Summary
FromSoftware’s next game has an opportunity to pay homage to one ofElden Ring’s most iconic and beloved in-game memes — the “turtle/dog” gag. Turtles being humorously labeled as “dogs” through player messages ended up becoming an enduring joke among theElden Ringcommunity that provided a great contrast to the serious tone of the game.
Acknowledging this meme in the next FromSoftware title would be a fantastic way to connect with the community and keep that whimsical humor and charm of the joke alive. This could actually be particularly useful for the studio, especially if it’s planning on rolling out less intenseRPG releaseswithout having to alienate its try-hard, hardcore RPG-centric audience.
How FromSoftware Could Incorporate Elden Ring’s Turtle/Dog Meme
Incorporating theElden Ringmeme intoFromSoftware’s next gamesure sounds interesting and is a good way for the developers to engage with the community. However, it needs to be done seamlessly and without feeling forced. For instance, a turtle/dog hybrid boss could be a great nod to the meme while maintaining the intense atmosphere the games are known for.
Thehypothetical FromSoftware bosscould combine the characteristics of both creatures: a durable, turtle-like shell that gives it high defense, but with the speed and aggression of a dog. This is just an example and the goal is to create a challenging boss and yet still subtly humor the whole situation. It would basically allow for a light-hearted reference without breaking the serious tone or gameplay challenge of the game.
There Are Subtle Ways To Give a Nod to Dog/Turtle Meme
Another subtle nod could come through an NPC who mixes up turtles and dogs, just as theElden Ringmessages did. This character could be a quirky scholar or wanderer who insists that the world’s “dogs” are actually giant turtles, or vice versa. It would give fans a direct reference to the meme in a memorable and lore-friendly way.
While these two subtle ways should hold up well among theFromSoftware gaming community, another simpler approach would be to simply include an in-game item or message that calls back to the meme. For instance, it could feature a special “dog/turtle amulet” with stats reflecting both animals' qualities, or stats that would humorously confuse the two.
FromSoftware’s Games Are Revered for Their Immersive and Dark Themes
Incorporating a meme likeElden Ring’s turtle/dog jokeinto FromSoftware’s next game is a great way to connect with fans, but doing so must be handled with care to preserve the studio’s signature tone. FromSoft’s games are revered for their immersive, dark, and often mysterious atmospheres, where even the smallest details add to the world’s depth. Breaking the fourth wall too overtly with a meme risks disrupting the very vibe that draws players in.
However, FromSoft also needs to balance its release cycle by incorporating moregames likeArmored CoreorSekiro. To do this without alienating its hardcore audience — who crave the brutal, player-driven RPG elements — the first step is to gradually desensitize them and help them get adjusted to the idea. A meme that unites the community, like the turtle/dog joke, offers a clever way to shift fans’ expectations and ease them into a broader headspace. By acknowledging the meme in a future title, FromSoftware can demonstrate its awareness of the community’s creativity while injecting humor into its often grim and intense worlds, whether through a boss fight, NPC, or an Easter egg.
Elden Ring
WHERE TO PLAY
ELDEN RING, developed by FromSoftware, Inc. and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., is a fantasy action-RPG adventure set within a world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. Danger and discovery lurk around every corner in FromSoftware’s largest game to date. Hidetaka Miyazaki - President and Game Director of FromSoftware Inc. Known for directing critically-acclaimed games in beloved franchises including Armored Core and Dark Souls.George R.R. Martin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including the acclaimed series A Song of Ice and Fire - A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast For Crows, and A Dance with Dragons. As a writer-producer, he has worked on The Twilight Zone, Beauty and the Beast, and various feature films and pilots that were never made. He lives with the lovely Parris in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
