The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring introduces some of the game's toughest challenges, even for veteran players with overleveled characters and maxed-out equipment. To make your journey through this unforgiving content smoother, it’s crucial to set yourself up with the best gear before venturing into the Realm of Shadow. This guide will help you gather essential talismans, armor, weapons, and spells to bolster your defenses and enhance your offensive capabilities, ensuring you are prepared for what lies ahead.

Best Talismans for Shadow of the Erdtree

1. Haligdrake Talisman +2
This talisman greatly boosts Holy damage negation (about 20%), which is invaluable, as many of the DLC's toughest bosses deal Holy damage as their primary type. While a better Holy damage-negating talisman is available, the +2 version offers solid protection.

2. Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman & Pearldrake Talisman +2

• The Dragoncrest Talisman boosts Physical damage reduction by 20%.
• The Pearldrake Talisman +2 reduces all non-Physical damage by 10%.
  These two talismans provide substantial defense, especially in Shadow of the Erdtree, where many enemies deliver powerful physical blows. If you need to make room for another talisman, replace the Pearldrake.

3. Great-Jar's Arsenal Talisman
This talisman increases your Equip Load by roughly 20%, enabling you to wear heavier armor without sacrificing mobility. With the new armor sets introduced in the DLC, this talisman can make a significant difference in your defense.

4. Bull-Goat Talisman
Increasing Poise by 20%, the Bull-Goat Talisman helps you avoid being staggered by light attacks. It’s particularly helpful in combat against the fast-moving enemies in the DLC, allowing you to continue attacks or casting spells without interruption.

5. Damage-Boosting Talismans

• For Melee Builds: Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, Godfrey Icon, Green Turtle Talisman, Claw Talisman, Radagon's Soreseal.
• For Spellcaster Builds: Radagon Icon, Magic Scorpion Charm, Primal Glintstone Talisman, Graven-Mass Talisman, Marika’s Soreseal.

These talismans enhance your build's effectiveness, whether you prefer to crush foes with powerful weapons or decimate them from a distance with spells.

Best Armor for Shadow of the Erdtree

Armor selection in Shadow of the Erdtree is primarily dictated by your Equip Load, Poise, and the need to counter status effects. For most players, staying below a Heavy Equip Load is key, as it allows for superior dodging and movement. The Scadutree Blessing system also helps boost your defenses, even if you wear lighter armor or go naked.

1. Poise Considerations
Poise is critical for melee builds, as it prevents you from being staggered by light attacks. Aim for a Poise value above 50 to avoid stagger from most attacks and above 100 to prevent almost all stagger. If you're not concerned with getting hit, you can skip heavy armor, but reaching these breakpoints is almost essential for boss fights.

2. Armor for Status Resistance
Some armor sets, like the Crucible Knight set, provide excellent Holy Damage resistance, which is vital for dealing with certain DLC bosses. Additionally, collect armor sets that offer resistance to status effects like Sleep, Madness, and Rot. These will be extremely useful when facing specific enemies and bosses that inflict these effects.

Best Melee Weapons for Shadow of the Erdtree

1. Dexterity Weapons

• Dual Bleed Weapons: Dual Rivers of Blood or Dual Scavenger's Curved Swords (or Twinblades) are excellent choices for Shadow of the Erdtree, as most bosses are not resistant to Bleed damage.
• Moonveil: This katana scales with both Dexterity and Intelligence, making it an ideal weapon for hybrid builds. Its Ash of War can deal devastating damage, especially at higher Scadutree Blessing levels.

2. Strength Weapons

• Dual Greatswords: Using dual greatswords, like the Giant Crusher, will allow you to break Poise on bosses and enemies with heavy attacks.
• Blasphemous Blade: This Faith-scaling weapon offers excellent damage and Flame effects, making it a versatile option against enemies weak to Fire.

Best Spells for Shadow of the Erdtree

1. Incantations

• Flame, Protect Me: Greatly increases Fire damage negation. This is vital against enemies that deal significant Fire damage.
• Lord's Divine Fortification: Increases Holy damage negation, which is crucial when facing bosses that deal Holy damage.
• Black Flame's Protection: Increases Physical damage negation, ideal for resisting the common physical attacks in the DLC.

2. Sorceries

• Comet: Fires a high-damage Magic projectile that can be charged for even more damage. It’s great for ranged offense.
• Glintstone Icecrag: A faster-casting spell that builds Frostbite on enemies, making it valuable for applying status effects quickly.
• Rock Sling: A powerful spell that deals Physical damage, great for enemies that resist Magic. It’s effective and works well against large enemies, making it a great all-around option.

Conclusion

Preparing for the challenges of Shadow of the Erdtree requires careful selection of talismans, armor, weapons, and spells. Focus on increasing your defenses against Holy and Physical damage, boosting your Poise for melee builds, and equipping damage-boosting talismans to maximize your offense. With the right gear, you’ll be better equipped to handle the new and powerful foes in this challenging DLC.

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