“It’s something like an Attack Power separate from existing levels that are only effective within the DLC area,“ said director Hidetaka Miyazaki.

Elden Ring’s upcoming expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, is out this Summer and adds a new world, the Land of Shadow, complete with new enemies, over ten bosses and much more. It doesn’t affect the outcome of the base game (and vice versa), but you need to play a fairly significant amount to even access the expansion.

Interestingly, regardless if you go in with a high or low level, director Hidetaka Miyazaki promises a new “level-up element” that may provide an edge. Speaking to Famitsu (translation via Automaton-Media), he said, “You will best understand it if you imagine something akin to Attack Power in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. It’s something like an Attack Power separate from existing levels that are only effective within the DLC area.“

Attack Power is raised by defeating bosses and offering them to a Sculptor’s Idol. It influences both Vitality and Posture damage dealt and exists independent of any Skill Points earned or abilities unlocked.

Why implement this in Shadow of the Erdtree, especially when Elden Ring has leveling and weapon upgrade mechanics? To provide players with more freedom in how they tackle some challenges. “‘This boss is too strong, so I’ll explore some other area and challenge them again after I get stronger’”, he said. Alternatively, those seeking a more challenging experience have something to look forward to.

We’ll need more details on how it works, so stay tuned in the coming months. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree launches on June 21st for PS4, Xbox One, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC