Anyone familiar with FromSoftware’s rich oeuvre of uber-challenging games is familiar with Hidetaka Miyazaki’s affinity for poison swamps. Miyazaki himself has acknowledged his love for these status-inflicting quagmires, frequently joking about how he can’t help butinclude them in the likes ofShadow of the Erdtree.
But Miyazaki isn’t in charge of FromSoftware’s next game,Elden Ring Nightreign, and it would appear that his absence is manifesting in the removal of this contentious trend. According to FromSoftware producer Yasuhiro Kitao, who recently spoke with Japanese news outlet Famitsu,Nightreignwill be devoid of poison swamps. Speculating about the absence of such an enduring feature, Kitao pointed out that Junya Ishizaki is sitting in the director’s chair this time around, suggesting that the poison swamp is a particular Miyazaki-ism. But whatever the reason, it seems like poison swamps are sittingElden Ring Nightreignout, which could have implications for future releases.
“Poison swamp” is an umbrella term encapsulating all status-buildup areas in FromSoftware games. The term doesn’t always refer to a literal swamp with poison effects.
What the Lack of Swamps in Elden Ring Nightreign Could Mean for Future FromSoftware Games
FromSoftware Swamps Could Fade Into Obscurity
One of the reasons why FromSoftware has been able to capture the hearts and minds of so many players is its commitment to its creative vision. While other studios chase trends and focus group their games until they are a watery collection of competing philosophies, FromSoftware marches to the beat of its own drum. That is to say,games by FromSoftware are distinctand original, unapologetic in their presentation and aims, and not beholden to audience expectations. They don’t bend to the will of public opinion.
But the commonly touted notion thatFromSoftware doesn’t incorporate player feedbackis a bit misguided. Certainly, the company’s games have strong and unflinching design principles, but there are several instances of FromSoftware responding to specific audience criticisms, some of which include:
FromSoftware clearly takes fans' opinionsinto account, though only when the suggested changes mesh with the studio’s existing vision. Thus, ifNightreignearns a particularly high amount of praise for its removal of poison swamps, it’s conceivable that FromSoftware could take this to heart, making them less prominent in future titles. Put another way, the love-hate relationship that audiences have with poison swamps in FromSoftware games could turn decidedly to “hate” withNightreign, as players could have a modern FromSoftware experience without these maligned environmental obstacles.
Against All Odds, Elden Ring Nightreign Could Make Fans Miss FromSoftware Swamps
Despite their shortcomings,FromSoftware’s poison swamps have been defendedby many players, who argue that they provide a unique spin on a given title’s gameplay systems. It’s certainly true that poison swamps provide an additional layer of challenge to typical mob management, resource gathering, and exploration, and overcoming one of these areas consistently leads to a strong sense of satisfaction and relief. WithNightreignbeing the first FromSoftware soulslike to omit these areas, perhaps it will highlight their more obscure benefits. Maybe players will only realize what swamps offer once they’re gone.
For better or worse,poison swamps are a central part of FromSoftware’s game design, helping shape the studio’s identity over the better part of two decades. WhileElden Ring Nightreignmight leave them on the cutting room floor, they will always be an iconic, heavily memed part of the company’s legacy, so it will be interesting to see how both FromSoftware and gaming audiences respond to their removal.
Elden Ring Nightreign
WHERE TO PLAY
“ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN is a standalone adventure within the ELDEN RING universe, crafted to offer players a new gaming experience by reimagining the game’s core design.Join forces with other players to take on the creeping night and the dangers within featuring 3-player co-op.Take command of uniquely skilled heroes, each possessing their own abilities and distinct flair.While individually formidable, their skills create powerful synergies when they unite as a team.Overcome a relentless environmental threat that sweeps through a land that changes between each game session and defeat the magnificent boss of that night!”
