Summary
FromSoftware has an extensive history of putting hidden secrets in its games, dating all the way back to the studio’s very first video gameKing’s Field, where players could find hidden treasure behind illusory walls. Of course, these walls would make a return inFromSoftware’sSoulsseries, appearing alongside a wealth of other secrets such as hidden bosses, concealed items, and even, on occasion, entirely new areas. As should be expected of FromSoftware’s biggest game to date,Elden Ringis packed to the brim with similar secrets.
An open-world adventure on a much bigger scale than anything the developer had made before,Elden Ringfeatures the most secrets of any FromSoft game, ranging from classic staples like illusory walls to brand-new secrets like paintings that hint at a disguised treasure, and towers that require specific items to enter. While it may not be quite as big as the base game,Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is set to bring a new area to the RPG, one presumably flooded with secrets, and it might be useful for fans to remember a longstanding FromSoft trick before they set off.
Elden Ring Fans Shouldn’t Forget The Importance of Gestures
FromSoftware’s History with Secrets Being Hidden Behind Gestures
The very first FromSoftware game to feature emotes was 2009’sDemon’s Souls. Officially called “Gestures,” these emotes allowed players to express themselves in a handful of ways, adding a bit of levity to theDemon’s Soulsonline multiplayerexperience. Of course, these Gestures would return in 2011’sDark Souls, where they became a prominent part of the community’s enjoyment of the game. But while these Gestures remained a fun way to communicate during PvP and co-op, they were given a more useful application comeBloodborne’s release in 2015.
InBloodborne, players can find a rather unique Gesture called “Make Contact” in the Upper Cathedral Ward. If they perform that Gesture in front of the horrifying Brain of Mensis and hold it for around a minute, they’ll be giventhe Moon Caryll Rune, which increases the number of Blood Echoes gained from killing enemies. Additionally, there are quite a few Gestures that the Doll will react to in the Hunter’s Dream, such as the Bow or Applause Gestures.
Bloodbornemarked the first proper time players were rewarded with secrets for using their Gestures in specific locations, something thatDark Souls 3took even further. After playing through a good portion ofDark Souls 3’s main story, players will eventually stumble upon the Path of the Dragon Gesture in the Consumed King’s Garden. If players venture all the way back to the Irithyll Dungeons, they can use that Gesture to unlock an entirely new area of the game called Archdragon Peak, filled with new enemies, new loot, and one of the best boss battles in the entire game.
Elden Ring Is Filled with Gesture Secrets
WhileElden Ringdidn’t hide an entire portion of the map behind an emote, it did have plenty of other Gesture-related secrets, more than any other FromSoft game before it. One of these secrets occurs fairly early on inElden Ringwhen players first encounterBlaidd in the Mistwood. After learning the Snap Gesture, players can summon Blaidd down from his hiding spot and begin his questline. The Erudition Gesture can also be used at two different spots inElden Ringto open up locked towers.
Shadow of the Erdtree Could Have Its Own Gesture Secrets
While FromSoftware is keeping pretty quiet on what will be included withElden Ring’s upcoming Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, it has been confirmed that the expansion will add an entirely new area to the game. According to Hidetaka Miyazaki himself, this new Land of Shadow area will be roughly the size of Limgrave from the base game, if not slightly bigger, which means that there’s plenty of room for more Gesture-based secrets. Players should make sure they’re paying close attention to any statues or structures that look particularly out of place.
Elden Ring
WHERE TO PLAY
ELDEN RING, developed by FromSoftware, Inc. and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., is a fantasy action-RPG adventure set within a world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. Danger and discovery lurk around every corner in FromSoftware’s largest game to date. Hidetaka Miyazaki - President and Game Director of FromSoftware Inc. Known for directing critically-acclaimed games in beloved franchises including Armored Core and Dark Souls.George R.R. Martin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including the acclaimed series A Song of Ice and Fire - A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast For Crows, and A Dance with Dragons. As a writer-producer, he has worked on The Twilight Zone, Beauty and the Beast, and various feature films and pilots that were never made. He lives with the lovely Parris in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
