Since its launch in February 2022, Elden Ring DLC has become a landmark in the gaming landscape, not just for its gameplay mechanics and expansive open world but also for its rich and intricate lore. Players have explored the Lands Between, piecing together narratives and backstories from cryptic dialogue and item descriptions. As the anticipation for the upcoming DLC builds, fans are eager to dive deeper into the lore that makes Elden Ring so captivating. In this article, we will explore potential untold stories and lore expansions that could come with the DLC, enhancing our understanding of this vast universe.
1. The Origins of the Erdtree
Current Lore Overview
The Erdtree serves as the centerpiece of the Elden Ring universe, symbolizing the connection between the land and its inhabitants. It represents the power of the Golden Order and is deeply intertwined with the narrative of the Greater Will and its celestial forces. However, much about the Erdtree’s origins remains shrouded in mystery.
Potential Lore Expansions
The DLC could provide players with the opportunity to explore the Erdtree’s origins in greater detail. Potential narrative avenues include:
- The Creation Myth: A questline that delves into the primordial history of the Lands Between, detailing how the Erdtree was conceived and its connection to the other Great Runes. This exploration could involve ancient demigods or celestial beings who played a role in its creation.
- The Fall of the Erdtree: A narrative arc that addresses the catastrophic events leading to the Erdtree’s decline, exploring how the fractures within the Golden Order affected its stability and growth. This story could feature key figures who tried to protect or exploit the Erdtree, providing insights into their motivations and actions.
2. The Untold Stories of the Demigods
Current Lore Overview
The demigods of Elden Ring are pivotal characters, each with unique backgrounds and motivations. From Radahn, the great warrior, to Ranni, the enigmatic witch, the lore surrounding these figures is rich but could be expanded further.
Potential Lore Expansions
The DLC could introduce storylines focusing on the lesser-known demigods or explore the relationships and conflicts between them. Potential storylines include:
- The Rise and Fall of the Lesser Demigods: A questline that highlights demigods like Morgott and Miquella, exploring their untold stories, motivations, and relationships with their more powerful siblings. This could add depth to their characters and provide a broader understanding of the demigods’ impact on the Lands Between.
- The Rivalry of the Demigods: The DLC could delve into the internal conflicts among the demigods, showcasing their struggles for power and the alliances they forged or broke. A series of missions could revolve around a forgotten war between demigods, culminating in significant consequences for the Lands Between.
3. The Legacy of the Golden Order
Current Lore Overview
The Golden Order is a fundamental aspect of the Elden Ring universe, influencing the lives of its inhabitants and shaping the world itself. However, the consequences of its rigid structure and the underlying corruption remain largely unexplored.
Potential Lore Expansions
The DLC could provide players with a closer examination of the Golden Order’s legacy and the ideologies it perpetuates. Potential avenues for exploration include:
- The Fall of the Golden Order: A narrative arc that depicts the downfall of the Golden Order from the perspectives of its followers and critics. This storyline could include characters who rebelled against the Order, revealing the reasons behind their defiance and the impact of their actions on the world.
- The Prophets of the Golden Order: A questline centered around the lesser-known figures who propagated the teachings of the Golden Order. Players could uncover hidden secrets about these prophets and the distortions in their messages, leading to significant revelations about the Order’s true nature.
4. The Secrets of the Night
Current Lore Overview
Ranni, the Witch of the Moon, plays a pivotal role in the lore of Elden Ring, with her character shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Her motivations and the secrets of her realm add layers to the story, but there remains much to uncover.
Potential Lore Expansions
The DLC could delve deeper into Ranni’s lore and the enigmatic world of the Night. Potential storylines include:
- The Moonlight Altar: A quest that leads players to explore the Moonlight Altar, uncovering its secrets and the celestial beings associated with it. This storyline could reveal Ranni’s origins and her connection to the cosmos, enhancing her character’s depth.
- The War of the Night: A narrative arc centered around the conflicts between Ranni and other celestial beings, showcasing her struggles against rival factions and her quest for freedom. This storyline could provide insights into her motivations and the impact of her actions on the fabric of reality.
5. The Forgotten History of the Lands Between
Current Lore Overview
The lore of Elden Ring is steeped in a rich history, but many events remain obscured or only hinted at. Players have only scratched the surface of the Lands Between’s past.
Potential Lore Expansions
The DLC could provide players with the opportunity to explore the forgotten history of the Lands Between. Potential narrative avenues include:
- The Age of Stars: A questline that explores the events leading up to the Age of Stars, detailing the rise of various factions and their influence on the land. This storyline could reveal the intricate web of alliances and betrayals that shaped the world.
- Ancient Ruins and Lost Civilizations: The DLC could introduce new areas filled with ancient ruins, allowing players to uncover the remnants of lost civilizations and their stories. These locations could hold secrets about the land’s history, forgotten gods, and lost artifacts.
6. The Role of the Two Fingers
Current Lore Overview
The Two Fingers are enigmatic entities that play a significant role in the game, representing the Greater Will. Their influence is felt throughout the narrative, but their true nature and purpose remain elusive.
Potential Lore Expansions
The DLC could provide deeper insights into the Two Fingers and their relationship with the Greater Will. Potential storylines include:
- The Birth of the Two Fingers: A narrative arc exploring the origins of the Two Fingers, detailing their creation and purpose within the cosmic order. This storyline could reveal hidden truths about their motivations and the impact they have on the inhabitants of the Lands Between.
- The Rebellion Against the Greater Will: A questline focusing on characters who challenge the authority of the Two Fingers and the Greater Will, showcasing their struggle for autonomy and the consequences of their defiance. This narrative could provide a counterpoint to the existing order and add complexity to the lore.
7. Character-Driven Story Arcs
Current Lore Overview
Many characters in Elden Ring have fascinating backstories and motivations that could be explored further. Some characters, like Fia and Blaidd, have compelling narratives that deserve more attention.
Potential Lore Expansions
The DLC could introduce character-driven story arcs that expand on the lives of these characters and their relationships with others. Potential storylines include:
- Fia’s Curse: A questline focusing on Fia, the Deathbed Companion, exploring her past, her curse, and her desire for connection. Players could uncover the origins of her curse and the sacrifices she made for love, adding emotional depth to her character.
- Blaidd’s Loyalty: A storyline centered around Blaidd, the half-wolf, delving into his loyalty to Ranni and the challenges he faces in serving her. This narrative could explore themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the price of devotion, providing players with a deeper understanding of his character.
Conclusion
The world of Elden Ring DLC is rich with lore, filled with untold stories waiting to be uncovered. As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming DLC, the potential for expanding the game’s narrative is immense. From the origins of the Erdtree and the untold stories of the demigods to the secrets of the Two Fingers and character-driven arcs, there are countless avenues for exploration.
