Summary
FromSoftware’s action games are famous for their tough and memorable boss fights, andElden Ringfeatures some of the best in the developer’s ouvre. While theShadow of the ErdtreeDLC will no doubt feature a good deal of new and exciting boss battleswhile expandingElden Ring’s iconic map, it could just as well tweak or adapt a few of the base game’s most prominent boss types.
One of the most common criticisms ofElden Ringrelates to its reused boss and enemy types. The game boasts over 120 different boss battles, but a good deal of them are against either boss repeats or only slightly altered versions of earlier encounters. This critique is valid, as recycled content can detract from the novelty and sense of adventure that is so present in the rest of the experience. At the same time, however, there’s an argument to be made that this repetition breeds mastery against certain types of bosses, and when FromSoftware strikes the right balance between familiarity and surprise through new moves, abilities, or environments, these encounters can still manage to be rather fun.
Elden Ring Bosses That Should Make a Comeback in Shadow of the Erdtree
Elden Ring’smost challenging bossesmight be surpassed inShadow of the Erdtree, as FromSoftware has a history of making its DLC noticeably more challenging than their base games. ThoughElden Ringis undeniably tough, FromSoftware took several steps to make it a more accessible game, and it’s possible that the studio will take a similar approach to accessibility with its DLC, providing an entry point for both veteran players and those who are new to the game. A handful of repeated boss types could further this end, serving as “appetizers” that players are more familiar with before delving into tougher and more out-there enemies.
Grafted Scion
The first boss players will encounter inElden Ring, the Grafted Scion follows FromSoftware’s long tradition of quasi-scripted losses. While infamouslytough bosses likeElden Ring’s MaleniaorBloodborne’s Orphan of Kos are typically encountered multiple times before the player can achieve victory, the first bosses in FromSoftware games, including the Grafted Scion, serve to set a certain expectation of difficulty, often being an unfair match for the player at that point. Putting a Grafted Scion in the DLC could be a cheeky way of kicking things off, taking a player’s temperature, so to speak, and determining if they are ready to tackle the DLC or not.
Crucible Knight
It’s not clear whatShadow of the Erdtree’s narrative will entail, but many fans are hoping to learn more about the moremysterious elements ofElden Ring’s lore, such as the primordial crucible and the creatures connected to it. If the DLC does focus on the crucible, it would be pretty difficult to avoid battling certain enemy types, such as Omens and Misbegotten. Crucible Knights are perhaps the most ripe with potential, though, as their varied moveset and use of verticality make them some of the more interesting and enjoyable mini-bosses in the main game. Plus, if the crucible gets expanded upon, the powers, strengths, and weaknesses of the Crucible Knights could be remixed and revamped, making them even more engaging.
Godskins
With the base game only featuring Godskin Nobles and Godskin Apostles, the DLC could potentially introduce additional takes on these eerie and dangerous boss types. Anew variant of a Godskincould provide unique mechanical challenges, expanding on the body alteration and magic abilities of its predecessors while giving players greater insight into the lore behind these beings, which is somewhat barebones in the base game.
Recycled bosses will likely always be a controversial element ofElden Ring. Many argue that such repetition is an underwhelming, quantity over quality approach to game design, and that it plays counter to the game’s major strengths. However,Shadow of the Erdtree, as it expands the lore and world ofElden Ring, could find unique and valuable ways to reintroduce a handful of key boss types.
Elden Ring
WHERE TO PLAY
ELDEN RING, developed by FromSoftware, Inc. and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., is a fantasy action-RPG adventure set within a world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. Danger and discovery lurk around every corner in FromSoftware’s largest game to date. Hidetaka Miyazaki - President and Game Director of FromSoftware Inc. Known for directing critically-acclaimed games in beloved franchises including Armored Core and Dark Souls.George R.R. Martin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including the acclaimed series A Song of Ice and Fire - A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast For Crows, and A Dance with Dragons. As a writer-producer, he has worked on The Twilight Zone, Beauty and the Beast, and various feature films and pilots that were never made. He lives with the lovely Parris in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
