The Ultimate Showdown: Unveiling the Marvels of a Rykard-Like Battle in Elden Ring's DLC

Elden Ring's boss fights are highlighted by its most remarkable moments, and one such moment is the encounter with Rykard, the Lord of Blasphemy. Unlike many boss battles in Elden Ring, the fight against Rykard is unique as it emphasizes the use of a specific weapon to defeat him, rather than relying on the player's specialized skills.

Spectacle fights in the Soulsborne series are not typically the most challenging battles in FromSoftware's repertoire, but they serve as a refreshing and empowering change of pace, putting the player in control of the situation. These types of battles have been seen since Demon's Souls with the Storm King and can be truly impressive when executed effectively.

Should Shadow of the Erdtree Have a Spectacle Fight?

Rykard is arguably the finest example of spectacle fights, as he remains formidable even when players possess the weapon that exploits his weakness. However, given the exceptional quality of his battle, it raises the question of whether FromSoftware should explore another similar encounter like Rykard in Elden Ring's upcoming DLC Shadow of the Erdtree, or if their focus should remain solely on crafting challenging fights for players.

Elden Ring's DLC should incorporate a spectacle fight, as Rykard's battle exemplifies an evolution in From Software's boss design. Despite being confined to the center of the arena, Rykard possesses a range of moves that pose a challenge, even if he executes them slowly. This stands in stark contrast to the encounter with Yhomr the Giant in Dark Souls 3, where his limited and sluggish move set diminished the overall experience.

Rykard presents a formidable and captivating challenge, given his ability to execute powerful attacks. Typically, spectacle fights in Soulsborne games tend to be simpler due to their reliance on gimmicks, often allowing the boss to be easily stunned. However, Rykard defies this convention, making his second phase vulnerable only to repeated head strikes or spell casting. Should a spectacle fight be included in Shadow of the Erdtree, it is crucial to carefully balance its gimmick to avoid diminishing its significance.

One opposing viewpoint suggests that incorporating at least one easy fight in the DLC could be beneficial. This would act as a refreshing break for players struggling through Shadow of the Erdtree, which undoubtedly includes some of Elden Ring's most challenging battles. The content is likely tailored towards experienced players, making an easier encounter a worthwhile addition.

The main concern with including a spectacle fight in Elden Ring's DLC is that it would be challenging to surpass the Rykard fight without duplicating it. Additionally, introducing a fight that relies on a gimmick could potentially create division among players, as the DLC in FromSoftware games typically incorporates fights that test players' skill and character builds. It is possible to create visually stunning spectacles without the need for a gimmick, as exemplified by the Sister Friede fight in Dark Souls 3.

While it is enjoyable to occasionally have a fight focused on spectacle, including one in Elden Ring's DLC might not be well-received. Given that a spectacle fight already exists in the main game, adding another one could take away the opportunity to introduce a more challenging fight that stands out in its own right. It may be preferable to reserve FromSoftware's next spectacle fight for an entirely new game, thus ensuring it receives the attention it deserves and is not overshadowed by the Rykard fight.

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