Every FromSoftware game, be it the more linear Sekiro or free-roam Elden Ring, rewards the player who isn’t afraid to take offbeat routes. Exploration is an intrinsic part of the experience, and players who follow their curiosity are often granted better gear or a deeper understanding of the world.
Hidetaka Miyazaki has crafted worlds that not only require but encourage the player to stray from the well-worn road, even if that means meeting their ends in many ways. Now, some players may want some guidance when playing these games, but Miyazaki has stated the worlds are built to be explored organically.
The Lands Between Hold Unique Experiences for Those Willing to Explore
Whether it’s Demon’s Souls or Elden Ring, FromSoftware fans learned fairly early the best things are found below the surface-level presentation. Powerful items, incredible armor sets, and helpful talismans await the intrepid explorer ready to face the dangers of Hidetaka Miyazaki’s world.
However, locating all of these things can be a bit of a challenge. If you’re the type who likes to acquire every collectible, you’ll easily rack up triple-digit playtime hours in Elden Ring. This can sound daunting, and many may turn to online guides, but Miyazaki has confirmed with PCGamer that the idea is never to make exploration feel like a slog.
We obviously understand [players use guides], but we don’t make or plan anything with that as a prerequisite. If anything, we try to cater to the player who is completely blind and wants to go through organically.
He further added,
If they can’t do it, then there’s some room for improvement on our behalf, and we’d like to try to embrace those players more in the future.
The attention to detail when creating locations are hallmarks of FromSoftware worlds. Using guides to find your way around and collect the gear you’re looking for might be quicker, but you’ll find it more rewarding to go in blind, see somethings you’ve never seen before, and enjoy the journey rather than the loot at the end.
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Encourages a Similar Way of Thinking
The upcoming DLC, the biggest expansion FromSoftware has worked on, will introduce a new realm filled with secrets. Stated to be the size of Limgrave, Shadow of the Erdtree will also feature a new mechanic, the Scadutree Blessing, for which players will have to explore the world and collect Scadutree Fragments to improve their damage output and defensive stats.
This is one of the many new additions coming to Elden Ring. While the Blessings work only in the DLC areas, the eight new weapon types can be used even in the base game. Spread out across weapons, armor, and even martial arts, the new combat choices will help people shake up their attack style.
With the DLC now less than 10 days away, it’s the perfect time to make sure your character is appropriately leveled for the new enemies you will face in the Land of Shadow. Make sure you’ve taken down Mohg and General Radahn if you want to jump into the DLC content quickly!
Do you play FromSoftware titles blind or use a guide? Let us know your choice in the comments below!
