Elden Ring’s Final Boss: The Surprising Link to Dark Souls 2

Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC has captivated players with its challenging new content, but it turns out that the final boss, Promised Consort Radahn, has a surprising connection to a decade-old game. Spoilers ahead for the DLC's climactic battle!

In a fascinating twist, Radahn's animations are not entirely new but are borrowed from an earlier title, Dark Souls 2. This revelation was uncovered by the Elden Ring Reddit community, where astute players noticed that Radahn’s movements closely resemble those of Headless Vengarl from Dark Souls 2.

FromSoftware's decision to reuse animations from previous games, such as Radahn's faster adaptation of Headless Vengarl, highlights a clever yet practical design choice. As one player pointed out, "I remember struggling with this guy, but now it looks so slow.” This reuse not only saves development time but also creates an intriguing link between FromSoftware's iconic titles.

Despite some fan concerns, many appreciate the practical constraints of game design. "How many different ways can one attack with two giant swords, though, really?" a player remarked, acknowledging the limitations of animating combat with such weapons.

The reuse of animations showcases continuity across FromSoftware's games, reflecting a broader design strategy that leverages past content to enhance new experiences. For those facing Radahn in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, the challenge remains formidable, as Radahn's revamped speed and attack patterns add a fresh layer of difficulty.