I performed by way of the primary half of Elden Ring with a imprecise understanding of what I assumed was happening within the Lands Between. I did not go massively out of my strategy to determine issues out, and I deliberate simply to play naturally and see what conclusions I got here up with by the top. Then I hit that a part of Goldmask’s quest in Leyndell, Royal Capital.
Till that time, I had taken issues at face worth and concentrated extra on exploring and defeating bosses. However as soon as I discovered the key twist—which I will not spoil right here—it made me query actually the whole lot I might realized up till that time. Coupled with one other discovery made within the capital, it was clearly time to interrupt out a google doc and begin taking notes.
Elden Ring does not lay out its story within the conventional sense. As an alternative, it is advisable seek for clues present in merchandise descriptions and the surroundings to determine what’s actually happening and, maybe extra importantly, what occurred previously to result in the present occasions. On the floor, the whole lot seems fairly easy, however a number of quests, merchandise descriptions, or in-game dialogue makes you rethink what’s going on.
Souls survivor
This would possibly not be something new when you’re aware of different Souls video games—it is a story-telling methodology Miyazaki has grow to be well-known for. A number of info are offered to you, both by way of cutscenes, merchandise descriptions or gameplay, and it is advisable join the dots and give you your individual theories on the place the whole lot else suits. NPC quests may be super-helpful with this, however dialogue particularly must be weighed in opposition to who’s talking and the way dependable they’re.
Having completed the sport, I’ve a reasonably strong concept of what is occurring, however I’ve so many unanswered questions. I’ve spent a ridiculous period of time inspecting that corpse in Deeproot Depths after getting over the preliminary “What the precise f-” second. The Blade of Calling asks much more questions than it solutions. And do not get me began on Radagon and his origins.
Certainly one of many issues that give me sleepless nights although, is Melina and her (obvious) connection to Destined Demise. I do know what the sport implies, and I’ve learn the theories that tie her in numerous methods to both Ranni or the Gloam-Eyed Queen. Each maintain weight, however one thing nonetheless does not really feel proper. And her dramatically modified look throughout one particular ending is loaded with implications.
Silly ambitions
A lot of what you’re taking from the story comes all the way down to interpretation based mostly on the info offered. Most of my time in Elden Ring is spent wandering round inspecting stuff with the telescope or looking for one thing that others might need neglected. I’ve obtained two separate saves: One the place the whole lot is unlocked, so I can fast-travel anyplace I would like for investigation functions. And the opposite I’ve stopped proper earlier than the boss that adjustments one location drastically and prevents entry to a different when defeated. That approach, I’ve obtained all bases coated ought to I wish to examine one thing.
My screenshots folder is in an absolute state too. Something that appears mildly attention-grabbing or might relate to one thing else? I’ve in all probability obtained a screenshot of it from a number of completely different angles. I even spent one night going to each location I might consider and utilizing the Mimic Veil to see if that produced any notable outcomes. Mainly, it turns your character right into a random close by object. Sadly, the one odd factor I discovered was that my character would flip right into a statue discovered primarily in Caria Manor in Liurnia when the merchandise was used within the last boss room. And even that appears kinda logical, given what we all know.
I can not start to inform you the variety of statues I’ve gestured in entrance of, or Golden Order incantations I’ve utilized in numerous locations, sadly with no outcomes. I used to be initially excited after I found you possibly can use non-damaging spells in Roundtable Maintain—an in any other case combat-free space—however I’ve give you nothing to this point.
It appears like the reply to the whole lot is proper there; if solely you possibly can make the connection or discover the final piece of the puzzle that has eluded everybody up so far. But it surely’s not only one factor left hanging—many issues are nonetheless unclear. It is infuriating in some methods however extremely compelling in others.
I’ve seen and browse loads of interpretations for numerous points of the story. A few of it is smart, there are nonetheless lots of excellent issues that do not fairly match—for me, at the very least. But it surely’s enjoyable to piece issues collectively or give you theories. Sadly, I do not assume we’ll ever get definitive solutions to the whole lot, even when we do get a DLC as a result of that is not Miyazaki’s fashion. However then, I suppose that is a part of the draw.
Possibly I am simply searching for excuses to maintain taking part in. Elden Ring has taken over my life within the final couple of months, and it has been an absolute blast. I am simply not able to relinquish my function as Elden Lord, or let go of the Lands Between fairly but.
