Elden Ring fans are all waiting for one thing and one thing only, Shadow of the Erdtree. We’re approaching one year since the expansion was announced and two years since Elden Ring itself was launched so a February Shadow of the Erdtree drop feels very likely.
Add in the fact that FromSoftware recently updated the game’s files on Steam and that two Elden Ring merch collabs are on the way in February and it’s all looking rather suspicious.
We do know that FromSoftware loves to drop information at the most random of times, so we’re certainly keeping a beady eye out for news. In the meantime, Elden Ring players who are craving a fresh challenge may want to partake in the upcoming Dungeon Stalkers playtest.
Ever wondered what an Elden Ring boss battle royale would look like? Take a look below.
Developed by Action Square (Studio HG), Dungeon Stalkers is an upcoming PvEvP dungeon crawler that boasts a gloomy medieval aesthetic that should have Elden Ring fans feeling right at home. The synopsis reads, “Experience the joy of exploration and survival in a classic RPG. Join forces with your companions to defeat other adventurers and monsters, and acquire equipment and treasures. Then, escape safely from the witch's curse.”
There are six playable characters to choose from and over 50 skills and perks to acquire. Your goal: escape or die. There’s no set release date for the game just yet but a playtest will be held to coincide with Steam Next Fest from 5 to 12 February. Anyone can get involved.
I’m particularly intrigued by the idea of the witch’s curse which is set to completely change “the balance of the game”. You quickly come to learn in Elden Ring to expect the unexpected. That seems to be the same here.
The curse will periodically come into activation adding a new set of unexpected trials mid combat, intensifying battles and reducing your chances of survival. Oof. It’s a hugely promising premise so do give the playtest a go.
Blasphemous is a truly brilliant 2D MetroidVania that channels the difficulty, lore, and exploration that can usually be found in a FromSoftware title.
Crafted in a gorgeous pixel engine, Blasphemous is stunning to look at, conjuring tiny details in vast landscapes that could jump from the game and into a print to fasten to your wall. The visuals are wonderful, with each character model or scene being pervaded with religious iconography.
Blasphemous is lauded for its looks and its gameplay
If you don’t mind the jump to 2D from the 3D worlds, then Elden Ring fans can find a lot to love here. Each game shares similarities within its religious leanings, but both share a higher level of difficulty. For both adventures, dodging, blocking and parrying are integral to the combat.
Not only that, but each game features huge, hulking enemies who can stomp all over you, delivering a killing blow with ease. Even the exploration in both games complements each other. That idea of not knowing where you’re going or what awaits you around the next corner works in both 2D and 3D.
Blasphemous, much like its comparison here, feels so expansive, like there’s always more to discover. There’s always something to see, and more lore to discover, piecing together a world so complex and brooding.
You can grab Blasphemous for a small sum on Steam right now as the game received a sequel in 2023 which was equally as good as its predecessor. It’s a steal for a game that can test your skills and keep you playing for countless hours as you work your way through the brilliantly designed enemies. I should also mention, that the soundtrack is also fantastic and really suits this chaotic world of religion and punishment. It’s great on Steam Deck too, so if you’re looking for something portable, you just can’t go wrong.
