The Chalice Dungeon feature in Bloodborne stands out as a distinctive and memorable aspect of the game, even if it's not universally adored. As the likelihood of a direct sequel to Bloodborne diminishes, FromSoftware should consider reevaluating the Chalice Dungeon concept and integrating its strengths into upcoming projects outside the Bloodborne universe.

Chalice Dungeons offer an endless extension of the Bloodborne experience, allowing players to create dungeons using in-game items that can either be fixed or randomly generated based on the materials used. While the process of creating and completing these dungeons may initially seem complex, once players grasp the mechanics, they present fresh and gratifying ways to interact with Bloodborne's combat and exploration. Unfortunately, FromSoftware hasn't revisited this feature extensively, with only minor similarities found in Elden Ring's open-world dungeons, which differ significantly from Chalice Dungeons.

Potential for Future FromSoftware Titles

The Role of Chalice Dungeons in Bloodborne

Alongside Bloodborne's cooperative play and NG+ modes, Chalice Dungeons offer substantial replay value. While fixed dungeons become predictable upon repeated playthroughs, the randomly generated Root Chalice Dungeons provide an avenue for theoretically infinite new combat and exploration experiences.

In Bloodborne, combat heavily relies on finite resources such as blood vials for healing and quicksilver bullets for ranged attacks and special abilities. The Hunter's Dream hub world provides direct access to Chalice Dungeons, offering a convenient and enjoyable way to obtain not only quicksilver bullets and blood vials but also blood gems, insight, and exclusive weapons like the Beast Claw.

Chalice Dungeons serve as a dependable means to enhance player skills, gather essential gear, and acquire consumables without tedious grinding. Moreover, these dungeons feature several unique bosses, including:

• Yharnam, Pthumerian Queen
• Loran Darkbeast and Silverbeast
• Pthumerian Elder
• Keeper of the Old Lords
• Undead Giant

Refining the Essence of Chalice Dungeons for Future Games

While Chalice Dungeons introduce variety to Bloodborne, they do have shortcomings. The process of seeding dungeons with ritual materials can be confusing and underwhelming, adding unnecessary complexity. Another criticism revolves around the lack of exclusive loot, potentially disrupting progression and the risk-reward balance. However, by distilling the strengths of Chalice Dungeons – convenience, farming capabilities, and substantial endgame content – while refining their drawbacks, future FromSoftware games could incorporate a compelling feature.

Whether incorporated into a game akin to Dark Souls, Elden Ring, or Sekiro, an evolution of Chalice Dungeons from Bloodborne, sans the convoluted ritual process and with enhanced rewards, could enhance replayability and provide a formidable challenge for players seeking post-base game content. Adapting the Chalice Dungeon concept from Bloodborne could streamline farming and material acquisition, making the process more engaging and efficient.