A New Approach to World-Building
FromSoftware is pushing the boundaries of level design in the upcoming Elden Ring DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree.
In a recent interview with Eurogamer, game director Hidetaka Miyazaki revealed a shift in the developer’s approach to level design for the DLC. “This time, we wanted to go more in depth and bring a denser and richer level design, which brings these types of layout together a little more seamlessly,” Miyazaki explained.
The new direction marks a departure from the traditional divide between “field” areas and dungeons. Miyazaki highlighted the inclusion of “more in-between” spaces, aiming to provide players with a diverse gameplay experience.
The emphasis on “denser” level design evokes memories of FromSoftware’s iconic creations like Dark Souls’ Blighttown and Bloodborne’s Central Yharnam. Elden Ring’s previous world-building focused more on expansive open areas, making this shift particularly intriguing.
Notably, Shadow of the Erdtree is FromSoftware’s “largest expansion” to date, surpassing the scale of previous DLC packs such as The Old Hunters and The Ringed City.
Set to launch on June 21, the Elden Ring DLC has already generated significant excitement, reflected in its surge on the Steam best-sellers chart. With its innovative approach to level design, Shadow of the Erdtree promises a captivating and immersive experience for players both new and old.