Elden Ring has set a high bar for open-world games. Considering the nature of the title, there will likely be DLC expansions in the future, and if that new content is anything like previous FromSoftware titles, Elden Ring will likely bring brand-new areas packed with a variety of enemies, bosses, and weapons. Since the game is already packed with so much content, it may benefit from adopting a feature from previous FromSoftware games.
Bloodborne changed the pace of Soulsborne games by encouraging aggressive combat that fit perfectly with its unique weapons. The versatile melee weapons of Bloodborne were dubbed "Trick Weapons" for their ability to transform into different variants, and further diversify the player’s combat options. No other FromSoftware game has dabbled with the idea of Trick Weapons, but Elden Ring’s diverse combat styles lend nicely to the idea of introducing Trick Weapons once again.
The Invention and Utilization of Trick Weapons
Trick Weapons are the primary weapons used by Hunters in Bloodborne, originally designed to aid Healing Church Hunters in eliminating the beastly scourge. However, after their invention, the number of Trick Weapons and their abilities grew significantly. The original versions of the weapons were crude adaptions of saws and cleavers that evolved into intricate weapons such as the Rifle Spear, which can be used as both a melee weapon and a firearm. The main benefit of the Trick Weapons is their ability to adapt to different combat situations. Many weapons are able to expand in size and give the player more reach in battle while altering the attack combinations mid-battle, for example.
Bloodborne’s Trick Weapons essentially gave players two different weapons in a single package, and even though the game did not feature a wide variety of them, the ability to transform each weapon made up for the lower total. Since Bloodborne is the only game to utilize Trick Weapons and the possibility of a sequel to Bloodborne is unlikely, FromSoftware fans are likely eager to experiment with the unique designs of Trick Weapons.
How Elden Ring Could Introduce Trick Weapons
Elden Ring is a raging success for both FromSoftware fans and players who may have never played a Soulsborne game before. The open-world concept of Elden Ring, as well as its vast amount of characters and locations, leave huge potential for future DLC. It's not uncommon for FromSoftware to subtly connect its games through indirect means, so the possibility of including Trick Weapons in future Elden Ring content could please fans.
Elden Ring and Bloodborne already have similarities, so it would not be a huge reach for the developer to purposefully connect the games with Trick Weapons. Future content for Elden Ring could introduce players to a dream-state or nightmare similar to what players encounter in Bloodborne through Miquella, otherwise known as St. Trina: the God of Slumber. Though most of St. Trina’s content is insignificant or has been cut, FromSoft did include the God of Slumber and left Miquella’s story open-ended. St. Trina’s involvement in Elden Ring could be a perfect transition between Elden Ring and Bloodborne.
The Impact Trick Weapons Could Have on Elden Ring
Elden Ring has a wide variety of weapons, and a huge emphasis on magic and spells compared to other Soulsborne games for more diversity. Because Elden Ring adopted the Dark Souls combat style, the game’s weapons also mirror many of the same weapon types. Aside from a select few stand-out pieces of equipment, Elden Ring’s weapons follow the familiar formula of swords, axes, and pole weapons, all of which are useful in their own right, but the game could have even more variety with Trick Weapons. Since the game has introduced mounted combat and the Ashes of War, Elden Ring is already providing players with the most options of any FromSoft game, so adding Trick Weapons could be an extra layer for the main game and PvP.
Since most Soulsborne fans will be aware of Bloodborne’s Trick Weapons, Elden Ring would benefit from creating its own unique rendition of the weapons. There could be a plethora of unique weapons that intertwine with the game’s story or characters, and the transformation could be more fitting for Elden Ring. The new content could include a weapon that transforms for better mounted combat, for example, or one that is similar to Simon’s Bowblade from Bloodborne but utilizing the archery system already present in Elden Ring. Unlike Bloodborne, Elden Ring encourages the use of a shield, so more Trick Weapons could incorporate a shield or blocking mechanic.
Elden Ring has expanded the Soulsborne formula on just about every front, including the amount of weapons and options in combat. Trick Weapons bring a unique set of mechanics to otherwise normal weapons, and Bloodborne piqued players’ interest with its take on traditional weaponry, so Elden Ring should capitalize on its predecessor's invention. Not only would the new set of weapons give players more options in combat, but the introduction of the Trick Weapons could come with major story implications and direct tie-ins to previous FromSoft games.
Elden Ring is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
