Underrated Shadow of the Erdtree feature deserves a place in every new Freesoft game

FromSoftwares’ games have always featured duels with non-player character enemies, however Alden ring Takes the fights to new heights. Specifically, the NPC fights in the Shadow of the strawberry tree DLC improves on the typical formula in several important ways and illustrates how cinematic these duels can feel when built up properly.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Strawberry Tree Made many improvements to the base game. Arguably, one of the best improvements came in the form of NPC fights. These are more than just typical NPC invasions though. instead, They act as the jewels in the crown of this massive story.

Shadow of the Earth Tree revolutionizes NPC fights

Players choose their battles with the characters

Players of Shadow of the strawberry tree Will be familiar with the different collection of NPCs that enter the game’s story, from the charismatic Ansbach to the lovable Moor to the leader of the bunch, the needle knight Leda. Each plays an important role in uncovering the truth about Mikaela’s scheme, and how deep the demi-god’s manipulations go. On their way through the land of shadow, players can Help the characters to fight thematically relevant bosses and discover the secrets of their related masters.

In the end, after defeating Mesmer the Impaler and becoming an Enir-Elim, the many have. Choices made by players culminate in an all-out brawl between each surviving NPC. Some support Leda, who stands by Miquella despite his crimes, while some others can be won over to the player’s side. Everyone enters a large arena one by one, spouting off dialogue about their journey and their remaining goals, joining a main fight that the player must win to reach the final boss.

FromSoft should accept this change

NPC fights provide a great way to give players agency

The final action in this DLC is truly cinematic and epic, but it’s not alone in feeling impressive. Many of the NPC brawls in the Land of Shadow feel like more than just defeating an obstacle or finishing off an enemy; HHey feel like choices the player is actively makingPicking sides in the larger plot about gods and followers. Many of the NPC fights have to be sought out purposefully and have multiple sides that the player can take to change the ending.

In previous games, especially Dark Souls 2NPC fights hint at lore and character relationships. However, they also felt like events that happened to the player, regardless of their choices. It left a little bit, and it’s something Alden rings DLC has seemingly fixed.

Shadow of the strawberry tree And Alden ring Generally introduced NPCs with divergent plot lines. This made their fights feel important for reasons players understood. This is a change that FromSoftware should bring in their future games because It gives the player more agency in picking their friends and enemies.