InFromSoftware’s distinctive portfolio of dark fantasy games, one of the most unique and cherished aspects has been its secret areas, cleverly tucked away behind emote triggers or hidden paths. This design element, particularly emblematic of games likeDark SoulsandElden Ring, has set FromSoftware apart from many other game developers. This particular mechanic’s goal is to reward players who explore every inch of their games and enjoy doing so.
Secret areas have helped create a community of players devoted to the thrill of discovery and adds a very unique side to FromSoftware games. However, recent feedback and critiques from both fans andFromSoftware’s creative leader, Hidetaka Miyazaki, may indicate a shift in how these secrets will be handled in future titles.
Are Ultra-Hidden Areas Going To Be Wiped Out in FromSoftware Titles?
One of the key moments that has led the community to think about a potential design change isElden Ring’s release. Though players did end up discovering Shadow of the Erdtree’s Finger Ruins, which are notoriously hard-to-find secret areas, the locations seemed so obscure that a majority of players struggled to unearth them without guidance. Some players may have even beaten the DLC without finding the Ruins, missing out on an epic boss encounter purely because they did not perform a specific emote at what appeared to be a solid wall.Elden Ringpushed the boundaries of FromSoftware’s secret-finding traditions, but perhaps to an excessive degree.
Elden Ringis not the only FromSoftware game to hide significant content behind emotes, as Archdragon Peak fromDark Souls 3was handled in a similar fashion.
In an interview withPCGamer, Miyazaki himself acknowledged that if players can’t uncover hidden areas or pathways through reasonable exploration, the design has, in some sense, failed. Players must feel rewarded for exploring and uncovering secrets without requiring excessively obscure or cryptic actions. As such, FromSoftware will soon end up facing a difficult challenge of making these secret spots either more accessible without compromising its uniqueexploration mechanics, or even moving away from its signature obscure-trigger secrets.
From a Design Perspective, The Studio Could Move Toward a Balanced Approach
A more balanced approach to hidden content could be one that doesn’t rely so heavily on random, obscure triggers. Instead of expecting players to unlock entire areas through rare or cryptic gestures, the game might encourage players to interact with environmental cues or lore-based hints that clearly indicate a secret’s presence, without revealing it entirely. This approach would still keep the exploration challenging, but would reduce the frustration of potentially missing significant portions of the game or needing to search up guides. It’s also a direction that reflectsHidetaka Miyazaki’s intention to foster discovery while still valuing the player’s time and effort.
Elden Ring Has An Expanding Playerbase
Another element at play is the expansion of the player base itself. WithElden Ring, FromSoftware has reached a wider audience than ever before. A broader audience brings diverse expectations for accessibility, both in gameplay and how the game is structured. Many of these new players are drawn to FromSoftware’s world-building andopen-worldmechanics but may not be accustomed to the sometimes extreme obscurity of the company’s hidden areas from the get-go.
To sustain player engagement and ensure that new players aren’t alienated, FromSoftware may need to adapt, making secrets less difficult to uncover while still providing a sense of reward. This might lead to a future in which these hidden spaces are hinted at more overtly, possibly through lore-based clues, visual markers, or evenNPCguidance, which would still challenge veteran players but not overwhelm newcomers. NPC guidance may be the standout option, as it is a non-infiltrating way to help players find these spots, while still making them like it was they who were able to uncover the secrets.
From Software
Based in Japan, FromSoftware is a development company best known for the Souls series and Armored Core franchise. Other popular games from From Software include Elden Ring, Sekiro, Bloodborne, and the King’s Field series.
