Players of the Elden Ring closed network test have managed to discover previously unseen content, such as a massive bear monster and a hidden boss fight, by going out of bounds. The early test, available to select players who signed up, gave gamers an extensive look at FromSoftware's upcoming open-world action role-playing game. Elden Ring's closed network test made a fantastic impression on those lucky enough to participate, creating even more excitement for the title's release on February 25, 2022.

Elden Ring borrows many mechanics from FromSoftware's previous "soulslike" games, such as Dark Souls and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, but it translates this familiar gameplay into a brand-new open-world layout. This combination of features results in a wholly original combat, role-play and exploration experience for players. For example, optional areas can be much trickier to locate, and they require players to thoroughly search every nook and cranny of the map. Powerful bosses can now also be found roaming across the open world, giving players more freedom to choose when and how they face these unique foes. However, the open-world format also gave players an advantage in the closed network test, as many were able to trick Elden Ring bosses into falling off cliffs by using the environment against them.

Related: Elden Ring: Will The Full Game Support Crossplay?

A report from Kotaku reveals that players have discovered previously unseen Elden Ring enemies by going out of bounds in the closed network test. The recent test used barriers to contain players within a pre-determined part of the game world, but circumventing these walls has unveiled some cool new foes that players will face in the full game. YouTuber AllysonByProxy managed to find an enormous, terrifying bear monster living in a fog-covered forest area. The monstrosity toppled trees as it moved, and its massive claws quickly killed the intrepid explorer with poison and bleeding effects. In another out-of-bounds expedition, AllysonByProxy was able to locate a portal to the Evergaol dimension which houses a never-before-seen boss, Crucible Knight Floh, though the foe could not actually be fought.

Elden Ring's closed network test has led to massive praise and excitement for FromSoftware's next action RPG, and enemy variety is a big part of that success. Most soulslike games feature a large number of different enemies which are able to test players' combat skills in various different ways. Elden Ring is no different, and its numerous different enemies, minibosses, and bosses have resulted in comparisons between Elden Ring and Breath of the Wild. While both games are considered prime examples of open-world action games, FromSoftware's newest title outshines the competition by filling its massive world with interesting and unique foes.

By going out of bounds in the Elden Ring closed network test, players have discovered even more enemy types to be faced in the full experience. Crucible Knight Floh is barely shown, but the boss's presence in the Evergaol suggests a connection to another boss named Bloodhound Knight Darriwil, who was present in the official test. Meanwhile, the massive bear monster encountered by AllysonByProxy suggests that Elden Ring will become considerably more challenging as players explore more of its open world. By freely roaming the Lands Between and toppling trees as it walks, this bear monster is sure to strike fear into even the bravest adventurer.

Next: Elden Ring: New Skills Revealed In The Trailers and Network Test

Elden Ring will release on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC on February 25, 2022.

Source: Kotaku, AllysonByProxy (1, 2)