Just ahead of the highly anticipated release of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, FromSoftware has dropped a bombshell - the DLC will feature a plethora of new difficulty modes for players to dive into. But here's the kicker: once you select a difficulty from the main menu, there's no turning back. If you're keen on facing the formidable Messmer in a new challenge, be prepared to embark on a fresh game journey to reach the DLC content.

This announcement may come as a surprise to fans familiar with FromSoftware's signature difficulty levels in their games and the ongoing discourse around Elden Ring's toughness. While some gamers advocate for easy modes from the get-go, others prefer preserving the original challenging experience. Those who opt out of restarting their game will stick to the standard difficulty, now categorized as 'Normal Mode'. Interestingly, the decision to implement these new difficulty options is not directly related to this ongoing debate, according to our insider at FromSoftware.

FromSoftware's Souls series is renowned for its steep challenge, partly due to director Hidetaka Miyazaki's penchant for intense gameplay that rewards perseverance. Our source reveals Miyazaki's peculiar practice of observing Twitch streamers tackling his games, expressing dissatisfaction with the number of struggling players. Miyazaki's aim is not for players to simply 'git good' but to endure hardship. The new difficulty settings offer a mix of toned-down challenges and ramped-up obstacles for seasoned players seeking a tougher test.

Decoding the Difficulty Modes in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC

Breaking down the intricate difficulty system, our insider shared a brief overview of each mode and its unique adjustments. Starting with Normal Mode, each subsequent level incorporates all previous modifiers. For instance, Extreme mode combines the difficulty tweaks from Helldiver and Nightmare modes.

• Super Easy - Enemies are significantly weaker, while players are notably stronger.
• Very Easy - Enemies and players receive a moderate power boost, granting access to the exclusive in-game item, a membership card for Super Weenie Hut Jr.
• Easy - Enemies are slightly weakened, and players receive a minor strength buff.
• Normal - The standard Elden Ring experience.
• Hard - Offers a challenging experience akin to NG+7 Normal but at Level 1, introducing Permadeath from this point onwards.
• Helldive - Infuses elements from Helldiver 2 to up the ante.
• Nightmare - A tougher version of Hard mode with additional NG+7 layers. This trend continues with escalating challenges in subsequent difficulty levels.
• Tactician - Enemies boast enhanced stats, AI, and equipment, akin to Baldur's Gate 3.
• Extreme - Each Elden Ring boss now comes with a Bloodborne Boss companion, intensifying battles.
• Masochistic - NPCs in Roundtable Hold can contract Dragonsplague, similar to Dragon's Dogma 2, albeit coincidentally named and effectual.
• Unforgiving - Boss enemies can summon Let Me Solo Her to their aid, starting from this level.
• Impossible - Enemies in Caelid wield AK-47s, leading to widespread NPC fatalities.
• Impossible Nightmare Alpha Super Ultra Hyper Remix Plus Alpha Squared EX
• Impossible Nightmare Omega Overdrive Mode 358/2 Days - Details on these final two modes remain shrouded in mystery, met with cryptic responses from our sources.

Exciting Reveals Await Elden Ring DLC Fans

The Elden Ring community is abuzz with anticipation over these new challenges, eagerly awaiting champions to conquer the most daunting modes. Brace yourselves for a potential feat like the no-hit run in Impossible Nightmare Omega Overdrive Mode 358/2 Days, perhaps even attempted by an unlikely contender. Beyond just difficulty tweaks, the DLC promises fresh enemies, dungeons, and a new realm known as the Land of Shadow, rumored to transport players to Westeros. Allegedly, characters Radagon and Marika serve as inspiration for the Lannister twins, Jaime and Cersei.

Additionally, players can expect an array of new gear and weaponry in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, enhancing the gameplay with an arsenal of tools ranging from bombs and boomerangs to jousting swords and more. These additions are set to enrich the gameplay experience without compromising its inherent challenge.