FromSoftware’s Elden Ring continues to captivate players with its intricate lore and expansive world. As anticipation builds for the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, a prevailing theory suggests that the new content may delve into alternate realities and dream-like realms reminiscent of concepts from Bloodborne’s The Old Hunters DLC. This article explores how Shadow of the Erdtree might mirror the dreamscapes of Bloodborne, particularly through its connection to Elden Ring Runes Miquella’s cocoon and the broader implications for Elden Ring’s lore.

The Concept of Alternate Realities in Elden Ring

The trailer for Shadow of the Erdtree introduces players to a new realm that appears to be set in an alternate reality. This theory is supported by various elements seen in the trailer and statements from Elden Ring director Hidetaka Miyazaki, who has confirmed that the DLC's setting is distinct from The Lands Between. This new map, while still shrouded in mystery, seems to be intricately connected to Miquella, a character whose god-like powers may be instrumental in shaping this alternate realm.

1. Miquella’s Cocoon as a Portal: According to Miyazaki, the entry point to the DLC area will be Miquella’s cocoon, which remains in Mohgwyn Palace. This suggests that the Land of Shadow, as depicted in the trailer, could be a realm directly influenced or created by Miquella’s divine essence. The idea that Miquella’s slumber and cocoon serve as a gateway to a new reality aligns with the concept of alternate or dream-like dimensions.

2. Link to Cosmic Powers: Miquella, described as an Empyrean with the potential to ascend to godhood, possesses immense power that might allow him to create or access new realms. This capability echoes the cosmic manipulation seen in Bloodborne’s dreamscapes, where the Great Ones—powerful entities beyond human comprehension—craft tangible worlds from their dreams and subconscious.

The Influence of Bloodborne’s Dreamscapes

The dream-like realms of Bloodborne, particularly those explored in The Old Hunters DLC, offer a fascinating parallel to the world depicted in Shadow of the Erdtree. In Bloodborne, dreamscapes are not mere figments but are manifestations of the Great Ones' minds, influencing reality in profound ways.

1. Dream Realms in Bloodborne: In Bloodborne, dreamscapes such as The Hunter’s Nightmare serve as twisted reflections of the human world. These areas are crafted from the minds of the Great Ones, beings so powerful that their thoughts can shape tangible environments. The Hunter’s Nightmare, for instance, is a grim reflection of Yharnam, filled with horrors that reflect the madness and suffering of its inhabitants.

2. Echoes in Elden Ring: Similarly, the Land of Shadow in Elden Ring might be a realm shaped by Miquella’s slumber or his divine influence. The notion of exploring alternate realities or dream-like realms within this new content mirrors the thematic elements found in Bloodborne’s expansions. If the DLC follows this parallel, players might encounter a world that serves as a shadowy or twisted reflection of The Lands Between, crafted from Miquella’s subconscious or divine essence.

The Role of Miquella and Mohg in the DLC

The lore surrounding Miquella and Mohg is central to understanding the upcoming DLC. Their intricate relationship and the failed ritual performed by Mohg are pivotal to the narrative.

1. Miquella’s Divine Status: Miquella is an Empyrean with the potential to achieve godhood, which grants him powers that extend beyond conventional limits. His cocoon, once a site of hopeful transformation, may now serve as the entry point to the Land of Shadow. This realm could represent a space where Miquella’s god-like abilities manifest, reflecting his internal struggles and aspirations.

2. Mohg’s Dark Ritual: Mohg’s attempt to elevate Miquella to godhood through a dark ritual involving his followers’ blood was ultimately a failure. However, the repercussions of this ritual might still be felt in the DLC. The Land of Shadow could be a byproduct of this failed transformation, embodying the corrupted or unfulfilled potential that Mohg sought to exploit.

Gameplay Implications and Thematic Resonances

The parallels between Shadow of the Erdtree and Bloodborne’s dreamscapes offer intriguing possibilities for gameplay and thematic exploration.

1. Exploring Alternate Realities: If the DLC indeed features alternate realities or dream-like realms, players can expect a gameplay experience that emphasizes exploration and discovery in environments that defy conventional logic. This approach would align with the surreal and often unsettling nature of Bloodborne’s dreamscapes.

2. Thematic Depth: The thematic resonance between the two games highlights the ongoing exploration of cosmic horror and existential dread. Both Bloodborne and Elden Ring delve into themes of godhood, madness, and the limits of human understanding, using dream-like or alternate realities to deepen these themes.

Conclusion

The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring appears poised to build on best place to buy elden ring items the rich tapestry of cosmic horror and dream-like realms established in Bloodborne. By leveraging Miquella’s cocoon as a portal to an alternate reality, the DLC may offer players a profound exploration of new and unsettling dimensions. The connections to Bloodborne’s dreamscapes underscore a shared thematic focus on the alien and the incomprehensible, promising a compelling and immersive experience as players delve into the mysteries of the Land of Shadow. As the release date approaches, fans of Elden Ring and Bloodborne alike eagerly await the opportunity to uncover the depths of this new content and its place within the broader lore of FromSoftware’s creations.