The director of Elden Ring: Nightreign, Junya Ishizaki, has confirmed what many veteran fans of FromSoftware already suspected: the upcoming expansion, The Forsaken Hollows, will be “definitely a little bit harder” than the main game.
A Matter of Balance
As Ishizaki explains, FromSoftware usually increases the difficulty level in the expansions of all its games, as these are often designed for players who have already mastered their mechanics. It’s no surprise that names like Orphan of Kos, Artorias, Manus, Midir, or Radahn are among the most feared bosses in the studio’s history.
According to Ishizaki, one of the main challenges the development team faced after the game’s release was maintaining balance — something that is often subjective. For this reason, the team decided to slightly raise the challenge in this DLC, ensuring that veteran players would need to adapt, but without making it “so hard that new players can’t get into it.” Achieving this balance, he admits, is always difficult.
A Fair but Tough Challenge
“It’s definitely a little bit harder, but it’s not ridiculous or anything like that,” Ishizaki concluded, clarifying that the increase in difficulty won’t feel excessive.
The Forsaken Hollows will be available starting December 4, and will introduce new playable characters, fresh challenges, and of course, new deadly bosses that promise to test even the most skilled players.
In related news, Junya Ishizaki claims to have defeated all of the game’s bosses solo and without using any relics to encourage players that a solo run is achievable.
