Elevating Elden Ring's Radahn: The Next Level of FromSoftware's Gaming Experience

FromSoftware has been enjoying an impressive run of success in recent years, but the studio shows no signs of slowing down. Following the triumphant launch of Elden Ring in 2022, the premier Soulslike developer immediately set to work on creating DLC for the game. At the same time, another team within the studio has been hard at work on Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, a highly anticipated revival of the studio's beloved mecha series. Despite these exciting projects, rumors abound that FromSoftware is already working on a new title, though what form that game might take is anyone's guess.

One of the key factors behind the enduring popularity of FromSoftware's games is their unique challenge within the AAA space. At a time when many games were becoming more accessible and predictable, Demon's Souls and Dark Souls stood out for their creativity and uncompromising difficulty. The studio's commitment to blending single-player and multiplayer elements also added to their appeal, providing just the right balance of support and challenge for players. With their next game, FromSoftware could take these design principles even further, perhaps exploring new ways to incorporate multiplayer elements into challenging and rewarding boss fights.

Elden Ring's Radahn Fight Had Years of Build-Up

Multiplayer in Soulsborne games is often used to either aid or hinder the host, but there have been instances where it has been utilized differently. For example, bosses in Demon's Souls, Dark Souls 2, and Dark Souls 3 DLCs allowed invading players to take control of the boss or an enemy summon, adding an element of unpredictability. However, the format of two or three allies and invaders remained consistent even with the addition of Covenants in Dark Souls 3 and Colosseums in Elden Ring. Any further participants would have to be enemy NPCs.

Throughout the Dark Souls series, FromSoftware experimented with different numbers of allies and enemies to enhance boss battles. The Burnt Ivory King fight involved up to four Loyce Knights fighting alongside the player, while the Abyss Watchers' battle saw an increasing number of confused Watchers joining in. This experimentation culminated in Elden Ring's epic Starscourge Radahn fight, where the surrounding Radahn Festival allows for five of the eight possible combatants to engage in battle simultaneously, with the player responsible for resummoning any fallen allies.

A New FromSoftware Title Could Include PvE Raids

The potential for repurposing this concept in Elden Ring is evident. Imagine a player-controlled version of Radahn's fight, with its sweeping area attacks and mobility, designed for high-level play. Superbosses could be tailored to this new multiplayer structure, with much more health and challenging mechanics. Players could post summon signs in safe areas, with limited respawns, creating repeatable endgame content. This would justify raising the ally and invading player caps, providing a fresh twist on the Souls multiplayer experience. FromSoftware has already experimented with multiplayer raid content in previous games, such as Armored Core and Dark Souls 2's DLC, as well as Monster Hunter's giant raid bosses. With careful optimization to prevent lag, future FromSoftware games could offer players the chance to face off against massive bosses and conquer raid dungeons in epic multiplayer sessions.

Elden Ring is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.