Dark Souls Bosses Return in Elden Ring DLC: A Speculation and Analysis
The release of Elden Ring's first DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, has ignited a firestorm of speculation amongst fans, particularly regarding the potential return of beloved (or dreaded) bosses from the Dark Souls series. While FromSoftware remains tight-lipped, the history of their games and the clues within Elden Ring itself strongly suggest that some familiar faces – or rather, faces of terrifying bosses – might be making a comeback. This article delves into the likelihood of this happening, analyzing the evidence and exploring the potential impact on the DLC’s narrative and gameplay.
The History of Boss Recurrences in FromSoftware Games
FromSoftware has a history of revisiting and reimagining bosses across their interconnected universe. Characters and enemies, often with tweaked designs and abilities, reappear in various forms. This isn't simply lazy recycling; it serves to solidify the lore and create a sense of interconnectedness within the Soulsborne universe. Consider the following:
- Ornstein and Smough (Dark Souls): While not direct copies, the spirit-like versions in Dark Souls 3 hint at their continued presence.
- Artorias (Dark Souls): A legendary warrior, his presence echoes throughout the series' lore and his fight is arguably one of the most iconic.
- Demon Prince (Dark Souls 3): This fight draws clear parallels to the Demon Firesage in Demon's Souls, showcasing the lineage of such creatures.
This tradition strongly suggests that revisiting iconic bosses isn't out of character for FromSoftware, and therefore a similar approach in Elden Ring’s DLC is entirely plausible.
Clues Suggesting Dark Souls Boss Returns in Elden Ring DLC
While nothing is explicitly confirmed, several factors point towards a possibility of Dark Souls boss appearances in Shadow of the Erdtree:
1. Thematic Connections:
The Erdtree itself evokes a strong sense of the interconnectedness of the Soulsborne universe. Its towering presence and mystical power are reminiscent of the Lordran's world tree, hinting at a deeper connection between the worlds and their inhabitants. This interconnectedness makes the return of familiar entities more believable within the established narrative.
2. The Power of the Gods:
Elden Ring's world is steeped in ancient power and forgotten gods. Many powerful entities from the Dark Souls games could easily be incorporated into the DLC's narrative, possibly as resurrected beings, twisted manifestations, or even echoes from other realms.
3. Fan Expectations and Marketing Strategy:
FromSoftware is aware of the strong fan desire to see familiar faces. Leveraging nostalgia by including some fan-favorite bosses (even in altered forms) would be a powerful marketing strategy, generating immense hype and excitement.
Potential Bosses and Their Integration
Speculating on which bosses might return is naturally tempting. However, any suggestion is purely conjecture at this stage. Nonetheless, consider the possibilities:
- A reimagined version of Gwyn, Lord of Cinder: His immense power and thematic importance to the Souls series make his appearance a tantalizing thought, potentially as a corrupted or altered version.
- A new interpretation of Artorias: His legendary status and powerful connection to the lore of the Abyss make him an excellent candidate for an appearance, perhaps with a focus on his tragic downfall and the implications of the Abyss's influence.
- A boss incorporating elements from various Dark Souls encounters: A new and unique boss that blends aspects of multiple Dark Souls antagonists could create a challenging and memorable encounter.
Conclusion: Hope and Anticipation
The possibility of Dark Souls bosses returning in Elden Ring's DLC is a compelling one. While nothing is officially confirmed, the history of FromSoftware, the thematic connections within the game's world, and the powerful marketing potential of such inclusions make the prospect far from improbable. Whether it is a direct re-imagining or a subtle nod to the past, the appearance of such entities would undoubtedly add another layer of depth and excitement to Shadow of the Erdtree, solidifying its place in the rich tapestry of the Soulsborne universe. The wait for official confirmation is certainly a test of patience, but the anticipation fuels the already intense excitement surrounding the upcoming DLC.