Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC adds a way to modulate difficulty indirectly, through your character’s power.
How Shadow Realm Blessings Work
This system is unlocked automatically upon entering the Shadowlands. Rest at any Faded Grace site, then select the corresponding row: Blessings of the Shadow Realm.
This system can be compared to Golden Seeds and Tears of Life, by collecting the requested items, you strengthen facets of your character. It’s up to you to decide whether you prefer to play with it or without its help. The cost of improving blessings is increasing, you only need one item at the start, then two, then three.
Let us clarify that the effect of blessings is permanent, but that it only applies in the new region of the DLC. They will not help you in the base game.
Splinter of the Occult Tree
Blessings of the Eldritch Tree increase the damage you deal, while reducing the damage you take. These bonuses are valued at 5%. This is a clear and direct survival bonus, in all situations.
The blessings of the Occult Tree can be increased up to level 20.
You can find the Occult Tree Splinters in different locations:
- Near the Miquella Moons (golden pillars)
- In the churches, in front of the statues of Marika.
- On the corpse of the Shadows carrying a pot on their heade. They reappear when you rest, but they only give a splinter the first time.
- Some special enemies like Hippos, or even some bosses, also drop said Splinters.
Revered Spiritual Ash
The effect of Revered Spirit Ash Blessings is a bit more situational. It strengthens all aspects of your Spirit Ash Summons, as well as the Health and Balance of your mount, Torrent.
You will find almost all Revered Spirit Ashes in the same type of location: on altars in front of broken statues. Their appearance is almost identical each time, so you should recognize them quickly.
You will soon be able to find a list of all the shards and ashes to collect in the game. The items listed above should help you on the first bosses. It is possible to have blessings at level 5 before facing the Dancing Lion of the Divine Beast, as well as Rellana the Knight of the Twin Moons.
