Elden Ring's DLC garners a 'mixed' reception on Steam amidst complaints from PC gamers about challenging gameplay and technical execution

The recent expansion of Elden Ring, titled Shadow of the Erdtree, has received a mixed reception on Steam, the online gaming platform. A significant chunk of player feedback expresses dissatisfaction with aspects of the expansion that range from its challenging gameplay nature to technical issues riddling the PC version.

A comprehensive evaluation aggregated from around 15,000 contributors sheds light on the difficulties encountered by this latest expansion in delivering a seamless gaming experience on computer-based platforms. Nevertheless, praise regarding its engrossing aesthetics and compelling storytelling has been sprinkled in.

A section of gamer complaints largely targets issues such as a restricted frame rate and inconsistent fluidity during gameplay. Additionally, they've raised concerns about adversaries with erratic combat patterns that defy any logical movement or pattern. These problems have resulted in negative player experiences, some even intricate enough to stir avid gamers' frustration.

One disgruntled participant shared their displeasure: "I find little satisfaction in spending copious amounts of time exploring vast spaces without encountering any engaging collectibles – except for lackluster items offering no significant benefit during battles against oppositions steadily becoming monotonous and vexatious. It's turning out to be a disheartening experience."

Moreover, accessing the Shadow of the Erdtree material requires surmounting formidable opponents such as Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood – a milestone that many passionate Elden Ring enthusiasts have yet to attain owing to their daunting intensity. Notably, esteemed players have taken up mentoring roles by extending their expertise and savvy tips in conquering these intimidating foes, thereby facilitating new entrants' progress into this additional content.

This scenario is perhaps unsurprising given that developer FromSoftware holds a reputation for designing games notorious for their elevated difficulty levels. Hidetaka Miyazaki, creator of the game franchise defended this aspect during an interview where he suggested that diluting the challenge could compromise the core essence of what the game intends to offer.

"We could feasibly make the game more approachable by steadily tempering down the level of challenge," he theorized. "However, in our collective vision, this method wasn't held as suitable. Had we employed such measures, I harbor strong doubts that the game would have resonated so deeply with our users as it currently does."

He continues: "The achievement sensation rooted in surpassing these formidable obstacles forms a cornerstone of the gaming experience we seek to offer. Weakening this difficulty would strip away this delight-imbued aspect and in my viewpoint, it would effectively eat into the very foundation upon which our game stands."