The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring introduces a new enemy type known as Spider Scorpions. These unsettling arachnid-like foes present unique challenges with their aggressive tactics, ambush behavior, and sheer numbers. Whether you're exploring dark caverns or scaling treacherous ruins, Spider Scorpions are lurking. This guide will provide detailed information on their locations, variants, combat strategies, and potential rewards.

Overview of Spider Scorpions

Spider Scorpions are fast, agile enemies found throughout key locations in the DLC. They often hang from ceilings or walls, waiting to ambush unsuspecting players. While individually manageable, they excel in groups, swarming their targets with relentless strikes.

Key Characteristics:

Ambush Tactics: Frequently positioned above doorways, along walls, or in dark corners.

Group Behavior: Often appear in packs, making crowd control essential.

Agility and Speed: Their rapid movement can overwhelm players relying solely on melee attacks.

Spider Scorpion Variants

Spider Scorpions come in two notable forms:

1. Standard Spider Scorpion

Appearance: Smaller, more numerous, and commonly found in exploration zones.

Threat Level: Moderate - manageable solo but dangerous in groups.

Attack Style: Uses rapid lunges, claw swipes, and poison-inflicting stings.

2. Giant Spider Scorpion (Elite Variant)

Appearance: Significantly larger with more formidable defenses and higher damage output.

Threat Level: High - often accompanied by smaller Spider Scorpions.

Attack Style: Features a powerful stinger attack and wide-reaching claw strikes.

Where to Find Spider Scorpions

Spider Scorpions are commonly found in dark, confined spaces or ruinous areas. Key locations include:

Belurat Tower Settlement: Found in abandoned homes and along rooftops.

Scadu Altus: Lurking within narrow corridors and shadowy cliffsides.

Abyssal Woods: Hidden among dense trees and dark forest paths.

Ancient Ruins of Rauh: Infest ancient structures, clinging to ceilings and walls.

Tip: To avoid surprise attacks when exploring these areas, keep a vigilant lookout above doorways and corners.

Tips for Fighting Spider Scorpions

Spider Scorpions' unpredictable movement and swarming behavior demand calculated tactics. Here's how to approach the fight effectively:

1. Maintain Distance with Ranged Attacks

Given their speed and tendency to ambush, engaging Spider Scorpions from afar minimizes risk. Weapons such as Great Bows, Spears, or Halberds allow you to strike while staying outside their lunge range.

Best Ranged Weapons:

Pulley Crossbow (rapid fire for crowd control)

Erdtree Bow (high damage for precision shots)

Bolt of Gransax (excellent for piercing multiple enemies)

2. Use Heavy Attacks to Break Poise

Spider Scorpions are highly susceptible to stagger effects. Well-timed heavy attacks can interrupt their movement, giving you opportunities for follow-up strikes.

Recommended Weapons for Poise Damage:

Great Club

Ruins Greatsword

Dragon Slayer Cragblade

Tip: Jumping heavy attacks are especially effective against Spider Scorpions, dealing high stagger damage while keeping you mobile.

3. Fire and Holy Damage Are Effective

Spider Scorpions have a notable weakness to Fire and Holy damage, making these elements your best choice for efficient kills.

Recommended Incantations/Spells:

Flame of the Fell God (massive AoE fire explosion)

Surge, O Flame! (quick bursts for fast-moving foes)

Discussion of Light (fast-traveling Holy projectile ideal for hit-and-run tactics)

4. Utilize Spirit Ash Summons for Distraction

Because Spider Scorpions often appear in groups, using summons that specialize in drawing aggro or tanking damage is highly effective.

Best Spirit Ashes for Spider Scorpion Encounters:

Lhutel the Headless (high defense and teleporting ability)

Omenkiller Rollo (massive AoE fire attacks ideal for multiple enemies)

Spider Scorpion Spirit Ash (turn their tactics against them with a reliable summon)

5. Equip Poison Resistance Gear

Spider Scorpions frequently inflict Poison, which can deplete your health over time. Equip gear that bolsters poison resistance to mitigate this threat.

Recommended Armor Sets for Poison Resistance:

Cleanrot Set (high resistance and solid defense)

Malenia's Set (balanced defense with poison mitigation)

Mushroom Set (unmatched resistance for pure poison mitigation)

6. Avoid Fighting in Tight Spaces

Spider Scorpions excel in confined areas, where their ambush tactics are most effective. If possible, lure them into open spaces where dodging becomes easier.

Tip: Use Throwing Daggers or Fire Pots to bait Spider Scorpions into better combat positions.

Recommended Builds for Spider Scorpion Encounters

Melee Build (Strength-Focused)

Weapons: Great Club, Starscourge Greatswords

Ash of War: Flaming Strike for added fire damage

Armor: Cleanrot Set for poison resistance

Ranged Build (Dexterity-Focused)

Weapons: Pulley Crossbow, Erdtree Bow

Arrows: Serpent Arrows (apply poison for damage over time)

Armor: Land of Reeds Set for improved mobility

Magic Build (Faith/Intelligence-Focused)

Spells: Flame of the Fell God, Comet, or Discus of Light

Weapon: Carian Regal Scepter for optimal magic scaling

Armor: Queen of the Full Moon Set for improved spellcasting defense

Final Tips

Buff Before Engaging: Utilize buffs like Golden Vow or Flame, Grant Me Strength to enhance survivability and damage output.

Watch the Ceilings: Spider Scorpions often hang above doorways - use a bow or ranged spell to knock them down safely.

Stay Mobile: Constant movement prevents Spider Scorpions from swarming you effectively. Use sprinting attacks to maintain offensive pressure without standing still.

Conclusion

Spider Scorpions in Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC are dangerous foes that demand strategy and preparation. By leveraging ranged attacks, exploiting elemental weaknesses, and using Spirit Ashes wisely, you can overcome these deadly ambush predators.

If you're looking for Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring items to enhance your journey through the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, there are several effective methods and strategies to maximize your resources. Whether you're facing challenging foes like Spider Scorpions or powerful bosses, having the right items and sufficient runes will make your progress smoother.