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Elden Ring‘s enormously hyped and massively sizedShadow of the ErdtreeDLC is nearing the end of its long wait, now that it’s just less than a month from release. The latest story trailer tells us a bitmore about Messmer the Impaler, the supposed main villain of the expansion.
However, a growing theory among fans suggests that FromSoftware might be employing a clever bait-and-switch tactic, deliberately placing emphasis on Messmer to obscure the identity of a potential bigger antagonist.
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Posted to the r/Eldenring community onReddit, the theory draws parallels between the marketing campaigns for the base game and theShadow of the ErdtreeDLC. The originalElden Ringtrailer featured the gruesome mini boss Godrick the Grafted, leading players to believe he would be the big bad of the game.
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As it turned out, Elden Ring unfolded with a far more intricate narrative that featured multiple demigods vying for power, and Godrick was simply a small part of the puzzle. This has led many to believe that FromSoftware might be repeating this approach forShadow of the Erdtree.
Is FromSoftware HidingShadow of the Erdtree‘s Real Villain?
There’s significant evidence to support this theory. TheShadow of the Erdtreestory trailer heavily focuses on Messmer the Impaler,showcasing his fiery armyand the destruction they unleash upon Leyndell. This focus on Messmer is quite opposed to the originalElden Ringtrailer, which showcased snippets of various demigods, not just Godrick.
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Moreover, unlike Godrick, who turned out to be one of the first (and easiest) bosses in the base game, the marketing forShadow of the Erdtreesuggests Messmer will play a much more significant role. While the trailers and gameplay footage showcase him extensively, they do little to reveal his true motivations or ultimate goal.
This emphasis on Messmer, coupled with the lack of information on other potential antagonists, has led fans to believe he might not be the final boss, oreven the true villain of the DLC. Some speculate that FromSoftware might be deliberately misdirecting players in order to preserve the narrative’s surprises.
This bait-and-switch tactic would be a fun way to play with the over-analyzing FromSoftware community, while also ensuring players approach the DLC with a sense of mystery and a healthy dose of skepticism regarding the characters presented.
Shadow of the Erdtree’s Story Trailer’s Last Few Seconds Points at a FromSoft First – Has Hidetaka Miyazaki Softened after Elden Ring?
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtreeis set to release on June 21 across PS4/PS5, PC, and Xbox One/Series X/S.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Content Writer
Articles Published :247
A lifelong gamer, lover of cars, and Master’s student of Automotive Journalism, Viraaj Bhatnagar is a gaming writer at FandomWire who aims to be one of the greats. When he’s not hunched over on his laptop typing out copy, he can be found lapping circuits in Gran Turismo or slaying draugr in God of War.
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Elden RingElden Ring DLCFromSoftwareHidetaka MiyazakiShadow of the Erdtree
