Don't make my mistake by starting Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree with your cheesy, OP NG+ build (Via: pcgamer.com)
Why Starting Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree With an Overpowered Build Might Not Be Ideal
When delving into FromSoftware titles, the visceral excitement often lies in gradually overcoming its intense challenges, not in breezing through them effortlessly. A recent PC Gamer article articulates this by cautioning against beginning Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree with an over-leveled, overpowered New Game Plus (NG+) build.
Players might be tempted to use their extensively developed characters to tackle new expansions, aiming to crush any opposition with ease. However, the essence of FromSoftware games like Elden Ring is found in the delicate balance of struggle and mastery. Jumping in with a character that can trivialize encounters may rob the experience of its intended difficulty and sense of accomplishment.
While brandishing an OP build can offer a power trip, it also undermines the intricate design and progression that define these games. New expansions are carefully crafted to present a fresh set of hurdles and triumphs, best experienced as intended, through genuine growth and evolving strategies.
For more insights, read the full article on PC Gamer.
McScratchey's Thoughts
You Shouldn't Be a God-Killer at the Start of a FromSoftware Game
As a gamer and game developer, the allure of FromSoftware games like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring has always been their pitiless worlds that dish out a merciless challenge. So, reading an article that states "You shouldn't be a god-killer at the start" really hit home.
First off, starting as a god-killer would just suck the fun out of it. Imagine playing Dark Souls and one-shotting Ornstein and Smough right out the gate. Part of the charm is the struggle, figuring out their patterns, and finally getting that satisfying victory. Take that away, and you'd miss out on the adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment. Where's the narrative of "git gud" if you're already good?
From a developer's perspective, the gradual increase in power is key to good game design. You start weak to experience growth, not just in stats but in skill. By the time you're slicing through enemies like butter, you've earned it. Plus, dynamic difficulty adjustments keep the player engaged and invested in the story.
Let's be real, FromSoftware games are masochistically therapeutic. They teach patience, strategy, and sometimes, humility. But if you had god-tier abilities from the start, you'd be cruising through the game without any of these memorable, albeit frustrating, experiences. Ain't nobody talking about how their Level 100 character beat the first boss; they talk about how their Level 1 character tried, died, and respawned a hundred times.
So yeah, starting as a mortal, scraping for your first win makes the epic triumphs all the more rewarding. It’s about the journey, the incremental gains, and sometimes screaming at your TV because you died from a trap for the 20th time. FromSoftware knows this, and that's why their games are masterpieces. No divine powers needed—just grit, a good strategy, and perhaps, a bit of cursing.
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