Summary
Despite being nearly a decade old, and despite the developer releasing three Souls-adjacent games since its debut,Bloodborneis still considered one of, if not the best game FromSoftware has ever made. A true Lovecraftian nightmare in the best possible way,Bloodborne’s incredibly unique visual aesthetic, atmosphere, and music have kept it standing apart from its other FromSoft siblings, and its fast-paced, high-risk high-reward combat kept it distinct.
But FromSoftware wasn’t content with leaving its masterpiece there. Just seven months after its initial launch,Bloodbornereceived a major expansion titled “The Old Hunters.” And while the vast majority ofFromSoft’sSoulstitleshave DLC expansions,Bloodborne’s Old Hunters might be the one most comparable toElden Ring’s upcoming Shadow of the Erdtree expansion when all is said and done.
Bloodborne’s Old Hunters DLC Might Be The Best Indicator for Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree
Bloodborne’s Old Hunters DLC Added a Ton of New Content
Released in November 2015,Bloodborne’s Old Hunters DLCis widely considered to be the greatest FromSoftware expansion currently released, and for good reason. The Old Hunters sees players dive into a nightmare realm that only continues to devolve into madness the further they get through it.
One of The Old Hunters' most impressive features is its four new locations, each one offering a drastically different setting, but still making complete thematic sense. From the gorgeously gothic Astral Clocktower to the unabashedlyLovecraft-inspired Fishing Hamlet,Bloodborne’s Old Hunters DLC features some of the most memorable locations in the entire game and the same can be said for its collection of bosses.
Though the Living Failures is an aptly-named disappointment, the remaining four exclusive boss fights inBloodborne’s Old Hunters DLC are truly outstanding, and remain fan favorites even all these years later. From the horrific visual design of Ludwig to the dazzling spectacle of Lady Maria’s moveset and the infamouslydifficult Orphan of Kos,Bloodborne’s Old Hunters expansion is packed with stellar boss fights, proving that FromSoftware is capable of delivering both quantity and quality simultaneously with its DLCs.
WhileDark Soulsand its sequels all received at least one DLC expansion each, none were quite so expansive asBloodborne’s Old Hunters DLC.Dark Souls' Artorias of the Abyss DLCtechnically contains more locations than The Old Hunters, but many of them blend together and thoughDark Souls 3’s DLCs contain some of the best boss fights in the entire game, they’re few and far between.Bloodborne’s DLC, on the other hand, is still considered to be the most complete package of the bunch.
Elden Ring Looks to Follow in Bloodborne: The Old Hunters' Footsteps
Based on what fans have seen so far from the one gameplay trailer, it seems as thoughElden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLCmight be taking some big cues fromBloodborne’s Old Hunters expansion, at least when it comes to the sheer amount of content it’s bringing to the game. Though its exact additions haven’t been confirmed yet, Miyazaki himself has stated that Shadows of the Erdtree’s map will be approximately the same size asElden Ring’s Limgrave and that it’ll contain over 10 new boss fights.
Along with this, players can expect a slew of new weapons, Weapon Skills, and spells.
Bloodborne
WHERE TO PLAY
Hunt your nightmares as you search for answers in the ancient city of Yharnam, now cursed with a strange endemic illness spreading through the streets like wildfire. Danger, death and madness lurk around every corner of this dark and horrific world, and you must discover its darkest secrets in order to survive.A Terrifying New World: Journey to a horror-filled gothic city where deranged mobs and nightmarish creatures lurk around every corner.Strategic Action Combat: Armed with a unique arsenal of weaponry, including guns and saw cleavers, you’ll need wits, strategy and reflexes to take down the agile and intelligent enemies that guard the city’s dark secrets.A New Generation of Action RPG: Stunningly detailed gothic environments, atmospheric lighting, and advanced new online experiences showcase the power and prowess of the PlayStation(R)4 system.Ever-changing Chalice Dungeons to Explore: Use holy chalices to gain entrance to a network of vast underground ruins, filled with traps, beasts, and rewards, to explore and conquer alone or with others. These procedurally generated dungeons offer brand new challenges to master, and can be uploaded or shared with friends.
