Best stat to level up in Elden Ring before Shadow of the Erdtree

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree features some of the most difficult boss encounters. Although you can access the DLC only after you beat Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood, you have to get stronger to have an easier time playing it. Thus, it's essential to reach a certain level and power up the correct stats before traversing through the Shadow Realm.

This guide explains which stats should be your main focus in Elden Ring before starting your journey in Shadow of the Erdtree.

Note: Some aspects of this article are subjective and solely reflect the opinions of the writer

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Stat you should level up for Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

Recommended stat levels for Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree (Image via FromSoftware)

When beginning your adventure in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, vigor is the key stat to focus on, as it directly affects your HP. Vigor influences not only health points but also fire resistance and immunity. Additionally, it determines the level of poison and rot resistance in your character.

Therefore, it's crucial to raise vigor to a minimum of 60; this would grant your character a base HP of 1900. While you have the option to push it higher still, 60 marks the soft cap. Ideally, this should prove adequate for navigating through the realm.

The primary cause of this stems from the brutal nature of the bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree. They deliver blows with incredible force and speed, making it easy for some of their stronger attacks to eliminate you in a single hit if your vigor is low.

Also, you must reach a minimum level of 170 to play the game efficiently. If you have neglected investing points in vigor, there is always an option to respec your character and tailor the stats according to your preference.

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How to respec your character in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree to increase Vigor

Visit Rennala to change your character stats (Image via FromSoftware)

In case you have not been putting runes in your vigor, you can visit Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, located at the Academy of Raya Lucaria, to respec your character.

Following that, you can use a Larval Tear to reset and reorganize your character's stats, reallocating points from different stats. Increase your vigor, and then pay attention to beefing up your specific build after that.

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Shadow of the Erdtree features a unique way to increase your stats

Find Scadutree Fragments or Revered Spirit Ashes scattered across the Shadow Realm (Image via FromSoftware)

Shadow of the Erdtree features a distinct leveling system that aims to boost your stats in another way. The regular leveling system merely extends a helping hand in the DLC, largely due to stat caps. However, you can achieve more buffs by obtaining Shadow Realm Blessings (Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes) within the Shadow Realm.

The Scadutree Fragments increase your character's stats, while the Revered Spirit Ashes boost your Spirit Ashes (summons) damage negation. You can find them near Miquella's Cross locations (often placed beside Grace sites) and some are scattered throughout the world.

Check out: All Spirit Ashes in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

Visit a Grace site to use the Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes from the Shadow Realm Blessing option (Image via FromSoftware)

However, you can still opt for the old-school method of leveling up (through farming runes). The good news is that you can find numerous high-value runes all over the Land of Shadow. Taking down numerous bosses and mini-bosses is another way of obtaining bountiful runes.

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Check out more Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree guides:

• Shadow of the Erdtree completion time
• Best Intelligence-Dexterity build to use for Shadow of the Erdtree
• Best sorcery builds for 10 best sorcery builds for Shadow of the Erdtree