The latest trailer for Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is out, and fans can’t help but notice many similarities with earlier FromSoftware titles and all that we can potentially expect from the expansion. Out of all the details that are out now, there’s a comparison being made with a boss from Dark Souls 3.
The new trailer has showcased Rellana, Twin Blade Knight, who looks quite similar to Pontiff Sulyvahn from the third entry in the Dark Souls franchise. Could this be a hint at what Hidetaka Miyazaki may have in mind for a fourth game?
Fans Can’t Help but Compare One Shadow of the Erdtree’s Boss to Pontiff, and for Two Sharp Reasons
At first glance, Rellana seems like an extremely daunting foe in a shiny armor with two blades that resemble Pontiff Sulyvahn’s swords from Dark Souls 3. However, in the context of Shadow of the Erdtree, she happens to be related to Rennala and casts magic and sorcery alongside fire and ice attacks.
In my review of the game, I briefly mentioned my encounter with Rellana. Just as the trailer showcases, Rellana wields two weapons for primary damage. One deals with fire damage, the other with ice. Between these attacks, she also inflicts magic and moon sorcery that Elden Ring players may be familiar with.
However, she looks quite similar to Pontiff Sulyvahn from Dark Souls 3, even though the new character has little (or nothing) to do with the previous games. This may lead many to believe that the character may just hint at Dark Souls’ future, even though there’s little evidence of FromSoftware working on another title.
Is Rellana’s Character Design a Hint at the Future of Dark Souls?
Hidetaka Miyazaki and the team at FromSoftware have a history of keeping secrets from fans. Especially when it has to do with a new IP or a sequel to an older game. In the case of Dark Souls, however, many would consider the trilogy to be concluded, and there’s nothing to expect.
However, Rellana’s striking resemblance to Pontiff Sulyvahn may indicate that FromSoftware hasn’t lost touch with another successful title. The third game in the Dark Souls series concluded a series of games that introduced the world to the Soulslike niche of games.
Compared to the new expansion, Pontiff’s movesets may seem much slower and more calculated. This has recently been a trend with many bosses in FromSoftware’s recent titles.
If there’s ever a fourth installment in the older franchise, there’s a high chance we’ll witness bosses with better dexterity and unpredictable movesets.
What are your thoughts on the latest trailer for the expansion? Do you think these bosses share a lot of similarities? Let us know in the comments below.
