GamesRPGElden RingAs we stare down the Elden Ring DLC, I can’t decide which of my all-time favorite builds to take into the RPG’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansionWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesRPGElden RingAs we stare down the Elden Ring DLC, I can’t decide which of my all-time favorite builds to take into the RPG’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansionWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: FromSoftware)

Decisions inElden Ringare important. Often, they’re the difference between success and failure. Do you circumvent an enemy horde, or take them head-on? Do you unleash your most powerful spells at the beginning of a boss fight, or do you hold fire until the final stretch when your health is low? Do you attack or defend, parry or roll, live or You Died – so many decisions made in the Lands Between can change the face of your game in an instant.
My latest head-scratching quandary is a little more abstract in that it’s not a direct moment-to-moment in-game decision, but it is one that’ll affect pretty much everything moving forward. With Elden Ring’sShadow of the Erdtree DLCgunning towards its June 20 release date, I’m torn between which of my two favorite builds to lead into the game’s long-awaited and much-anticipated expansion: my hybrid Moonlight Crusader mage build, or my hybrid Executioner bleed build.
Decisions, decisions
(Image credit: FromSoftware)

OBSESSION(Image credit: FromSoftware)I’m so obsessed with Elden Ring’s twisted sickness cult that my family has banned me from talking about it at home
OBSESSION
(Image credit: FromSoftware)I’m so obsessed with Elden Ring’s twisted sickness cult that my family has banned me from talking about it at home
(Image credit: FromSoftware)

I’m so obsessed with Elden Ring’s twisted sickness cult that my family has banned me from talking about it at home
Both have undeniable appeal, it must be said. And while I was certain I’d go with my mage ensemble whenFromSoftwareconfirmed that Shadow of the Erdree will explore Miquella’s story, a recent discovery on beating Mohg Lord of Blood for the second time has totally turned my head back towards my bleed set-up.
One thing developer FromSoftware has been clear on is that Shadow of the Erdtree will have scaled difficulty. This will serve to maintain challenging enemies and bosses for more advanced players who’ve spent the last two-odd years hitting super-OP levels.At almost 400 hours in, I have a few saves myself that I could lead into the incoming expansion, and it’s the unprecedented gap between the base game’s launch and the first slice of DLC that’s responsible for me being spoiled for choice. To this end, I assume I’m far from alone in my indecision.
(Image credit: FromSoftware; GamesRadar)

“And so I put it to you: which would you opt for?”
“And so I put it to you: which would you opt for?”
For what it’s worth, my mage build sees me tooled up with a Lusat’s Glintstone Staff and Dark Moon Greatsword. It involves me first summoning my Mimic Tear ashes. It then involves my chugging a Flask of Wondrous Physik mixed with a Hidden Cerulean Tear and a regular Cerulean Tear. After that, I cast a quick flash of Terra Magica, and then blast the absolute hell out of Comet Azur. Once my infinite MP buff wears off, I then switch to Ranni’s Dark Moon, Glintstone Comet Shard and/or Stars of Ruin depending on the speed and movement of the enemy before me.
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And so I put it to you: which would you opt for? Both have their pros and cons, but assuming the enemies in the DLC are as susceptible to blood offense as Mohg, I’m leaning towards the latter of my favored two. That said, we’re still some two-and-a-half months away from Shadow of the Erdtree’s release and already my indecision is killing me. Whenever I fire up my mage build, I am 100% certain this is the one. And then when I switch over to my bleed outfitting I’m surethatis the right choice.
I’ve fallen in love with Elden Ring’s absolute worst area – just like I did with Dark Souls and Bloodborne
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