Elden Ring Nightreignis an unusual experiment by FromSoftware, bringing aspects of the studio’s history together with a gameplay loop full of Roguelike elements. Its cast of characters might not all literally be from past games, but besides theDark Soulsskins, they are all clearly influenced by key parts ofFromSoftware’s distinct line-up of titles, and the nods to the developer’s traditions are much appreciated by many fans.
But there’s one tradition that hasn’t made its way intoElden Ring Nightreign, and given the medley of influences at play, it seems quite puzzling that it isn’t in the game. While many of FromSoftware’s games have been totally disconnected from one another until now, there is one character who has been a staple inclusion in almost all of them for the past 16 years, conspicuous by their absence.
Without Patches, Elden Ring Nightreign’s World Feels a Little Bit Lonelier
Speaking of Roguelikes, it feels quite strange that the lovable rogue himself, Patches, is nowhere to be seen inNightreign. The chaotic, shifting land of Limveld would seem perfect for the wily little guy to ply his wares. Known as Patches the Unbreakable, Patches the Untethered,Patches the Spider, and many other names, he has been present in many of FromSoftware’s games for the last 20 years. His appearances have never really been tied to one IP, either, as, despite being inDemon’s Souls, he made his way toBloodborneand other titles without issue, seeming to find the perfect way to latch on to a new world ripe with opportunity.
WithNightreigncontaining not only references but full-blown assets fromDark Souls, the question remains of why Patches was not featured inNightreign. It’s a little unclear, really, as Patches could provide a bridge between all IPs if he were present. Given the game’s very dour and melancholy story, Patches would be a very welcome sight indeed. His sneaky antics and ability to sniff out a bargain would surely be vital to thepowerful Nightfarers ofElden Ring Nightreign, and he could surely lend a bit of humor to the whole situation. The world might seem to be ending, but a guy can still make some coin, after all.
Patches Might Not Be Around Now, but That Doesn’t Exclude Him Forever
FromSoftware has already shown that it is willing to support the game further, even adding a new merchant, the Collector Signboard. While it is a little disappointing that the developer added a slab of painted wood to the game before the iconic Patches, it doesn’t mean he can’t still turn up later.Elden Ring Nightreign’s DLC plansaren’t known yet, and there is every chance that the kind of content added in future updates opens the door for new permanent NPCs. He could even have a small questline involving sourcing some new gear from the game, offering little quips about which world he thinks it’s fallen out of, before laughing away further questions.
There are plenty ofnew locationsNightreigncan add in updates, as there is nothing to say Limveld will be the only location.Nightreignhas a huge number of locations it could pull on, including some of Patches’ favorite spots, like Mount Gelmir, or even a Mensis-themed nightmare land. Wherever there is war, corpses, and money to be made, Patches can be relied upon to turn up, and hopefully he finds his way under the veil of night.
