Why Are People Quitting Elden Ring DLC?
Elden Ring, a game developed by FromSoftware, has been a monumental success, capturing the hearts of players worldwide. However, the recent release of its DLC has garnered mixed reactions, with only 61% of players giving it a positive review. This has sparked a significant discussion within the gaming community. So, why are players quitting Elden Ring DLC? Are they frustrated with the difficulty, disappointed with the content, or is there something deeper at play?
The Difficulty Factor
One of the most prominent complaints about the Elden Ring DLC is its difficulty. FromSoftware games are known for their challenging gameplay, but many players feel that the DLC has taken it to an extreme. Some argue that the difficulty spikes are not only more pronounced but also feel unfair. This sentiment echoes through various reviews where players express their frustration with being “two-shot” by bosses even with full defensive investments.
The encounter design in the DLC has also been a point of contention. Players have criticized the placement of enemies in nooks and corners, designed to catch players off guard or knock them off edges. While this tactic isn’t new to FromSoftware games, the frequency and intensity in the DLC have been overwhelming for many.
Scaling and Balance Issues
Another significant issue is the scaling and balance within the DLC. Players have reported confusing feedback loops regarding their character’s power. The base game allows for a more straightforward progression, but the DLC introduces an upgrade system where discoverable items boost absorption, leading to unclear indications of whether a player’s struggles are due to inadequate weapons, insufficient leveling, or missing DLC upgrades. This has led to a frustrating experience for many who can’t pinpoint why they’re having difficulty progressing.
Boss Design and Mechanics
Boss fights are a staple of FromSoftware games, often celebrated for their intricate design and rewarding challenges. However, the DLC bosses have been met with mixed reactions. Some players feel that the bosses are overly aggressive and punishing, reducing the margin for error to nearly zero. The mechanics of these fights require precise timing and memorization of multiple attack patterns, which some players find redundant and frustrating.
One of the common criticisms is the design of large bosses in confined spaces. These fights often result in the player’s vision being obscured, making it difficult to read and react to attacks. The infamous “hippo” fight inside a castle is a prime example where the boss’s size and the cramped arena create an unenjoyable experience. Players have noted that in more open environments, these fights become significantly easier, suggesting that the challenge is artificially inflated by the restrictive spaces.
The Learning Curve and Enjoyment
There’s a clear divide between players who thrive on the high difficulty of FromSoftware games and those who find it exhausting. Many players enjoy the learning process of mastering a challenging game, but when the difficulty feels like a choreographed dance with no room for error, it ceases to be fun for some. This has led to calls for a casual mode that would allow more players to enjoy the game without the extreme stress and frustration.
The Psychological Impact
Streaming and community interactions also play a significant role in how players experience the game. Streamers, in particular, face additional pressure from their audience, which can exacerbate feelings of frustration and anxiety. Negative comments, high expectations, and the constant scrutiny can make playing difficult games a stressful endeavor. This has led some streamers to reconsider playing highly challenging games on stream, as it brings out the worst aspects of their personality and creates an unenjoyable environment.
Conclusion
The mixed reactions to Elden Ring’s DLC highlight significant issues with difficulty scaling, encounter design, and player enjoyment. While a segment of the player base thrives on the extreme challenge presented by FromSoftware, others find the experience exhausting and frustrating, leading to high dropout rates. The DLC’s aggressive bosses, unclear power progression, and confined combat spaces have alienated some players who feel the balance has tipped too far towards punishing difficulty.
This divergence in player satisfaction underscores a broader discussion about the nature of difficulty in games. Elden Ring, like many of its predecessors, appeals to those who relish overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. However, there’s a growing call within the community for a more inclusive approach — one that still offers the satisfaction of conquering difficult content but also provides options for those who wish to enjoy the game’s rich world and narrative without excessive frustration.
Ultimately, the debate around Elden Ring’s DLC serves as a reminder of the delicate balance game developers must strike. While challenging games have a dedicated following, ensuring they remain accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience can help sustain their popularity and keep players engaged for the long term. FromSoftware’s response to this feedback will be crucial in determining the future direction of its titles and maintaining its strong player base.
