Elden Ring’s first DLC has been a long time coming for many fans who want to explore farther into the depths of the massive open-world game. Consequently, the news that theShadow of the Erdtree DLCwill potentially beElden Ring’s only DLC comes as a bittersweet revelation for the community. Though this may not be what fans were hoping to hear, it could prove to be the best course of action forElden Ring’s legacy.
Given the game’s massive following and critical success, it’s likely that the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC won’t be the end of theElden Ringsaga entirely, as the studio behind the game, FromSoftware, has already expressed that a sequel remains a possibility, although not a priority. In the meantime, givingElden Ringa break means that FromSoftware can go all in on other new and existing IPs that could take the studio to new heights.
Elden Ring’s Legacy Is Likely Far From Over
In aninterview with IGN,Elden Ring’s game director Hidetaka Miyazaki stated that the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC will likely be the only DLC forElden Ring, though the studio is still considering future plans for the IP. “We don’t have any current plans to make a second DLC or a sequel,“ said Miyazaki, “but we definitely don’t want to snuff out that possibility.” While the mention ofElden Ringonly having one DLC may not be what fans were hoping to hear, the prospect of a potential sequel forElden Ringarguably seems like a much better alternative.
Although considering that the Shadow of The Erdtree DLC is said to beElden Ring’s only DLC, it’s fair to expect that this DLC won’t pull any punches. This already seems true based on the amount ofnew weapon types that are coming inElden Ring’s DLC, which will likely have a lasting impression on the game. However, it remains to be seen what storytelling this DLC will deliver, as fans currently have many unanswered questions about the characters and events of the base game, aside from the new stories that this DLC will introduce.
Even if the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC delivers answers to all theunanswered questions fromElden Ring’s base game, if not a sequel, this could still leave room for a prequel.Elden Ring’s mythos and lore arguably still have plenty of room to go either way. Consequently, the Shadow of Tthe Erdtree being the only DLC forElden Ringmay not be such a bad thing after all, assuming that a sequel and/or a prequel forElden Ringeventually happens.
After Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, the Ball is in FromSoftware’s Court
Elden Ringhas remained one ofFromSoftware’s most successful gamesby far. With this in mind, indefinitely abandoningElden Ringto focus on other IPs would be money left on the table. At the same time though,Elden Ringisn’t the only FromSoftware game that fans want more of, so taking a break fromElden Ringto focus on some of FromSoftware’s other IPs could be the best course of action for the studio. Naturally, one of the most highly-requested follow-ups for FromSoftware’s past games isBloodborne.
FromSoftware is the development studio behindBloodborne, though the IP is owned by Sony.
Gamers have wanted this PlayStation exclusive to get remastered for years, or at the very least, for the game to get ported to PC. So, FromSoftware taking a break fromElden Ringcould bethe best chance of aBloodborneremaster happening, or it could lead to aBloodbornesequel. Otherwise, after the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, the sky is the limit for FromSoftware’s next projects.
Elden Ring
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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.
