The future projects of FromSoftware are veiled in secrecy, leaving fans speculating about what's next after the anticipated Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring. While rumors hint at a possible Armored Core 6 expansion, concrete details are scarce. Despite this silence, fans need not endure prolonged waits akin to past teasers; instead, they can immerse themselves in a vibrant world of community mods.
For devoted FromSoftware enthusiasts, the period between game releases can be challenging. Fortunately, the studio's games are designed for replayability. Beyond multiple New Game Plus runs with diverse builds and narratives, the inclusion of online features offers endless replay potential. Moreover, a plethora of user-generated gameplay overhaul mods mimic the studio's style, providing a fresh gaming experience reminiscent of official releases.
Bridging the Gap with Major Mods
While simple mods can enhance gameplay, capturing the essence of a new title is a monumental task. Designing mods that mirror FromSoftware's meticulous style requires significant effort. The studio's consistent design approach serves as a foundation for mods, allowing deviations to shine. Though Elden Ring faced criticism for its similarities to the Dark Souls trilogy, this aspect eases the pressure on mods to replicate the same experience, enabling them to stand out uniquely.
Dark Souls: Archthrones - A Glimpse into a New Realm
A prime example is Dark Souls: Archthrones, which unveiled its initial demo in March 2024, garnering positive feedback. Inspired by Demon's Souls, Archthrones introduces five thrones leading to reimagined segments of the Dark Souls universe. With new enemies, equipment, areas, and gameplay mechanics, this mod, set on the Dark Souls 3 engine, exudes a Dark Souls 4 vibe. It promises a captivating Soulslike experience during FromSoftware's development lulls.
Notable Overhaul Mods for Soulslike Enthusiasts
While Archthrones celebrates the community's dedication, it is not alone in its endeavors. Dark Souls: Nightfall, a sequel to Dark Souls 1's Dark Lord ending, boasts a comprehensive revamp with fresh geography, voice acting, and innovative features like a time loop and combat stance system. This mod, following the success of Dark Souls: Daughters of Ash, commands attention akin to Archthrones.
The community's extensive mod library includes:
- Dark Souls Remastest
- Dark Souls 2: Augur of Darkness
- Dark Souls 2: Seeker of Fire
- Dark Souls 3: Cinders
- Dark Souls 3: The Convergence
- Elden Ring: Garden of Eyes
- Elden Ring: Reforged
- Elden Ring: The Convergence
- Sekiro: Resurrection
Whether enjoying revamped multiplayer experiences in Remastest or exploring new dungeons in Elden Ring Reforged and The Convergence, these mods offer FromSoftware fans captivating distractions while awaiting the studio's next official release.