Elden Ring DLC is rumored to be on the way, and if it's going to live up to the DLCs of past FromSoftware fights, it's going to need more difficult boss fights - even tougher than Malenia. FromSoftware won't just have to up the ante for its own sake, but also to meet the community’s new skill level now that the game has been out for some months. Elden Ring's player base has learned the best tips and tricks to make their journey through the Lands Between much smoother. However, Malenia's boss fight still gives players plenty of grief. Even community icons initially struggled with it, with Elden Ring's legendary Let Me Solo Her stating they lost to Malenia 242 times before becoming the hero they are known as today.

Malenia, the Blade of Miquella, is one of the most difficult bosses in all of FromSoftware’s Soulsborne games. Her move set is challenging to learn, as her attack patterns can be unpredictable. Some of her attacks, such as the infamous Waterfowl Dance, are difficult to block or avoid. She doesn’t have the largest health pool (that title goes to the dragon Darkeater Midir from Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City) but Malenia can heal every time she lands an attack on the player. This ability is made more threatening by the input reading in her design, which makes her punishing attacks even more unforgiving. Players who aren’t up for the challenge will be relieved to know Malenia is only an optional boss alongside Elden Ring's main story, yet her iconic status will undoubtedly influence the choices FromSoftware makes with its DLC bosses.

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Elden Ring’s upcoming bosses have to contend with FromSoftware’s previous DLC boss fights, which were some of the most memorable and challenging in their respective games. Bloodborne’s The Old Hunters DLC has many shining examples, including Laurence, the First Vicar, and Ludwig the Accursed/the Holy Blade. These fights are brutal and demand immense skill and patience from the player. They also compellingly tie into the game’s narrative and change the player’s perspective of the game world and its themes. It’s imperative that Elden Ring’s upcoming expansion delivers on this trend and then some, as it is FromSoftware’s most popular game to date. The main game has set up plenty of potential bosses Elden Ring DLC could include. Even with the groundwork laid out, the expansion has to surpass two of the most difficult FromSoftware DLC bosses.

Elden Ring DLC Bosses Have To Top Dark Souls & Bloodborne DLC

Sister Friede from Dark Souls 3 and Orphan of Kos from Bloodborne

The most difficult bosses FromSoftware has added with DLC are likely Sister Friede from Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel and the Orphan of Kos from Bloodborne: The Old Hunters. Sister Friede is famous for equaling the most stages in a FromSoftware boss fight. The first phase operates like a standard boss encounter, though it’s tricky nonetheless. In the second phase, she’s resurrected by Father Ariandel, who joins the battle as her duo. In the surprise third phase, she’s resurrected yet again and fights even more aggressively.

Orphan of Kos is one of the best bosses FromSoftware has created. Its skeletal design is haunting, and the atmosphere is unforgettable when walking into the arena. It doesn’t attack the player until they get near, and when the fight begins, the player will quickly regret disturbing the creature. Melania's fight has two difficult phases already, so it's hard to imagine one more phase with more aggressive combat and an additional enemy to deal with. This and other horrors may be in store for Elden Ring’s upcoming DLC.

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