Summary
FromSoftware has grown a reputationfor bringing incredibly challenging combat to players, andElden Ringdefinitely continues this tradition. The various boss encounters thatElden Ringplayers are subjected to have set a new standard for FromSoftware. This is exciting, but also terrifying, as whatever game FromSoftware brings to the table next is sure to challengeElden Ring’s difficulty level.
There is a long list ofElden Ringbosses to face, but there is one in particular who strikes fear in the hearts of many players. Opinion differs greatly on which boss inElden Ringis the hardest, but there are many players who would put Radahn at the top of the list. Although optional, he must be defeated in order to unlock theShadow of the ErdtreeDLC, which makes him a pretty frustrating obstacle for those wishing to experience the expansion. If FromSoftware wants to immediately ignite fear in its next game, subtle nods to Radahn would be a great way to build suspense.
FromSoftware Taking Radahn’s Name As Inspiration
A Small, But Potentially Effective, Hint At Boss Difficulty
In the base game, Radahn is known as Starscourge Radahn, while he is named Promised Consort Radahn inShadow of the Erdtree. If FromSoftware wishes to useRadahn’s notorious reputationas a tool to make a boss intimidating, subtle nods to the character’s name could be an effective method. Whether it’s his name in the base game or his DLC title, both could be used as inspiration.
Starscourge Radahn Paints a Vivid Image
For those unfamiliar, a scourge is a type of whip historically used as a form of punishment. So, Radahn’s base game name technically means “star whip”, which uses some fascinating imagery to craft the character’s identity. FromSoftware could have plenty of material to work with in order to pick a boss' name that’s inthe style of Starscourge Radahn. The contrast of Radahn’s name is fascinating. The visual of celestial beauty being intertwined with a painful punishment is compelling, and this naming method could be quite effective for future FromSoftware bosses.
Radahn is called many names, but “conqueror of the stars” makes even more sense when given deeper context to the definition of Starscourge.
Radahn’s Role as Miquella’s Consort Strikes Fear
Radahn may be optional in the base version ofElden Ring, butShadow of the Erdtreeplayershave had the misfortune of facing him as the DLC’s final boss. His second phase is particularly notorious, as it requires nearly perfect timing and pattern memorization, which is far easier said than done. Promised Consort Radahn’s title in the DLC could also be used to inspire the name of another fear-inducing boss sometime in the future. Using the word “promised” in a boss' name could be an obvious signal that players should be at their very best if they want to successfully make it through an encounter. Many saw Starscourge Radahn as an absurd experience, but Promised Consort Radahn proved that FromSoftware could craft a boss fight that is even more infuriating.
Radahn’s Reputation in the Elden Ring Community Could Inspire FromSoftware
Although the developer clearly wanted to bring a white-knuckle challenge, there was also plenty to be learned from Radahn. The character has had to be nerfed in the past after player feedback, which has hopefully informed FromSoftware on how to make difficult bosses more balanced. Challenging bosses can be a lot of fun, butRadahn was pushing the limitsfor many players. Still, FromSoftware can pay tribute to the boss in a way that instantly intimidates players.
Radahn’s nerfs have fixed the character’s hitboxes and lowered the amount of damage he inflicts.
Even if FromSoftware holds back a little in the next game, the reputation of Radahn pre-nerf has likely made a lasting impact on a lot of players. As such, his name could be borrowed in a future title to warn players that the foe they are about to face should not be taken likely. A new boss name containing Radahn, or one of his moniker’s like Starscourge, could strike fear in anyone who playedElden Ringand especially those that conqueredShadow of the Erdtree. AsFromSoftware continues to bring fascinating stories to life, it will be intriguing to see what horrifying boss the developer has in store next.
