Elden Ring’s expected DLC has the opportunity to add one customization change that would make the game even better. The player’s ability to create and style their Tarnished character is a hugely popular element of FromSoftware games. Elden Ring continued that trend, but one aspect of the experience is oddly missing any sort of customization options.
Elden Ring has proven to be great when it comes to customization. Of course, the fact that it’s FromSoftware’s biggest game yet helps in that regard, offering hundreds of pieces of armor and clothing to select from. Elden Ring’s DLC can improve the Fashion Souls side of customization easily with some relatively minor additions. FromSoftware has established a precedent of adding new armor and weapons in DLCs, so it’s more than likely that Elden Ring will receive the same treatment. However, one type of customization option lacks precedent. This would come in the form of new styles for the Tarnished’s trusty spectral steed, Torrent.
Elden Ring DLC Needs Torrent Customization
Elden Ring’s DLC can finally add new ways to personalize Torrent. The spectral steed’s lack of customization options feels like one of the game’s most glaring oversights. Players spend a large portion of Elden Ring riding Torrent, so not having a way to alter his appearance feels like a strange omission. However, the upcoming DLC can correct this by adding a new menu and items exclusively for Torrent. Perhaps this could include new saddles and bags or different hairstyles, and Elden Ring’s DLC could even add horse armor for Torrent. The latter could even tie into gameplay, giving the spectral steed more health in horseback battles.
Elden Ring DLC Can Add Steeds Other Than Torrent
Another route Elden Ring’s DLC could take would be to make other mounts available to the player. For example, several other enemies ride horses in the game, such as the Night’s Cavalry and General Radahn. Granting access to these steeds after defeating their respective riders would be an exciting additional reward for some challenging boss fights. The recently released Garden of Eyes Elden Ring mod (via Patreon) gives a look at how something like this could be done in an official expansion, with new whistles in the player inventory to summon the different steeds. However great this would be, adding new mounts in an official DLC fails to address another issue with Torrent.
In addition to lacking customization, Elden Ring’s Torrent has a lore problem where, despite his importance in the story, the spectral steed’s background is hardly elaborated upon. The only known details are that he likely belonged to Melina, who gave the Tarnished the spectral steed whistle, and that Ranni somehow knows Torrent and his former master. This amount of story fits Elden Ring’s unconventional, subtle narrative, but some more exploration would be a great addition. Perhaps more elaboration on Torrent could provide insight into other mysteries surrounding the other important characters. Unfortunately, Elden Ring’s DLC has yet to be announced, so expanded Torrent customization and expanded lore remain an uncertainty.
