New Elden Ring screenshots have been revealed as part of Gamescom 2021, giving a first look at a few new enemies and bosses. Details for Elden Ring have been infamously scarce since it was announced in 2019, which has only added to fans' anticipation to see what areas and foes the game has in store.
A new trailer at Summer Game Fest 2021 finally detailed more about Elden Ring's story, combat and environments. The footage provided glimpses at a variety of bosses and enemies, too, many of which made Elden Ring look like a tour through the greatest hits of the Dark Souls franchise. The overall reaction to the trailer was positive, but fans were left wondering how long they would have to wait for more details.
A few of the press revealed today that FromSoftware presented them with a 15-minute, hands-off gameplay demo of Elden Ring earlier in the week. Gamescom Opening Night Live host Geoff Keighley subsequently revealed four new screenshots from the game, which included several impressive and intimidating new enemies.
Elden Ring's New Dragon Boss
One of the new screenshots shows a dark, feathered dragon with its maw bared at the Tarnished protagonist. It appears this will be an optional Elden Ring boss, as IGN's hands-off preview detailed an encounter with enemies around a campfire that prompted the sudden appearance of a dragon, which then burned the enemies alive and began fighting the player. Large-scale dragon battles are a common staple of the Souls franchise, and it looks like Elden Ring will be continuing that trend.
Elden Ring's New Magic-Wielding Enemies
Another screenshot reveals strange, humanoid enemies. The small ones are armed with clubs and blades, while a larger version wields a staff that harnesses some sort of magic. It's unclear what kind of magic this Elden Ring enemy is casting, as the large creature could be buffing the surrounding enemies or directing a type of offensive sorcery at the Tarnished.
Elden Ring's Chain-Blade Enemies
The next screenshot shows off an enemy type with arms made from chains attached to large, curved blades. The design leans towards the bizarre, with a twisted, nun-like upper body that descends into a bell-shaped structure where legs would be. It will be interesting to see how these enemies attack players in Elden Ring, as their shape and chains suggest some kind of spinning move.
Elden Ring's Woodland Demon Enemies
The final Elden Ring screenshot shows someone performing a spell, with creatures in the background stalking towards the caster. These enemies have spindly limbs and look like they're made of stone, metal, or wood, with demon-like masks for faces. Each of the newly revealed Elden Ring enemies displays the unique designs fans have come to expect from FromSoftware, and many are likely looking forward to seeing what other foes they'll be fighting when Elden Ring finally releases.
Elden Ring will be available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on January 21, 2022.
Sources: IGN, Geoff Keighley/Twitter
