Summary SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC adds eight new weapon types to the game, each of which changes the combat game in an unprecedented way. In Elden Ring, much as in other Soulsborne games, combat style is entirely determined by the type of weapon the player wields. Each weapon type allows for a unique set of combos, and scales damage based on a different set of stats.
But loath to let Dex builds have all the fun, Shadow of the Erdtree introduces the Great Katana. The first thing most players will notice about these new weapons is that they're significantly larger than the standard Katana, scaling with Strength and wielded instead in two hands. Visually, it's not unlike a much thinner Curved Greatsword whose blade cuts a wider arc. It doesn't swing quite as quickly or encourage combos as long as a Katana.
Shadows of the Erdtree adds another ranged weapon type in the form of Throwing Weapons - mostly daggers. These can be used both as melee and as ranged weapons, allowing players to maintain control of a battle even when outside melee range. A one-handed Throwing Weapon can also be paired with another, more powerful one-handed melee weapon to give the player a wealth of options. Or, players can wield two at once to maintain a constant barrage of ranged attacks.
Shadow of the Erdtree's new Reverse-Hand Swords boldly ask the question: what if Curved Swords were curved the other way? Their blades face outward, granting the player incredible forward momentum with their rapid slashes. When dual-wielded, the Tarnished is faster than ever before, cutting through groups of enemies with uncanny speed. Two Reverse-Hand Swords can also be joined in front of the player to create a powerful blocking force. This wasn't an option for dual-wielding previously.