What does Focus do in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree?

Focus and Robustness are easily the most puzzling aspects of Elden Ring and also the recently released Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. While most of the stats that Elden Ring showcases on the dedicated Stats menu are self-explanatory, you won't find Focus or Robustness there, which makes it incredibly difficult for new players to gauge the importance of these attributes.

What makes it even more puzzling is that some of the Talismans that you obtain not only in the base game but also in the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, are centered around Focus. While it might not be apparent immediately, Focus (and also Robustness) has a very specific use in Elden Ring, and is something you need to keep in mind while making a build.

Here's everything you need to know about Focus and its uses in Elden Ring as well as the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.

---

What is the use of Focus in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree?

While it might not be immediately apparent what purpose Focus serves in Elden Ring, rest assured, it's something that has a very special use case. Focus essentially governs your overall resistance to Sleep and Madness affinities, which comes in handy while exploring some of the optional areas and engaging in boss fights in Shadow of the Erdtree.

The Clarifying Talisman (Image via FromSoftware)

Much like other resistance-governing attributes in the game, you get a boost to your Focus every time you level up, regardless of the stats you choose to level up. However, there are also some Talismans as well as consumables that give a massive boost to your Focus.

The Clarifying Horn Charm, Clarifying Horn Charm +2 (Shadow of the Erdtree), and also the Mottled Necklace +2 (Shadow of the Erdtree) all grant a massive boost to your Focus attribute. While Focus doesn't really come into play much often, be it in the base game or the DLC, there are certain cases where you might find a use for it.

For example, while exploring the Stone Coffin Fissure, you will find most enemies deal Sleep with their regular attacks. Here, using a Focus boosting Talisman can help you negate the effects of the Sleep affinity, as a result, making it easier to get through the area. Additionally, Focus-related Talismans are also useful while exploring Abyssal Woodlands.

The Clarifying Horn Talisman +2 (Image via FromSoftware)

Given the Abyssal Woodlands as well as Midra's Manse is filled with enemies that can cause Madness, having increased resistance to the affinity really helps. Additionally, Focus also helps against the boss of Midra's Manse - Midra, Lord of Frenzied Flame, for obvious reasons.