The Shadow of the Erdtree update also brings a significant gameplay overhaul, addressing many of the concerns and issues raised by the community. One of the most notable changes is the reworked enemy AI. Enemies are now more aggressive and challenging, requiring players to adapt their strategies and tactics.
FromSoftware specifically wants players to engage with the Horned Warriors and Gravebirds —elite enemies that previously offered poor Rune returns for their difficulty. In v1.16, killing a single Horned Warrior near the Belurat Gaol now yields 18,000 Runes (before Scarab/Foot buffs).
Update v1.16 is a rather than a major balance patch. It primarily addresses critical bugs introduced in v1.15, plus a specific adjustment to rune farming/gank scenarios . There are no weapon, spell, or Ash of War rebalancing changes in this patch.
The Lands Between are known for their difficulty. Make sure you're prepared for tough fights and consider leveling up or gearing up before diving into the new content.