Shadow of the Erdtreeis finally uponElden Ringfans after its extended development cycle, and it looks like the largest FromSoftware DLC yet. This expansion is adding even more to the already-massive open world ofElden Ring, and fans have been looking forward to it for almost every reason imaginable. From new weapons and enemies to answers regarding the game’s lingering lore questions,Shadow of the Erdtreeis offering something to every corner of its fanbase. As long as players can beatStarscourge RadahnandMohg, Lord of Blood, all of this extra value will be at their fingertips.
FromSoftware titles have built a reputation for their stellar DLC offerings, andShadow of the Erdtreeshould be more of the same, even if that just amounts tobeing moreElden Ring. As this game represents the current zenith of FromSoftware’s Soulsborne formula merged with open world design, simply providing more of itself will be plenty. With that said, some fans have more specific requests for the DLC. Ideas like an altered tailoring system, covenants, expansions to some existing storylines, and other features feel like long shots in the face of what’s been shown so far, but one involving the player’s mount Torrent sadly seems to have missed its shot already.
What Shadow of the Erdtree Has Done With Torrent
Right from the outset of exploringLimgrave, players meet Melina and are gifted with the spirit horse Torrent to sprint and double-jump across the Lands Between. While the spectral steed isn’t available in dungeons,Torrent makes crossingElden Ring’s open worlda breeze, and can help further if a Spiritspring is available.Shadow of the Erdtreegives these vertical shortcuts a bit more nuance, as some will need to be unlocked through brief environmental puzzles, but otherwise there doesn’t look to be much change to how players use Torrent.
Torrent’s New Mechanic In Shadow of the Erdtree
That is, for the most part. An advertised part ofElden Ring’s DLC has been its alternate leveling system, described as similar toSekiro’s in how it powers up players’ attack and defense within the DLC’s region. Previews have revealed that the items required to do so are hidden everywhere, and there are other versions specifically made toempowerElden Ring’s Spirit Ashes, including, to players’ surprise, Torrent. Unfortunately, Torrent only receives more health withinShadow of the Erdtree’s boundaries, and any further customization or abilities for the player’s mount remains a distant dream.
An Elden Ring Successor Has Lots of Room To Improve Torrent
Shadow of the Erdtreedoing the bare minimum to keep Torrent relevant is disheartening news, especially since players have been coming up with new ways to use or cosmetically alter the steed since beforeElden Ringlaunched. In general, mounted gameplay inElden Ringhas been a letdown, and it seems like the task of improving it has been left to the next FromSoftware game that includes a mount. Whether that means anElden Ringsequel will have to iterate on mountsor a different IP gives them a shot, there’s too much potential here to leave Soulsborne mounts as is.
How A New FromSoftware Title Could Improve Elden Ring’s Mounts
Plenty of improvements to Torrent have already been proposed and even implemented in mods, especially swapping its model out for cosmetically-different mounts. Some degree of visual customization would be appreciated, butwhat FromSoftware’s mounts could really useis more gameplay customization and mechanical presence. Equipment governing multiple stats is a start, and letting Torrent or its equivalent use their own versions ofElden Ring’s Ash of War special attacks could give mounted combat much greater value. Something good can be made out of Torrent’s gameplay, but it will fall toElden Ring’s successor to see its iteration through.
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ELDEN RING, developed by FromSoftware, Inc. and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., is a fantasy action-RPG adventure set within a world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. Danger and discovery lurk around every corner in FromSoftware’s largest game to date. Hidetaka Miyazaki - President and Game Director of FromSoftware Inc. Known for directing critically-acclaimed games in beloved franchises including Armored Core and Dark Souls.George R.R. Martin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including the acclaimed series A Song of Ice and Fire - A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast For Crows, and A Dance with Dragons. As a writer-producer, he has worked on The Twilight Zone, Beauty and the Beast, and various feature films and pilots that were never made. He lives with the lovely Parris in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
