U4GM - What Would Elden Ring’s Rune System Look Like If It Were Expanded?
Elden Ring, with its rich lore and expansive world, introduced a unique rune system that has become one of the game's defining features. Runes, as the primary form of currency and power in the game, serve as a crucial mechanic for progression, upgrading, and enhancing abilities. But what if this system were expanded? What would the potential changes look like, and how could they affect both the gameplay and the player experience?
Currently, Elden Ring Runes are the lifeblood of the game, collected through defeating enemies, completing quests, or discovering hidden treasures. These runes allow players to level up, upgrade their gear, and unlock new abilities. But there are several ways that the rune system could evolve, bringing more depth, options, and choices to players.
One possible expansion could be the introduction of different types of runes, each corresponding to a particular playstyle or progression path. For instance, runes could be categorized into elemental types—fire, frost, lightning, or even blood—where players could focus their runes to upgrade specific attributes based on their chosen combat style. This would create an added layer of strategy, where players not only need to consider the quantity of runes but also their types, potentially leading to a more personalized experience.
Additionally, a more dynamic rune economy could be established within the game. In the current system, players gather and use runes primarily for leveling up or purchasing items from NPCs. However, if Elden Ring's rune system were expanded, it could include a deeper crafting and trading mechanism, allowing players to actually buy Elden Ring runes from other players or NPC merchants. This would introduce a sense of market economy within the game world, where scarcity, supply, and demand could fluctuate depending on the state of the game and the player's actions. This would also offer a more immersive way for players to engage with the rune system, as they could choose to either hoard or trade runes, based on their strategic needs.
Furthermore, a rune-based skill tree could be implemented, where players could invest their collected runes into specialized paths that enhance certain aspects of their characters. This would allow for more detailed customization and provide meaningful choices in how a character develops over time. Players could opt to become a master of a particular magic school, a formidable tank, or a versatile fighter, all determined by their investment in specific rune abilities.
As runes are such a central part of the Elden Ring experience, their potential expansion could also include a new form of currency or resource that allows for even deeper gameplay mechanics. For example, Elden Ring could introduce "Elder Runes," rare versions of the standard runes, which could be used for higher-level upgrades or even unlock exclusive abilities. These Elder Runes could be obtained through significant achievements, like defeating powerful bosses or completing challenging side quests, making them highly coveted and valuable within the game world.
The expansion of Elden Ring’s rune system could also open up more opportunities for co-op and PvP experiences. In the current system, players can summon allies for help or invade other worlds for competitive play, but imagine a scenario where runes are not only the means of leveling up but also the currency for summoning powerful allies or placing bounties on players in PvP. This would elevate the stakes of combat and strategy, as players would need to decide how to manage their runes to either bolster their own strength or manipulate the dynamics of the multiplayer experience.
In conclusion, expanding the Elden Ring rune system offers exciting possibilities to enhance the depth and richness of the game. Whether through more diverse rune types, an evolving economy, a personalized skill tree, or additional currencies, these changes would undoubtedly provide players with even more ways to experience and interact with the world of Elden Ring. The flexibility and customization options that could come with such an expansion would make Elden Ring an even more compelling and immersive journey, giving players greater control over their path to greatness.