FromSoftware has released a brand-new update for Elden Ring that should make the DLC slightly easier, especially in its early stages. Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC has been released to widespread critical acclaim, but it has ruffled the feathers of even some of the most diehard Soulslike fans. While Elden Ring and the genre itself has a reputation for extreme difficulty, it seems many have been put off by just how challenging Shadow of the Erdtree is.

Shadow of the Erdtree has proven to be extremely difficult, to the point where some have started review bombing the game on Steam to voice their frustrations. There are those who feel as though Shadow of the Erdtree is simply too hard, especially compared to the base game, though there are others who appreciate the added challenge.

Perhaps in response to fan complaints about Shadow of the Erdtree's difficulty, a new update has been released for the open world game that looks to address its balance. Update 1.12.2 is available for Elden Ring fans to download right now. It increases the amount of attack output and damage negation for the first half of the maximum amount of Blessing enhancements when players utilize Shadow Realm Blessings like Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes, though the second half will be more gradual. Furthermore, the attack output and damage negation for the final level of Blessing enhancements "has been slightly increased."

The long and short of it is that after downloading the update, Elden Ring players will have an easier time with the early parts of the DLC, as well as the expansion's final moments. So, those that feel like they've hit a brick wall with Elden Ring's Divine Beast Dancing Lion boss may have an easier time winning that brutal fight, while those stuck on the final battle should also have a somewhat easier time. Of course, this all depends on whether Elden Ring players are actually collecting and using Scadutree Fragments.

Publisher Bandai Namco actually had to release a message reminding Elden Ring players to use their Scadutree Fragments, as it became clear that many were simply not utilizing them properly. Scadutree Fragments are a new collectible item that players can find by exploring the DLC. When used at a Site of Grace, they make it so players deal more damage and are capable of withstanding more incoming damage. Scadutree Fragments are essential for most people that want to complete the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, and as of the new update, they should give players an even more significant advantage.

In the patch notes for the new Elden Ring update, Bandai Namco also confirmed a bug where raytracing is automatically enabled when players on PC load saved data from previous game versions. This is what's been causing Shadow of the Erdtree's framerate problems for some players, and those individuals are encouraged to turn raytracing off. The patch notes conclude by confirming that more Elden Ring updates are on the way that will fix bugs and make "other balance adjustments," though what those adjustments will consist of remains to be seen.

Elden Ring Update 1.12.2 Patch Notes
Attack and damage negation curve scaling of the Shadow Realm Blessings has been revised.

The attack and damage negation has been increased for the first half of the maximum amount of Blessing enhancements, and the second half will now be more gradual. The attack and damage negation granted by the final level of Blessing enhancements has been slightly increased.

The calibration update can be applied by logging into the multiplayer server.

If the Calibration Ver. listed at the bottom right of the title menu is not "1.12.2", then select LOGIN and apply the latest regulations before enjoying the game.

About graphics settings (PC version only)
We have confirmed a bug where the raytracing settings are automatically enabled if you have previously loaded saved data from previous game versions.

If your framerate is unstable, please check in the 'SYSTEM' > 'Graphics Settings' > 'Raytracing Quality' settings from the title menu or in-game menu to check if it has been unintentionally set to 'ON'. Once set to 'OFF', Ray Tracing will no longer be automatically enabled.

Other balance adjustments as well as bug fixes are also planned for a future patch.