The Director of Elden Ring Reveals: Shadow of the Erdtree is Increasingly Challenging – Just How Difficult Are Players Willing to Tackle?

Director Hidetaka Miyazaki of the game Elden Ring gave an interview to CNET on the occasion of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion release, highlighting the following points:

The original plan was for the storyline of Shadow of the Erdtree to be part of the main game, with no DLC in mind initially. However, there were difficulties in integrating it, leading to Miquella’s storyline being separated as DLC instead.

Author George R.R. Martin, known for Game of Thrones, provided the lore for the game, covering aspects that could not be included in the main game and relegated to DLC content.

The game features over 10 challenging bosses, each with a unique combat style diverging from the main game. The increase in difficulty is aimed at pushing players beyond their previously conquered bosses in the main game, testing their limits.

Bosses range from mandatory fights to optional ones, with the latter being especially challenging. The boss design is unmistakably reminiscent of FromSoftware games.

The architecture and culture of the Shadowed Land, the setting of the DLC content, draw influence from the Far East.

Miyazaki’s favorite games, which have greatly influenced him, are the original Dark Souls and Bloodborne. Another game from the same studio that he admires is King’s Field II, serving as inspiration for his work on Dark Souls.

Source: CNET

TLDR: Hidetaka Miyazaki discusses the challenges and inspirations behind the Elden Ring expansion, including George R.R. Martin’s lore contributions and the elevated difficulty level of the new bosses.