There is no doubt Elden Ring and its DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, are some of FromSoftware's greatest accomplishments and among the best souls-like games. However, Elden Ring is missing a fan-favorite feature many feel should have been included: replaying bosses.
Sadly, as mentioned above, there is no easy way to replay and face the bosses in Elden Ring again. The only method is to begin a new run and progress in the game to the point of the boss you wish to face once more. PC players can get around this by messing with save files, but this is not a perfect solution since managing save files can be annoying. So we must ask, should FromSoftware add the ability to replay bosses in Elden Ring?
Should Elden Ring get boss replays?
There is no doubt Elden Ring, and especially the Shadow of Erdtree, should get the ability to replay bosses. While I prefer the exploration, puzzles, and discovery of the game, I completely understand the desire to face bosses with new builds, weapons, and gear. As it stands, players are forced to create a new character or respec a current one if they wish to face a boss again.
While many players enjoy creating new characters and starting new runs, a feature allowing players to face the boss they wish to fight and customize their equipment would speed this up tremendously. But players are stuck making a new character and progressing through a whole run to face the bosses. For those found in the Shadow Realm, players must reach Mogh before they can jump into the DLC and face the new bosses.
While I am not the type to replay bosses, I think Elden Ring should give players the option. My favorite parts of Elden Ring and FromSoftware's games are exploring the world and uncovering lore. The bosses I encounter along the way often hinder what I enjoy about the games, but I understand the joy and feeling of accomplishment that comes with defeating a challenging foe. Being able to replay bosses would let players show their skill and how they've grown across their journey in Elden Ring.
Will Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree get boss replays?
Unfortunately, there is no answer to this question. While replaying bosses without starting a new run is a highly requested feature, FromSoftware has not announced any plans to add this feature. That said, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice did receive an update adding the Gauntlets of Strength. This feature allowed players to complete single-life runs against bosses and enemies.
A feature similar to Sekiro's Gauntlets of Strength would be a welcome addition to Elden Ring. Even if it was the same system of randomized single-life battles, players would be able to face the numerous bosses found in the Lands Between and the Shadow Realm. Players could try new builds and strategies or simply face their favorite bosses with the goal of improving or even defeating the final boss without getting hit.
Would boss replays ruin Elden Ring?
I don't think having this feature would ruin Elden Ring. While most of the bosses play an integral role in the story and their defeat has significant ramifications for the world, facing them again outside of the main game would not detract from this. The Tarnished returns after being defeated time and time again, so there is no reason why FromSoftware couldn't integrate fighting them again into a sort of dream or memory.
A boss rush mode would be another way FromSoftware could implement replaying bosses and be the perfect way for players to test their skills. A single life used to face multiple or all bosses in a separate mode would let players who want to face bosses over without forcing those who want to explore and discover the story have to face difficult bosses again.
For more information on Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, check out All Elden Ring Bosses, In Order and What is the main progression route in Elden Ring? on Pro Game Guides.
