From Software fans have likely noticed a gap in new information regarding Elden Ring, the studio's next major action RPG. That gap has led to a hunger for more information, sometimes from unreliable sources. That's why the latest supposed Elden Ring leak making the rounds is being taken half-seriously. The anonymously sourced leak details Elden Ring's regions, described as Kingdoms, its open-world structure, and the return of create-a-character.
The biggest revelation from the leak is that Elden Ring will feature 8 unique Kingdoms that are "huge and sprawling, bigger than any Dark Souls 3 or Bloodborne levels." Each Kingdom will have its own mini-bosses and final boss, with the final bosses said to be multi-phase trials that "test even the most veteran of Dark Souls/Bloodborne/Sekiro" players.
Between the Kingdoms is a hub world that's named the Field. The Field is huge and full of explorable areas, puzzles, secrets, side-bosses, and more. For that reason, the Field is the only place in Elden Ring where the player can ride a mount. Mounts will include wolfs, bears, tigers, and more unique From Software designs.
Returning after a break for Sekiro is character creation. Players will create their character and select a class, which depending on their choice will send them to different origin Kingdoms. Progression is similar to Dark Souls, in that players will level by earning "limbs" from enemies. However, players will also now have talent trees and will earn skills from defeating bosses.
Like previous games, there will be no towns or cities of NPCs. Rather, players will encounter various NPCs along their journeys that are on their own quests. Depending on how players interact with these NPCs, who they align with and who they betray, the story of Elden Ring will change. The leaker says there are five different endings in the game, each dependent on NPC interactions.
The leaker references The Legend of Zelda several times in their description of Elden Ring's open-world. "It's what we all wanted Breath of the Wild to be," is one of their rather contrived descriptions. But while Elden Ring is unlikely to be particularly comparable to Zelda in the long run, the message is clear. The sprawling Field, the structured Kingdoms that are each separate and unique, and the reliance on constant progression will certainly give Elden Ring a more open-world action game feel. It's an exciting meeting of ideas and From Software will hopefully share more information soon.
Keep in mind that this supposedly leaked information comes from an entirely unreliable source. It may be completely made up, taking advantage of the lack of firm details from From Software. Until official details are revealed, take this leak with a grain of salt.
Elden Ring has no release window but is confirmed for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.