Summary
While there are some reused enemies inElden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, more often than not, these enemies have some kind of new quirk that sets them apart from their base game counterparts. For some enemies, this difference can be very subtle, while for others it can be a complete makeover. One enemy type that makes a return appearance inElden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is Runebears. Yet, although the Runebears in the DLC are identical to the ones found in the base game, the new Great Red Bear variations of these enemies address some of the common criticisms of Runebears.
Runebears are arguably one ofthe most difficult enemies inElden Ring, and despite their existing reputation, there’s one part of these enemies that sticks out like a sore thumb in the base game. With the new Great Red Bear boss enemies inElden Ring’s DLC, this new enemy type fills in for some of the biggest downfalls ofElden Ring’s Runebears while also taking their difficulty to new heights.
Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Puts Some Respect on Runebears’ Names
Runebears have slowly become one of the most infamous enemies inElden Ring, and for any players who maybe aren’t familiar with these enemies, it would be wise not to underestimate them. Even though most Runebears are common enemies, they can have a health pool and attack movesets that can give some of the early-game bosses inElden Ringa run for their money. Yet despite Runebears already having an infamous reputation, the new Great Red Bears and othernew features inElden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLCtake this enemy to the next level, giving them the respect they deserve.
How Shadow of the Erdtree’s Great Red Bears Address the Biggest Criticisms of Elden Ring’s Runebears
Runebears' infamous reputation mainly comes from their difficulty, considering they feature an attack moveset with long-reaching and fast-striking attacks that give players very limited windows of opportunity to heal or retaliate. Especially in the encounters where players don’t have access to theirSpectral Steed, Torrent inElden Ring, battling a Runebear can be very unforgiving.
So, with Ralva the Great Red Bear and Rugalea the Great Red Bear having an expanded moveset, it’s only natural that these new enemies are considered bosses, even if both of the Great Red Bears are onlyoptional bosses inElden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. With Great Red Bears being considered bosses, this also solves another problem thatElden Ring’s Runebears suffered from.
The one thing that makesElden Ring’s Runebears stick out like a sore thumb in the base game is that the loot they drop arguably doesn’t feel appropriate for how difficult they are to fight. The one Runebear mini-boss that players can encounter in the Earthbore Cave drops the Spelldrake Talisman when killed. However, apart from Runes, most of the Lesser Runebears that players encounter as common enemies throughoutElden Ringtypically only drop crafting materials. Consequently,Elden Ring’s new weapon type, armor, and spells that are inspired by Runebears and Great Red Bears are a satisfying solution to this problem.
With all of the new gear that players can earn to flaunt their victory over defeating the new Great Red Bears and Runebears,Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC arguably makes fighting Runebears worth the challenge. Especially considering how powerful the new Beast Claws weapon type and other build crafting tools are, it’s nice to seeElden Ringhonoring what’s been considered one of the most difficult enemies in the game.
