FromSoftware should pull another Sekiro/Bloodborne and do something fresh next time.

SUMMARY

Elden Ring’s DLC bosses are seen as quite difficult, highlighting a need for change in the game’s combat system.
Players are tired of the repetitive “dodge, roll, poke” formula and want new combat mechanics.
Fans suggest faster dodges, built-in parries, and mechanics like Bloodborne’s rally system to enhance gameplay.

Elden Ring‘s DLC has been regarded as one of the most difficult yet, thanks to the sheer power and speed of the bosses (and even some field enemies).

Going over the public sentiment of the Shadow of the Erdtree‘s bosses, though, it seems people are starting to get tired of the Dark Souls-esque formula prevalent throughout the game. It looks like it’s time for Miyazaki to shake things up.

After Elden Ring, FromSoftware Needs to Change

The Elden Ring DLC’s difficulty isn’t the core issue here. | Credit: FromSoftware Inc.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with the combat in the game. It’s not perfect, but it’s fun to play with. One Redditor has brought up an interesting discussion related to this topic, based on their experience of the DLC.

As FromSoftware fans might know by now, CEO Hidetaka Miyazaki truly pushes the limits of difficulty and gameplay with each release, and Shadow of the Erdtree was no different.

In this endeavor, though, the team might’ve inadvertently highlighted a staggering difference between our character, the Tarnished, and the capabilities of the newer bosses.

As OP describes it:

There I am in Messmers fight watching him do a whole f***ing olympic gymnastic routine, backflips, quadruple frontflips, flying over me carpet bombing me in the ass with his pole (Ik Im exaggerating), and I’m just rolling for my life here.

They name the Promised Consort Radahn fight as another example, which is fun for the most part.

The fun ceased whenever Miquella’s hair blocked the camera, which is a recurring issue with this DLC.

How Do You Go About Tackling a Topic Like This?

It wouldn’t hurt for FromSoftware to try something new again. | Credit: FromSoftware Inc.
You can argue that these aren’t problems and just add to the difficulty of the game, but most of the Souls games follow the same formula (dodge, roll, and poke). Maybe it would do some good to change things up.

OP brings up faster dodges and built-in parry mechanics as a way to enhance combat, or even Bloodborne’s rally system, which lets you regain health after getting hit, so long as you attack an enemy fast enough.

For the most part, the comments seemed to agree with OP’s points about the new release.

Some felt that FromSoftware doesn’t need to increase boss difficulty anymore, as they’ve hit a threshold. Instead, focusing on making them fun and engaging would be the better path to take.

We saw something similar when the studio released Sekiro and Bloodborne.

They’re not the most difficult of the portfolio but are a clear product of FromSoftware’s experimentation with gameplay that absolutely knocked it out of the park.

Whether you’re a FromSoftware fan or not, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this issue. How do you think combat can be expanded upon in the next game? Let us know in the comments below!