The latest expansion for Elden Ring, titled Forsaken Hollows, has introduced an exciting array of features that promise to enhance the gameplay experience. Players can now explore new territory, engage with two fresh playable characters, and tackle a novel challenge in the form of Shifting Earth. This expansion also includes two unique expeditions, each featuring formidable Nightlords who present substantial challenges, particularly on the intense Day 3.
The first boss encounter introduces Balancers, a formidable adversary that demands a well-coordinated team to counteract the multiple Valkyries they summon. Players are advised to familiarize themselves with the boss’s varied attack patterns and fortify their tactics accordingly. A comprehensive guide offers insights into the boss’s attacks, strategy tips, and the enticing rewards that await those who conquer it.
Navigating the fight requires a layered understanding of the Balancers’ abilities. As the battle begins, players must contend with seven Valkyries, each with their own health bar, which collectively impacts the overarching boss health at the bottom of the screen. Tactical players are encouraged to avoid excessive attacks when close to the Balancers, as certain moves, like Sacred Eruption, can trigger devastating spearhead ambushes from below.
In their initial phase, the Valkyries exhibit predictable patterns, making them manageable, even as players may find themselves needing to engage multiple foes at once. Successfully defeating the Valkyries lowers the boss’s health significantly, but they will briefly regroup for a heightened second phase.
As the fighting escalates, one Valkyrie will don empowered pink wings, initiating a sequence of aerial assaults that culminate in explosive area-of-effect attacks. Players must deftly navigate these moves while strategically deciding to either whittle down the main boss or focus on dismissing the empowered Valkyrie first. Prioritizing the enhanced opponent can temporarily stun the remaining foes, allowing players a crucial opportunity to regroup and heal.
To maximize success, players should consider employing sleep-based weapons, as the Balancers are particularly vulnerable to this ailment. Such tactics provide critical downtime against the Valkyries, rendering them incapacitated and momentarily reducing the number of threats in play.
The ideal team composition for tackling the Balancers includes a mix of character roles. The Scholar is vital for maximizing resource efficiency and shared damage, while the Undertaker brings essential survivability with her unique invulnerability mechanics. Ironeye’s ability to mark enemies and provide remote support further adds to the team’s resilience. Other characters like Recluse and Wylder can also complement the group’s damage output effectively.
Once players manage to defeat the Balancers, they are rewarded with the Will of the Balancers, a relic that significantly enhances both melee and skill attack power while providing continuous FP regeneration. This powerful reward underscores the challenges and trials that players must navigate within this intricately designed expansion.
Overall, Forsaken Hollows not only expands the narrative and combat landscape of Elden Ring but also deepens the strategic elements, demanding players to work together, adapt their skills, and conquer formidable foes in an unforgettable adventure.
