FromSoftware has achieved massive success in recent years, but it's not resting on its laurels. The premier Soulslike developer released Elden Ring to enormous success in 2022, and immediately got to work making DLC for it. Meanwhile, another team at FromSoftware has been developing Armored 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 ambitious Elden Ring is anyone's guess.
Much of what has drawn players to FromSoftware's games is their uniquely challenging nature within the AAA space. Demon's Souls and Dark Souls came at a time when gaming was becoming more accessible and predictable, and despite being neither of those things, the creativity evident in FromSoftware'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.
Elden Ring's Radahn Fight Had Years of Build-Up
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, and Dark Souls 3 DLC 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 with Dark Souls 3's many Covenants and Elden 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 the Dark Souls franchise, 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 in Elden Ring, which featured the epic 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 of Radahn's fight in Elden Ring with 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 a Souls-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 most Dark Souls 2's DLC featuring side dungeons meant for co-op, some of Armored Core 5 and Armored 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 games in 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 Ring is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
