Elden Ring's Future: Sequel Speculations and the Singular Splendor of Shadow of the Erdtree

In the ever-evolving landscape of gaming, few titles have captured the imagination and fervor of the community quite like Elden Ring. With its sprawling open world, intricate lore, and challenging gameplay, it’s no wonder that the prospect of a sequel to this beloved title has set the gaming forums ablaze with speculation and debate. The announcement that ‘Shadow of the Erdtree’ will be the only DLC for Elden Ring has further fueled these discussions, leaving fans to ponder the future of the franchise and the implications of this singular expansion.

The gaming community is nothing if not passionate, and the reactions to the news of Elden Ring’s DLC and potential sequel are as varied as the game’s own vast landscapes. Some players, like Cronogear, express a desire for a sequel that builds upon the lessons learned from the first game, while also yearning for a fresh setting to explore. This sentiment is echoed by others who feel that the familiar tones and settings of the Souls series, which includes Elden Ring, are becoming somewhat stale. They crave new worlds and narratives, a testament to the insatiable appetite for innovation that drives the gaming community.

“ELDEN RING™” by SONY CHANG is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

On the other hand, there are those like Kiyamet who find the announcement of only one DLC both disappointing and surprising, given the game’s massive success. The hunger for more content is palpable among these fans, who are not content with mere scraps from the table of FromSoftware’s creation. They want to dive deeper, to explore every nook and cranny of the game’s rich universe, and one DLC feels like an abrupt end to an otherwise expansive journey.

There are voices like Hero_of_the_Day who acknowledge the obvious: a sequel to such a massively successful and award-winning game seems like a given. It’s a sentiment that’s hard to argue with, considering the industry’s penchant for building upon successful franchises. Mau even humorously points out that FromSoftware has a few ‘hit the alarm’ titles up their sleeve, should they ever face financial difficulties, with Elden Ring 2 being one of them.

The debate rages on, with players like Poimandres hoping for a return to the beautifully interconnected worlds that FromSoftware is famous for. Meanwhile, others like Mary Celeste argue that it’s time to move on to new ideas, to let Elden Ring stand as a complete work without the need for further expansion. This dichotomy of opinions is a testament to the depth and complexity of Elden Ring as a game that can be experienced in so many different ways.

“ELDEN RING™_20220228120847” by SONY CHANG is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Amidst this whirlwind of opinions, the facts remain: ‘Shadow of the Erdtree’ will be the first and last DLC for Elden Ring, as confirmed by Hidetaka Miyazaki in an interview with Chinese outlet Zhihu. The decision to release only one piece of DLC is rooted in the desire to maintain the game’s sense of exploration and discovery, rather than fragmenting it into multiple parts. This approach is both a nod to the game’s design philosophy and a potential source of disappointment for those craving more.

The DLC itself promises to be a substantial addition to the game, with new lore to uncover and mysteries to solve. The link between Miquella and St. Trina, for example, is set to be explored, adding layers to the already rich tapestry of the game’s narrative. The expansion will also introduce a new element of progression, inspired by Sekiro, offering players the choice to adjust the level of challenge they face. This flexibility ensures that ‘Shadow of the Erdtree’ will be accessible to all players, regardless of their progress in the main game.

As we look to the future, the question of an Elden Ring sequel remains open. FromSoftware has a history of keeping possibilities alive for their franchises, and with the success of Elden Ring, it’s hard to imagine that they wouldn’t consider continuing the saga. However, for now, fans can look forward to ‘Shadow of the Erdtree’, set to release on 21st June, as the definitive expansion to an already monumental game.

The community’s mixed reactions to the DLC and sequel prospects for Elden Ring are a reflection of the game’s impact on the gaming world. Whether you’re a fan eager for more content or someone who believes the game is perfect as it is, one thing is certain: Elden Ring has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of players around the globe. As we await the release of ‘Shadow of the Erdtree’, we can only speculate on what the future holds for this iconic title. But one thing is for sure: the legacy of Elden Ring will continue to resonate for years to come.

Diving into the heart of ‘Shadow of the Erdtree’, FromSoftware’s vision for Elden Ring’s only DLC, is akin to embarking on a journey through a realm of uncharted mysteries and profound depth. The anticipation for this expansion is palpable, as it promises to be a substantial addition to the Elden Ring universe, offering new lore, challenges, and a unique progression system inspired by Sekiro.

The decision to release just one DLC for Elden Ring has been a topic of much discussion among the gaming community. Some, like Kiyamet, find it disappointing, craving more content to satisfy their hunger for the game’s rich universe. Others, however, see the wisdom in FromSoftware’s approach to maintain the game’s sense of exploration and discovery without fragmenting it into multiple parts. This singular expansion is not just a nod to the game’s design philosophy but also a strategic move that keeps the community yearning for more.

‘Shadow of the Erdtree’ is set to delve into some of the main game’s lingering mysteries, particularly the link between Miquella and St. Trina. The enigmatic nature of St. Trina, who can appear as either a boy or a girl, has intrigued players since the game’s release. The similarities between Miquella’s Lilies and Trina’s Lilies have led some to speculate that they may be one and the same. This DLC is an opportunity to explore these theories further, as Miyazaki has confirmed that St. Trina will appear in ‘Shadow of the Erdtree’.

The expansion’s narrative is expected to be as non-linear as the main game, offering players the same freedom to explore and make choices. This is evident in the requirement to defeat both Mohg and Scarscourge Radahn before accessing the DLC, hinting at Radahn’s significance in the unfolding story. The gameplay reveal trailer has already set the stage for an epic continuation of Elden Ring’s saga, and the community is eager to uncover the secrets that lie within the cocoon in the Mohg boss fight area.

In terms of gameplay, ‘Shadow of the Erdtree’ introduces a new element of progression that allows players to adjust the level of challenge they face. This system, inspired by Sekiro, gives players the choice to either turn on this growth to challenge a tough enemy or turn it off if they find the challenge appropriate. This flexibility ensures that the DLC is accessible to all players, regardless of their progress in the main game, while maintaining a difficulty level akin to its latter half.

The scope of the DLC has been a subject of much speculation, with some players like JimmyRustler questioning the content’s size in relation to its price. However, the consensus seems to be that ‘Shadow of the Erdtree’ will be FromSoftware’s biggest expansion to date, with a world as vast as Limgrave, the first region in the main game. This has set expectations high, with players like Agent_4Seven predicting a substantial playtime that could easily extend beyond 200 hours.

The community’s excitement is further fueled by the prospect of new builds and strategies, as players like Zheph ponder their approach to the DLC. The anticipation of discovering new items, spells, and enemies keeps the community engaged, as they prepare to dive back into the world of Elden Ring.

As we approach the release date of 21st June, the community is abuzz with theories, strategies, and a shared sense of excitement. ‘Shadow of the Erdtree’ represents a culmination of the Elden Ring experience, a single, expansive journey that promises to satisfy the cravings of the game’s most ardent fans. Whether it’s exploring the connections between key characters, facing new challenges, or simply immersing oneself in the game’s vast world, this DLC is poised to be a fitting epilogue to a game that has captivated millions.

‘Shadow of the Erdtree’ is not just another DLC; it’s a testament to FromSoftware’s commitment to their vision and their fans. It’s a bold statement in a world where multiple expansions are the norm, and it’s a celebration of the singular, immersive experience that is Elden Ring. As players count down the days to its release, one thing is clear: the journey through the Lands Between is far from over, and ‘Shadow of the Erdtree’ is set to be an unforgettable chapter in this epic saga.