FromSoftware has achieved massive success in recent years, but it’s not resting on its laurels. The premier Soulslike developer releasedElden Ringto enormous success in 2022, and immediately got to work making DLC for it. Meanwhile, another team at FromSoftware has been developingArmored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, a revival for the mecha series that was once one of the studio’s hallmarks. It’s also been rumored that a new title is already in development at the studio, though what that could be after the ambitiousElden Ringis anyone’s guess.
Much of what has drawn players to FromSoftware’s games is their uniquely challenging nature within the AAA space.Demon’s SoulsandDark Soulscame at a time when gaming was becoming more accessible and predictable, and despite being neither of those things, the creativity evident inFromSoftware’s Soulsborne games still drew players in. Even its commitment to mixing single-player and multiplayer elements felt novel, taking the edge off of overwhelming fights while also sprinkling in extra challenges. This style of design could be explored further as part of FromSoftware’s next title, especially in regard to a particular fight format.
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Soulsborne games tend to treat multiplayer as a means to tip the odds in or out of the host’s favor, though there have been other uses.Demon’s Souls,Dark Souls 2, andDark Souls 3DLC all included bosses where invading players could take control of the boss itself or an enemy summon, adding a degree of unpredictability. However, the format of up to two or three allies and two or three invaders never broke, even withDark Souls 3’s many CovenantsandElden Ring’s Colosseums. If more characters were to get involved, they would have to be enemy NPCs.
FromSoftware continued experimenting with shifting amounts of allies and enemies to enhance boss fights throughout theDark Soulsfranchise, including up to four Loyce Knights joining against the Burnt Ivory King and the growing number of confused Abyss Watchers during their own battle. This reached its logical conclusion inElden Ring, which featured theepic struggle with Starscourge Radahn. A gimmick unique to this fight is the surrounding Radahn Festival, where the other attendees have summon signs dotting Radahn’s arena. This way, five of the eight possible combatants can fight this massive, challenging boss at once, with the player in charge of resummoning any who’ve fallen.
A New FromSoftware Title Could Include PvE Raids
It shouldn’t take long to see how this concept could be repurposed in another FromSoftware game. A version ofRadahn’s fight inElden Ringwith players instead of NPCs is theoretically possible, and would be a great way to evolve the typical Souls multiplayer structure. Superbosses could be designed with Radahn’s mobility and sweeping area attacks in mind, as well as much more health. Players would post summon signs in a safe area that would also support a limited number of respawns. This could give aSouls-style game repeatable endgame content, and may also justify the ally and invading player caps being raised.
Multiplayer raid content is something FromSoftware has tackled before. Aside from mostDark Souls 2’s DLC featuring side dungeons meant for co-op, some ofArmored Core 5andArmored Core: Verdict Day’s post-game content was designed for teams to overcome. Not only did this permit much higher difficulty, but also much greater scale.Monster Hunter, which is similar to the Soulsborne gamesin several ways, has itself experimented with giant raid bosses in multiple entries to decent success. If FromSoftware can ensure such large multiplayer sessions aren’t too laggy, players could find themselves facing down titanic bosses, raid dungeons, and more in future games.
Elden Ringis available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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