Elden Ring is amazing on it's own, Elden Ring 2 could be even better!

While a sequel might tempt developers to expand the map even further, it's worth considering whether this is necessary or wise.

Traditionally, FromSoftware's games have offered some freedom for exploration within linear experiences. Elden Ring, however, shattered this mold by presenting players with a vast and unrestricted world to explore at their leisure. The Lands Between, with its sprawling overworld, intricate underground areas, and hidden secrets, offers countless hours of discovery. Given the widespread praise for this expansive design, it's tempting to imagine an even larger world for the sequel.

However, bigger doesn't always mean better. The scale of Elden Ring's world already provides ample opportunity for exploration and adventure, and pushing it further risks diluting the experience or overwhelming players. Instead of simply expanding the map, the developers could focus on refining and deepening the existing world, offering new challenges, stories, and mysteries within its boundaries.

Ultimately, the key lies in balance. While a larger world may seem appealing, it's essential to preserve the sense of wonder and discovery that made Elden Ring so compelling in the first place. Whether the sequel chooses to expand or refine its world, fans can likely look forward to another unforgettable journey into the depths of FromSoftware's imagination.

Elden Ring broke new ground for FromSoftware by embracing the open-world format, but what truly sets it apart is its ability to maintain the intricate and captivating environmental design that the studio is known for. While many open-world games struggle with repetitive content, Elden Ring continues to surprise and engage players, even after hours upon hours of exploration.

The success of Elden Ring's open world can be attributed to its complexity and immersion. Unlike other open-world games that may rely solely on stunning landscapes, Elden Ring's world, The Lands Between, is brimming with intrigue and mystery. Much like its predecessors Dark Souls and Bloodborne, Elden Ring is filled with secrets waiting to be discovered: hidden paths, concealed walls, and mystical portals lead to unexpected and imaginative areas, providing players with a constant sense of discovery and wonder.

While the vastness of The Lands Between in Elden Ring is undoubtedly impressive, it's not solely its size that makes it captivating. A potential sequel should focus on enhancing the depth and intricacy of the world rather than simply expanding its boundaries. This means incorporating more hidden paths, detailed legacy dungeons, and mysteries to uncover, allowing players to delve deeper into the rich lore and secrets of the world.

In addition to these enhancements, there are several specific improvements that could elevate the open-world experience in an Elden Ring sequel. Implementing features like a completion percentage tracker and a resource tracker for valuable items would provide players with a clearer sense of progression and direction. Furthermore, introducing more engaging traversal options, such as a grappling hook inspired by Sekiro, could add new layers of verticality and exploration to the gameplay.

It's important to note that a sequel doesn't necessarily need to have a larger map than Elden Ring. While the expansive scale of The Lands Between contributes to its allure, the focus should be on quality rather than quantity. Instead of simply expanding outward, the next installment should aim to deepen the player's immersion in the world, offering a more enriching and fulfilling experience overall.