace.
What The Best Talisman In Elden Ring Is
There are many different Talismans available in Elden Ring, each with their own effects, but some are more useful to the Tarnished than others.
Once a player has collected a few Scadutree Fragments, they canhead for the nearest Site of Grace to activate their blessings. It’s as simple as scrolling down to the “Shadow Blessings” option on the Site of Grace menu, and turning in their Scadutree Fragments in exchange.The number of Scadutree Fragments required increases with the level of blessing: the first only requires one, the second two, and so on.
Shadow Blessings only apply within the DLC; after teleporting back to the base game, players will lose them. However, they’ll return as soon as they come back to the Land of Shadow.
Elden Ring’s Revered Spirit Ashes Boost The Power Of Summons In DLC
Shadow Of The Erdtree Further Buffs Summons
In addition to Scadutree Fragments,another unique upgrade item, Revered Spirit Ashes, allowsElden Ringplayers to buff their summons in the DLC. These Shadow Blessings work similarly to Scadutree Fragments, in that their benefits can stack, cost more at each level, and only apply in the DLC. The only major difference is that their bonuses to attack and defense apply to summoned spirits, not to the player character themselves.
Torrent is also considered a summon for the purpose of Revered Spirit Ash Blessings, so these items help with mounted battle as well.
The only major difference is whereRevered Spirit Ashare found.They’re most commonly located near altars to desiccated corpses, usually worshiped by Shadow Undead. Occasionally, they’re also dropped by enemies, or found in other locations like catacombs.
Elden Ring’s Best Spirit Ashes, Ranked
Elden Ring introduced a new summon mechanic, which allowed players to use Spirit Ashes and summon NPC assistance, but some are better than others.
Shadow Blessings can be a major help inShadow of the Erdtree. They don’t make a massive gameplay difference, but their benefits are incredibly useful. They’re especially vital for players returning to the DLC after a long time away from the base game, but every player should search out Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes inElden Ring’s DLC.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring is a popular game released by From Software, creators of games such as Armored Core, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne. Players assume the role of a Tarnished, a being once exiled to the Lands Between and has returned to repair the Elden Ring after the events of “The Shattering.” “The Shattering” occurred when the offspring of Queen Marika battled to claim the shards of the Elden Ring, known as Great Runes. Their war has brought lawlessness, destruction, and chaos to the land, and the player will challenge them with the assistance of a Maiden known as Melina as they travel towards the great Erd Tree to face their destiny and to become the one true Elden Lord. Players can tackle the game how they choose and can adventure across realms as they build their character how they want - be it a powerful magic caster or a brutal swordsman - they will have complete control over their build.
