It is safe to say thatElden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtreehas been a massive success, both critically and commercially. The expansion itself is the biggest that FromSoftware has ever made, with the Land of Shadow being considerably larger than Limgrave, which it was promised to be comparable to. It has added so much to both the lore and gameplay ofElden Ringby expanding on the rich history written by George R. R. Martin andadding new weapon typesto give players even more variety in a base game that already provided plenty.
No new content was written by George R. R. Martin forShadow of the Erdtree, and the Land of Shadow is based on the author’s older notes.
With all these great additions,it is difficult to believe that anymore can be added toElden Ring, especially because of how much of a giant it has become, but it doesn’t quite have everything other FromSoftware titles have. Yes, it has bosses flying out of the player’s ears, and it has more weapons that the Tarnished can shake a stick at; however, with all the enemies in the game, it would benefit from an important mode to add even more replayability: a boss rush mode.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Review - FromSoft’s Greatest Hits
Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is a victory lap for FromSoftware, bringing in elements from past games without losing what made it special.
Even After The DLC, Elden Ring Is Missing A Boss Rush Mode
It Would Be Perfect Considering The Number Of Bosses
FromSoftware have made a boss rush mode before withSekiro, which was added after that game’s release. It should be noted thatSekirodidn’t receive any paid-for DLC or expansions like many other FromSoftware games, and this boss rush mode was the only bit of post-launch content the game got, but that doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be considered forElden Ring. What it does mean is that FromSoftware already has a kind of template for how it would or possibly could work.
Forms of boss rush modes have been implemented in similar games, and it doesn’t have to be a single run through all ofElden Ring’s difficult bosses, since that would take forever. It could be more likeHollow Knight’sGodmaster, where bosses are separated into different runs, since both games have so many bosses.Godmasteralso allows players to fight specific bosses to practise those battles, while also adding modifiers to make these battles even harder, which is something a challenge-loving community likeElden Ring’s would love.
Godmasterwas the third and final free DLC forHollow Knight.
WithElden Ring’s RPG elements and the way players can make builds,a boss rush mode could also be treated as a testing ground for new builds. It could also let players use weapons that they didn’t get to in a run without starting a new game or entering NG+. Perhaps it could even be used to give players ultra-rare items as a reward, since some of the toughest bosses, like Malenia andPromised Consort Radahn, will need to be fought again, and this could be a place to farm Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones.
Elden Ring: Every Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone (& Where To Find Them)
Upon exploring the Lands Between in Elden Ring, find all Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones to upgrade your gear and weaponry to aid in tough boss fights.
Why Elden Ring Would Benefit From A Boss Rush Mode
Modders Will Likely Make One If FromSoftware Don’t
The beauty of boss rush modes is that they are entirely optionaland are meant to add an extra layer of challenge. For those that are just trying to make it through the game by the skin of their teeth while using everything at their disposal, then perhaps it won’t be for them. For those that still want more of a challenge and want to put their skills to the test over and over from a PvE perspective in a convenient way, a boss rush mode would be perfect.
This could keepElden Ringgoing for a long time and tide players over while they wait for thenext FromSoftware project.It could have a similar effect toDevil May Cry 5’s Bloody Palace mode, in which dedicated fans keep trying to improve against some of the game’s toughest opponents. There are plenty of enemies too, and the mode would have enough material, considering that there are 165 bosses in the base game alone.
Bosses have been an important pillar in Soulsborne titles ever since the release ofDemon’s Soulsand a boss rush mode, like the one inSekiro,would help to make them shine. With all the new bosses inElden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtreeand the challenge that the expansion provides, the game could have even more longevity to tide players over. Using Enia and Remembrances could be a way to access the bosses too, although a new statue like the one for the Colosseum would work just as well.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring is a popular game released by From Software, creators of games such as Armored Core, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne. Players assume the role of a Tarnished, a being once exiled to the Lands Between and has returned to repair the Elden Ring after the events of “The Shattering.” “The Shattering” occurred when the offspring of Queen Marika battled to claim the shards of the Elden Ring, known as Great Runes. Their war has brought lawlessness, destruction, and chaos to the land, and the player will challenge them with the assistance of a Maiden known as Melina as they travel towards the great Erd Tree to face their destiny and to become the one true Elden Lord. Players can tackle the game how they choose and can adventure across realms as they build their character how they want - be it a powerful magic caster or a brutal swordsman - they will have complete control over their build.
