When players eagerly stepped into the highly anticipated DLC forElden Ring, many expected another rich and expansive journey filled with secrets, legendary bosses, and interconnected zones. While much of the DLC delivered on FromSoftware’s reputation for quality and depth, a significant portion of the community was caught off guard by what felt like an abrupt ending. As discussions grow across forums and social media, many are trying to make sense of why theElden Ring DLCconcluded so suddenly, and what it might mean for the future of the game’s storytelling and additional content.
The Journey Through the DLC
The DLC begins with all the elements that made the base game a masterpiece. Players are dropped into a hauntingly beautiful new region, filled with dangerous foes, mysterious ruins, and lore-heavy encounters. As you progress through the expansion, the world unfolds at a steady pace, introducing intriguing NPCs, new gear, and fresh mechanics that expand on the base game’s systems.
Everything seems to build toward something major. Boss battles escalate in intensity, narrative threads point toward a climactic confrontation, and environmental storytelling hints at greater truths yet to be revealed. Then, almost without warning, the final area appears and before players can fully absorb the new setting or anticipate what’s next, the credits roll.
Why the Ending Feels Abrupt
The feeling of an abrupt ending in the Elden Ring DLC can be attributed to several factors:
- Lack of Narrative Closure: Many lore threads set up throughout the DLC are left unresolved or only partially explained.
- Pacing Imbalance: The early and mid-game zones are expansive and well-developed, while the final stretch feels rushed.
- Few Late-Game NPC Conclusions: Side quests tied to new NPCs introduced in the DLC often end suddenly or without significant payoff.
- Sudden Final Boss: The last boss is challenging, but some players feel it lacks the buildup and gravitas of base game finales like Radagon or the Elden Beast.
Because FromSoftware has set such a high bar with previous titles and the base Elden Ring game, any shift in structure or narrative rhythm is quickly noticed by the player base.
Possible Explanations Behind the DLC Ending
Part of a Larger Expansion Plan?
One theory gaining traction is that the current DLC is just the first half of a larger story. FromSoftware may be releasing content in phases, similar to how some online titles deliver their narrative arcs in chapters. If this is the case, the abrupt ending may be intentional a way to keep players hooked while building anticipation for the next installment.
Creative Decisions
FromSoftware is known for its cryptic and minimalist storytelling. It’s possible the developers wanted the ending to be open to interpretation, allowing players to draw their own conclusions. This creative approach has been used before inDark SoulsandBloodborne, where endings often raise more questions than they answer.
Development Constraints
Another practical explanation could be tied to development time and resource limitations. Crafting a DLC of this scale is no small feat, and certain features or areas might have been cut or delayed due to technical constraints. If this is the case, then what we see now could be just a portion of the full vision.
Fan Reactions and Community Discussion
The Elden Ring community is known for its passion and attention to detail, and many players have taken to forums, Reddit, and YouTube to express their feelings about the DLC’s ending. While some appreciate the artistic direction and are optimistic about future expansions, others are more critical, citing:
- Unresolved plot points
- Underutilized areas
- Incomplete character arcs
- Minimal payoff for lore and exploration
Fan-made theories and speculative content are flourishing as a result, which could be exactly what the developers intended to spark engagement and conversation long after the credits roll.
Key Lore Elements That Remain Unresolved
Despite introducing new locations and factions, the DLC leaves several narrative threads hanging. Some of the major unanswered questions include:
- The true nature of the new divine entities introduced
- The fate of key NPCs tied to the base game
- The long-term implications of the new ending (or lack thereof)
- The historical connection between the DLC region and the Lands Between
These lingering mysteries give players a reason to replay the content, scour every inch for hidden clues, and discuss possible interpretations with others. Still, many players were hoping for at least one concrete resolution by the DLC’s conclusion.
Comparing to Previous FromSoftware DLCs
FromSoftware has a history of releasing critically acclaimed DLC expansions. TheArtorias of the AbyssDLC forDark Soulsand theOld Huntersexpansion forBloodborneare often praised for their satisfying conclusions and deep lore. In contrast, the new Elden Ring DLC’s ending feels more like a mid-season cliffhanger than a finale.
This shift in approach could mark a new direction for FromSoftware one that leans into serialized storytelling or sets up a more ambitious long-term plan. However, that comes with risks. Without clear messaging, players may feel confused or let down, even if more content is coming soon.
What Players Can Do Now
While waiting for potential updates or announcements, there are still plenty of things players can explore in the current version of the Elden Ring DLC:
- Complete all side quests: Some NPC arcs may lead to hidden dialogue or secret areas
- Experiment with new weapons and builds: The DLC introduces fresh gear that can change your combat approach
- Re-examine lore items: Descriptions of weapons, armor, and spells often hold clues to the larger narrative
- Join the community theories: Engage in lore discussions and share interpretations to uncover deeper meaning
For lore enthusiasts, the abrupt ending may actually be an invitation to dig deeper into the world of Elden Ring, connecting dots that weren’t obvious on the first playthrough.
Looking Ahead: Will There Be More DLC?
Given the massive success of Elden Ring and the scale of the DLC’s world-building, many believe additional content is already in development. Whether it takes the form of a second DLC, an epilogue, or a larger expansion, players are hopeful that the story will continue and that the current ending is only one chapter in a greater saga.
FromSoftware has yet to confirm any follow-up plans, but history shows the studio rarely leaves its narratives truly unfinished. If the abrupt ending is indeed intentional, it could be laying the groundwork for something even bigger and more ambitious.
The Elden Ring DLC abrupt ending has sparked both disappointment and intrigue. While it may lack the satisfying closure players hoped for, it has also encouraged deep discussion and speculation, hallmarks of any FromSoftware release. Whether it’s an artistic decision, a sign of more content to come, or the result of development challenges, one thing is clear: the story of Elden Ring is far from over. For now, players can continue exploring, theorizing, and preparing for whatever surprises await beyond the fog gate.