Everyone wants Elden Ring 2, but is it actually happening? The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC will drop in June, but what do we know about a sequel so far?
Elden Ring was massively successful and got a ton of awards, including the Game of the Year Award. Just recently we finally got confirmation of the first big DLC called Shadow of the Erdtree, which will launch on June 21, 2024. So obviously a full sequel to the game is a few years away, but players still are curious about a possible Elden Ring 2.
Let's take a look at what we know so far.
Will There Be An Elden Ring 2? FromSoftware Is Reserved
According to Hidetaka Miyazaki, director of Elden Ring and president of FromSoftware, the ideal company for him is one that's made up of people focused on making fun games. And that's the sort of company he wants FromSoftware to be. Based on what FromSoft said in the past, we can see the foundation of Elden Ring 2 beginning to form. There is greater interest in the Souls-like genre than ever before.
It is definitely very likely, if not absolutely certain, that FromSoft will develop a sequel. In a press release with Bandai Namco, FromSoftware described Elden Ring’s massive success as “a fantastic start for the new franchise”. They went on to say:
“Much effort was placed into creating Elden Ring so that we could exceed the expectations of our fans worldwide. We will continue our efforts in expanding the brand beyond the game itself, and into everyone’s daily life.”
In an interview with 4Gamer.net, Miyazaki was asked about a potential sequel. He didn't deny the possibility of one, but showed a reserved attitude in his answer:
"It's a case-by-case basis. There are merits to both taking over the numbering and creating a new work with a new title, so I would like to select as appropriate."
Until now, there is no official confirmation of an Elden Ring 2, but taking into account the success of the first game and the huge hype surrounding the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, we would be shocked if FromSoft did not continue to support this IP.
Possible Collaboration With Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson, writer of the Mistborn series and The Stormlight Archive, has been approached by Elden Ring publisher Bandai Namco regarding a future collaboration.
“They are interested in perhaps doing something together, is what that says,” said Sanderson. “I am as well, actually. This is how I roll: I actually have a pitch for them in the back of my head, so I may have to send them my pitch and see what they think.
The same way, I’ve been thinking, ‘what would I do if I did a Soulsborne sort of game?’ Obviously, I don’t get to decide that, right? But I have it in the back of my head, so maybe you guys will hear something from me. I have some ideas. I always have ideas”.
The author notes that he already has a pitch prepared for a Souls-like title, filled with game concepts. He is ready to work with FromSoftware. Could this be the foundation for another Elden Ring game? After all, FromSoft collaborated with A Song of Ice and Fire author George R.R. Martin for the first game, and could be looking into another relationship like this for a new game.
What Can We Expect In Elden Ring 2?
By the time we return to the Lands Between, there could have been countless Elden Lords. The Elden Ring itself could now be housed in a new living vessel instead of Marika. Each of Elden Ring’s endings have fatal flaws, and none of them offer a complete solution to the Land’s problems. Plus, the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC will add a lot of new lore that we don't know yet...
Basically, Elden Ring 2 could be anything at this point. With the first DLC just around the corner, we still have a lot of time to speculate about the story of a possible sequel. What do you think will happen to Elden Ring 2? Let us know!