With its unique blend of dark storytelling and challenging gameplay, Elden Ring has become a fan favorite among FromSoftware's titles. The upcoming Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, focusing on Miquella, has reignited interest in one of the base game's toughest optional zones, shedding light on its familiar drawbacks.
Miquella's Haligtree, while not essential to the main storyline, holds significance in both lore and gameplay, housing the iconic boss fight with Malenia. Positioned as a late-game challenge accessible from the Consecrated Snowfield, this area tests players' skills through its formidable difficulty. However, it also mirrors some of the contentious issues players have raised about Dark Souls 2.
Revisiting Dark Souls 2's Criticized Design Choices
Enemy Placement and Ganking Challenges
While Dark Souls 2 has its share of fans, some players find it more frustrating than its predecessors due to enemy placements. The lead-up to its impressive bosses often involves facing repeated enemies in tight, hazardous spaces, limiting combat options.
Ruthless Levels Beyond Soulsborne Norms
Unlike Dark Souls' interconnected world, Drangleic comprises separate zones that vary in challenge level. Areas like Black Gulch and Shrine of Amana, while atmospheric, bombard players relentlessly, earning a reputation for being among the series' most frustrating locations.