FromSoftware has given fans a way to quickly traverse the world without teleporting in Elden Ring. In the form of a horse with horns, the spectral steed Torrent has many abilities that make the game that much more enjoyable. With just a whistle, Torrent can be summoned into the open world for faster travel or to provide mounted combat. Their double jump also allows players to platform their way to places that couldn’t otherwise be reached.
With its open-world experience, Elden Ring is the perfect game to introduce animal companions. Players can summon not only humanoid spirits to help with combat, but animals as well, such as spirit jellyfish, lone wolves, and giant rats. There are multiple options for summons but not mounts, though plenty of animalistic bosses run around the world.
10 Ancestor Spirit
- Location: Hallowhorn Grounds in Siofra River
The Ancestor Spirit is an animated deer carcass and one of the easiest bosses to compare to Torrent. In appearance, the creature could be a re-skin with the same galloping movements and elegant shape. Its flying attacks are similar to Torrent’s double jump and even have a similar sound and mystical blue color.
This ghostly spirit would give one extra jump when platforming across the landscape. The glowing antlers add flair in place of Torrent's horns, and intimidation would be ramped up when players engage in mounted combat while riding a literal corpse.
9 Runebear
- Location: Earthbore Cave in the Weeping Peninsula
There are plenty of normal beasts running around the world to fight. Bosses often outshine their regular enemy counterparts and that is no different when it comes to the Runebear.
With a glowing rune on its chest and claws instead of hooves, this bear could run fiercely into battle with players. Its charge is reminiscent of Torrent's sprint, offering players boosted speed to what is currently available. That combined with the fact that it walks on four legs makes it a great option for a mount.
8 Red Wolf Of Radagon
- Location: Raya Lucaria in the Liurnia of the Lakes
In games, a commonly sought-after companion is a dog. Players can have three wolves as summons, but not one with the abilities of the Red Wolf of Ragadon. This massive creature can spawn a sword and daggers.
Along with a basic lunge, players would be given the advantage of a ranged attack from their mount. The wolf can summon three projectile daggers that can be launched at enemies. A mount that could engage in combat with the player rather than just allowing transportation could change the game.
7 Valiant Gargoyle
- Location: Siofra Aqueduct in Nokron, The Eternal City
This boss is an animated gargoyle equipped with both a sword and a halberd. In addition to that, it can breathe out toxic gas. Wings mounted on its back add to the imposing size of this boss.
This enemy can twirl its weapon to create a gust of wind that propels it into the air, somewhat similar to Torrent's spiritspring jump. A gargoyle would be able to give players that same upward momentum in any location, though likely to a lesser degree than the vortexes found around the map.
6 Death Rite Bird
- Location: various areas
This large bird skeleton wields a large spear. Similar to the valiant gargoyle, large wings sprout from its back. However, this boss can fly. With attacks such as pecking and raining dozens of its feathers down, the death rite bird is a force to be reckoned with.
One thing that would change the game and possibly break the platforming aspect of Elden Ring would be the ability to fly. The skylines of the game are already detailed, and soaring through them would enhance that. If this boss was added as a mount, much like in other games, there would need to be specific zones that allowed for flight and have the rest restricted.
5 Lion Guardian
- Location: Stormveil Castle
Another creature similar to the Red Wolf of Radagon is the Lion Guardian, though it's feline instead of canine. This boss can use a sword for combat, as well as swipe at players with its large claws.
The mane mimics that of Torrent's, and it's already on four legs for players to ride. Sharp nails add to its menacing appearance. Battling over-world enemies atop this lion would help make players feels as frightening as the monsters they fight.
4 Ulcerated Tree Spirit
- Location: Mt. Gelmir
The Ulcerated Tree Spirit has more attack options compared to some enemies. This boss can lunge, grab, spit, and stomp on players, as well as swipe at them with claws, tail, and neck. Its appearance is that of a deformed and sickly plant.
Unlike other bosses mentioned, a benefit of this creature is its long tail. This adds a flair to combat and a length that some other mounts don't have. The tree spirit's bright pop of color adds to the overall aesthetic and makes it stand out from other foliage that players may wander through.
3 Full-Grown Fallingstar Beast
- Location: Mt. Gelmir
Another enemy with many attacks, the Fallingstar Beast is a four-legged creature similar to an insect, with sharp mandibles and a barbed tail. The hard body is reminiscent of a meteor, a trait also found in Astel Naturalborn of the Void. This boss attacks mainly with its head and tail.
One of the key features of this enemy is its speed. The rapid movement of this boss would allow players to traverse the world that much more quickly and give them an advantage on mounted attacks similar to jousting.
2 Spirit-Caller Snail
- Location: various areas
One of the less intimidating bosses, the Spirit-Caller Snail doesn't have its own set of attacks. Instead of engaging in combat, as the name suggests it summons other enemies to fight players. It has the body of a snail with the head of a snake and glows a bright white.
Though not a fierce mount to ride into battle on, this boss could appeal to players that enjoy "Elden Bling", a term for people who enjoy showing off the fashion of Elden Ring. The glow of the creature could function much like a torch or lantern and the gentle appearance could add a softness to the gaming experience.
1 Dragons
- Examples: Borealis the Freezing Fog, Glintstone Dragon Adula, Flying Dragon Agheel, Magma Wyrm
There are multiple dragons in Elden Ring. With the ability to fly and breathe fire, these are large monsters that often require mounted combat. Large wings function for flight and arm attacks, and they can bear sharp and frightening teeth.
Even if these creatures were made to be the same size as Torrent, they would be terrifying to fight against in PvP. Horns, claws, teeth, and scales make these creatures exciting to ride, and they give the option for flying combat and exploration. Plus, there are many design and color options depending on what type of dragon is used as a template.
Elden Ring is available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC.