You're not supposed to start Shadow of the Erdtree at level 1 with no gear, but one Elden Ring player proved it's possible with very careful planning

GamesAction RpgElden RingYou’re not supposed to start Shadow of the Erdtree at level 1 with no gear, but one Elden Ring player proved it’s possible with very careful planningWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

GamesAction RpgElden RingYou’re not supposed to start Shadow of the Erdtree at level 1 with no gear, but one Elden Ring player proved it’s possible with very careful planningWhen 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)

The Dancing Lion boss stares into the camera in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.

If you were worried about being under-leveled forElden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, then don’t be, as one talented player has proven that you can waltz into the Realm of Shadow at the lowest possible level, with no equipment to your name, and still triumph.

Thankfully for Iron Pineapple, the Beast Claw is able to build up Bleed damage, which triggers Hemorrhage in susceptible foes. This was important early in the run, as Hemorrhage eats a set percentage of enemy health bars, regardless of your level or how good your weapon is, giving Iron Pineapple a much better way to fight before getting access to significant upgrades.

Next came the Scadutree Fragments. While Shadow of the Erdtree doesn’t ignore all those hard-earned levels from your regular ol' Runes (there’s a reason why theShadow of the Erdtree level requirementis estimated around 150), the main way you strengthen your character in the DLC is collecting those fragments to upgrade your Scadutree Blessing. Doing so reduces the amount of damage you take and boosts how deadly your attacks are in the Realm of Shadow.

Elden Ring’s DLC but I start with NOTHING - YouTubeWatch On

Elden Ring’s DLC but I start with NOTHING - YouTube

Elden Ring’s DLC but I start with NOTHING - YouTube

Elden Ring’s DLC but I start with NOTHING - YouTube

While it’s been proven that you cansmash through the entire DLC without upgrading your Scadutree Blessing at all, they make an enormous difference, and perhaps nothing demonstrates that better than the effect they had on Iron Pineapple’s low-leveled Tarnished, who suddenly started to put up much more of a fight against all the DLC’s foes. Being able to defeat enemies quicker also meant that it was easier for the YouTuber to grab more equipment, weapons, and upgrade materials to slowly construct a build to take on the Dancing Lion.

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Be sure to check outour guide on how to findShadow of the Erdtree Scadutree Fragmentsto help you through Elden Ring’s expansion.

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1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

Nemesis board game models and tokens laid out on a board

1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

1

Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

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Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

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4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

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5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

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1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

Shadow brandishes a gun in Sonic The Hedgehog 3

1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

1

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

2

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3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

3

Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

4

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

5

Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

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Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor and Nicola Coughlan as Joy in Doctor Who Christmas special Joy to the World

1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

1

Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

2

Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

3

Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

4

Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

5

Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

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