It’s no secret thatElden Ringdirector Hidetaka Miyazaki doesn’t like doing sequels, which is whyBloodborne 2, aSekirosequel, and other similar games are not likely to happen. There’s certainly an argument forBloodborneto get a proper sequel, but at the same time, there’s something to be said about having a vision for future games and not resting on one’s laurels, especially with genre-defining games likeBloodborneandElden Ring. That said, there are certain things inElden Ringthat need to be wrapped up.
There’s not much to go on forElden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, but fans have spent weeks breaking down the singular image.Elden Ringfans have seen reasons for Melina, Miquella, and plenty of other characters to be involved, all deserving their own time in the sun. But perhaps the biggest suggestion from this image isn’twho will appear in theElden RingDLC, but when it will take place.
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Elden Ring’s DLC Takes Place After a Certain Story Point
There are three things to notice about the Erdtree in theElden RingDLC image. First, it appears to be bleeding gold and this may have something to do withMalenia’s brother Miquella. Secondly, there appears to be another tree or massive roots consuming the Erdtree, which many have connected to Godwyn’s deathroots. It’s possible that Godwyn and Miquella get their perspective stories wrapped up in this DLC, and it’s possible either of these figures are the reason the Erdtree is in the state it is, in though there’s a simpler explanation. The third thing fans should notice is that the Erdtree is blackened, as if it has been burned.
Regardless of whichElden Ringending players get or how exactly players go about dealing with Melina, one fixed story point is that the player burns the Erdtree. Players are then thrust intoElden Ring’s endgame, having to complete Crumbling Farum Azula, cross through the ashen Leyndell capital, defeat Godfrey, and enter the Erdtree’s remnants. In essence,the burning of the Erdtree signals the end ofElden Ring.
Some DLC, likeBloodborne’s Old Hunters DLC, takes place during the story and just adds context; for what it’s worth, it definitely seems players will need to burn the Erdtree inElden Ringbefore they can play the DLC.
As a result, whatever the consequences ofElden Ring’s DLC are, they are likely to happen alongside or after one of the proper endings forElden Ring. That’s not to say it canonizes an ending or chooses players to select one, but its consequences will likely recontextualize endings, add more to what happens afterward, and so on. The events are likely to “extend” the ending in this regard, acting as an unofficial sequel to some degree. While the fate of The Lands Between may be decided by the player, it’s possible that this DLC sets the tone for the future of the Erdtree and, indeed, the ruling Gods of the land.
Rumor: Elden Ring’s DLC May Add Endings, But It’s Probably Not What You Expect
There have been rumors, based on similar analyses, thatElden Ring’s DLC may add new endings. There’s nothing concrete to establish this, instead simply being pure speculation. However, it does seem possible, if not entirely what players expect. It’s entirely possible that players are somehow forced to side with Miquella or with Godwyn (or against either one of these) for a plenitude of reasons. It’s also possible that only one of these figures appear in the DLC, since so little is currently known. But it’s entirely possible doing so unlocks a new item to changeElden Ring’s ending.
However, at the same time, it’s possible thatElden Ringwants to go in a direction not expected by fans. It’s possible that, however this DLC ends, it wraps up the story ofElden Ringand its remaining loose ends like Miquella. (After all, with this timing, it’s very possible Miquella’s storyline references the boss fight with Malenia). Yet, it doesn’t have to introduce new endings to do so; it can have concurrent endings that further explain what happens once this period ends. What becomes of god-like beings like Miquella, what happens to the Erdtree, and what else comes to the Lands Between when anew Elden Lord takes the throneare all viable questions, ones that this DLC could answer without changing the entire ending.
In this way, again, it could operate as a sequel without necessarily being one. After all, anyoneElden Ring 2is not a safe bet given FromSoftware’s history, no matter how much future fans may beg.
Elden Ringis available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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