FromSoftware's latest action RPG Elden Ring took the gaming world by storm earlier this year, garnering critical acclaim for its rich worldbuilding, challenging combat, and outstanding artistic direction. While the base game already featured dozens of memorable boss fights, the upcoming Shadow of the Erdtree DLC looks to raise the bar even further with formidable new enemies to test players' skills.

Contents

• Malenia's Infamous Difficulty in the Base Game
• Messmer's Imposing Introduction
• Messmer's Moves and Visual Design
• Potential Links to Other Elden Ring Characters
• How Messmer Compares to Other Elden Ring Bosses
• Player Hopes for the Messmer Encounter
• Shadow of the Erdtree's Other New Content
• The Anticipation Surrounding the DLC

Malenia's Infamous Difficulty in the Base Game

Of all Elden Ring's myriad bosses, Malenia, Blade of Miquella stands out as the most universally feared. With her blistering speed, crushing strikes, infamous Waterfowl Dance attack, and the ability to restore HP with every hit, Malenia represented a dramatic spike in difficulty that divided players on whether or not the challenge was fair. Regardless of one's perspective, her status as Elden Ring's supreme test of reflexes and perseverance is cemented.

Messmer's Imposing Introduction

However, the recent gameplay trailer for the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC introduces a new boss named Messmer the Impaler who looks poised to contend with Malenia's lofty reputation. With long crimson hair and a massive flaming lance, Messmer cuts an imposing figure. Early footage of the fight depicts him aggressively pursuing the player with far-reaching combos while wreathed in flames. He can also grasp the player and unleash point-blank explosions, forcing constant movement. If this reveal is anything to go by, Messmer could become known as Elden Ring's new zenith of difficulty.

Messmer's Moves and Visual Design

Inspection of Messmer's character model provides some additional clues about his abilities and potential connections to other characters. A large red serpent can be seen coiled around his neck, possibly linking him with the demigod Rykard. His flame-like hair and eyes also seem reminiscent of other fire-aspected characters like the Queen Marika, Radagon, and Malenia herself. Messmer's title of "The Impaler" suggests he will have additional attacks designed to quickly skewer reckless players. With his gigantic, ragged cloak andarmor, Messmer appears ready to match Elden Ring's most iconic avatars of power.

Potential Links to Other Elden Ring Characters

While Messmer's exact origins remain mysterious, some telling visual motifs hint at his relationship to other Elden Ring figures. The snake around his neck could mean a connection to Rykard or the ancient serpents. His fiery hair and eyes resemble Marika/Radagon along with Malenia, potentially positioning him as inheritor of the flame like the player can choose to become. This possible tie to Malenia herself may make their battles feel like mirrors of each other. Ultimately, defeating Messmer could provide deeper insight into the game's winding lore.

How Messmer Compares to Other Elden Ring Bosses

Looking at Elden Ring's boss roster, very few can go toe-to-toe with Malenia's offensive capabilities - perhaps only the fiery Dragonlord Placidusax poses a comparable threat. However, Messmer's speed, aggression, and grasp attack help set him apart. While bosses like the Fallingstar Beast, Astel, and Elden Beast tower in size, Messmer's relatively human scale makes dodging his onslaught more challenging. If he incorporates any healing abilities like Malenia, he may represent an even more desperate endurance match. Among demigods, only the likes of Maliketh and Hoarah Loux appear able to match his ferocity.

Player Hopes for the Messmer Encounter

Naturally, the reveal of such an imposing adversary has instilled a mixture of dread and excitement in the playerbase. Many hope the battle against Messmer hits the sweet spot of being intensely challenging while still feeling fair and conquerable. Players still have bitter memories of the most controversial parts of Malenia's moveset. However, if Messmer pushes the skills honed against her to their limits without crossing into perceived unfairness, he could provide an electrifying centerpiece for the DLC. The dance between challenge and frustration is delicate, but key to producing truly memorable boss encounters.

Shadow of the Erdtree's Other New Content

While Messmer has grabbed the spotlight, FromSoftware has teased many other additions coming in the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. New zones, spells, weapons, and at least 9 other new boss fights await to test players and expand Elden Ring's massive scope. Truly devoted Tarnished will also have higher character and weapon level caps to grind for. With fresh challenges beyond just Messmer, the DLC looks to make the journey to the Elden Ring more treacherous than ever before. And dedicated fans will happily take every hard-earned step.

The Anticipation Surrounding the DLC

As launch day nears, anticipation for Shadow of the Erdtree could hardly be higher. Despite Elden Ring's length, players still clamor for more adventures in its sorrowful, shattered world. Messmer's reveal in particular has sparked heated speculation and theorycrafting about where he fits into the lore. If FromSoftware can craft an engaging backstory to match his visually striking design, it could enrich Elden Ring's mythology as greatly as defeating him will test players' patience and grit. For now, all Tarnished can do is wait for the coming storm and steel themselves for its challenges.