FromSoftware’s newest gameElden Ringis a big success with most players, carrying many of the best mechanics from prior SoulsBorne titles into uncharted, open-world territory. It has many of the staples associated with the series, from a story reminiscent ofDark Soulstobosses that would fit right in withBloodborne.
Still, for every great addition like Torrent and the open-world format, other ideas were left on the cutting room floor. One element that has never appeared outsideBloodborneis the iconic Trick Weapons that made Yharnam hunters so ferocious. Just because they only exist inBloodbornenow, that doesn’t meanFromSoftshould not revisit them in the future. In fact, they have a lot to offer future FromSoft titles - or evenElden RingDLC.
RELATED:15 Things About FromSoftware Games That Everyone Loves
The Brilliance of Bloodborne’s Trick Weapons
There are far fewer weapons inBloodbornethan other FromSoft titles. InElden Ring,players might find one weapon as a regular drop from an enemy, then another in a nearby chest, and get a third for defeating the boss of a dungeon. However, since each weapon inBloodborneis a Trick Weapon, they stand out more. A player might get a lesser weapon on theElden Ringsword tier listover and over, but every weapon obtained inBloodborneis an exciting new opportunity.
Most Trick Weapons can be used in two different ways, having various modes to switch between. This is not always the case (some simply apply a buff), but for the most part Trick Weapons give a huge range of offensive options. Unlike dual-wielding in other SoulsBorne games, Trick Weapons can switch freely between their move sets. For example, one of thebest weapons inBloodborne- Simon’s Bowblade - can swap between close and ranged combat on the fly, allowing for more fluid combat and unique solutions to fights.
Each Trick Weapon also scales to a couple of different stats, providing players a clear upgrade route once they find a weapon they love. Rather than balancing a host of weapons, a single one can become the go-to solution for every situation. WithBloodborne’s best Blood Echo farmstill working in 2022, there’s no limit to how powerful they can get.
Trick Weapons Have a Place in Future FromSoft Titles
From an aesthetic perspective,Bloodbornestands apart from most other FromSoft titles afterDemon’s Souls, being closest toSekiro: Shadows Die Twicein terms of magic and technology seen in both worlds. That doesn’t mean Trick Weapons could not make a return in future FromSoft titles, as similar devices already exist in those games. An example is the One-Eyed Shield, one of thebest greatshields inElden Ring, which doubles as a sturdy shield and a flame cannon. It’s not unique in that respect, as the Visage Shield also boasts a flamethrower behind its mechanical frame.
In a similar vein areElden Ringweapons like Urumi and the Nox Flowing Mace, or Ghiza’s Wheel, which bears more than a passing resemblance toBloodborne’s Whirligig Saw. Each of the weapons comes from a well-established faction inElden Ring, providing in-universe reasons for their unique properties: only that faction knows the secret of the weapon’s creation. Future Trick Weapons could be incorporated under a similar premise, introduced as a niche weapon among more traditional SoulsBorne options. Despite beinggames set in traditional high-fantasy settings, Trick Weapons can fit easily.
RELATED:Elden Ring First Boss Almost Took Inspiration from Dark Souls 1
Expanding Trick Weapon Aesthetics
All currently existing Trick Weapons have a distinct look: contraptions of metal and beast body parts that can be connected and expanded in fun ways. While this may not work as well in a fantasy setting, it provides more opportunities to experiment with weapon designs. For example, Prelate’s Inferno Crozier is one of thebest colossal weapons inElden Ring, and looks like an explosion shaped into a hammer. It’s not hard to imagine its sharp edges opening up into a claw, something that could be snapped shut on an enemy at-range. In another vein, gravity magic features prominently inElden Ring, which involves magnetic push-and-pull. Magnetic connection could make for fantastic Trick Weapons, with metal weapons reconfiguring into completely new shapes.
Furthermore, the fantasy aspect allows for transformations that go beyond anything physical.ProminentElden Ringcharacter Sir Gideon Ofnirwields a staff that decreases resistance to sorcery and holy damage. However, the staff is a weapon, not an actual magic staff. As a Trick Weapon, players could shorten or lengthen it to transition between spell casting and physical fighting.
Expanding Trick Weapon Mechanics
One of the few criticisms ofElden Ringcenters around the aggressiveness and power of its bosses, which leaves players little room to counter using slower-paced combat options. Trick Weapons were created specifically for the bosses ofBloodborne, which are well-known for their aggressive behavior. With Trick Weapons reintroduced into future FromSoft titles, bosses could be made even more aggressive since there would be good answers to them.Elden Ringexpanded on otherBloodborneideas well, so adding more flexibility and speed could seriously improve the series moving forward.
On top of that, weapon arts and Trick Weapons could be reworked to interact. With Trick Weapons having two modes, each could be enchanted with a different Ash of War to create unique combinations. This could prove more reliable than carrying multiple weapons.FromSoft frequently incorporates many elements from previous titlesinto new hit games. With that in mind, it seems likely future SoulsBorne titles will move closer to a perfect mix of aggression and patience, andFromSoftware’s Trick Weapons could be a huge part of that.
