Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC: Boiled Crab as a Scadutree Fragment Alternative
Players are discovering creative ways to overcome the increased difficulty of Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. While Scadutree Fragments offer significant offensive and defensive buffs, their limited quantity has led players to seek alternatives. One such item gaining traction is the Boiled Crab, a quest item from the base game.
The difficulty spike between the base game and the DLC is substantial, prompting players to utilize previously overlooked items like Runes Arcs. However, the Boiled Crab offers a compelling alternative. As highlighted in a recent Reddit post, Boiled Crab provides a 20% physical damage negation for 60 seconds. Its unlimited availability contrasts sharply with the scarcity of Scadutree Fragments, making it a valuable resource.
The Boiled Crab Acquisition Challenge
There's a significant caveat: the quest to obtain Boiled Crab is easily missed. Players must interact with or defeat Blackguard Big Boggart 
before reaching Volcano Manor without speaking to Rya 
. Missing this crucial step permanently locks the quest. Many players have unfortunately experienced this oversight.
Alternative Buff Options
Fortunately, other items provide similar benefits. The Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman offers a comparable 20% physical damage reduction but occupies a valuable Talisman slot. The Opaline Hardtear 
provides a more substantial 3-minute damage negation across all damage types, a significant advantage against the challenging bosses in the DLC. These alternatives offer players strategic options for mitigating damage.
