In recent days, FromSoftware has left some mysterious notes for the Elden Ring audience, and the Tarnished went crazy with deciphering them. The studio tweeted a few rather cryptic words that put everyone in a speculation tizzy—would this be a DLC, a sequel, or just a random last thank-you note from the notoriously secretive developers? “Dearest Tarnished, we are profoundly thankful for your lasting devotion. May your path be forever guided by the Grace of Gold.”
Trending with the hashtag #ELDENRING alongside a golden-hued image of something that downright looks taken from in-game lore. No context, no elaboration—just classic FromSoftware vague. As expected, it spread like wildfire in cyberspace.
It appears every word is being pulled apart like a hidden rune. The term “Grace of Gold” is sending theorists into overdrive. Some say it’s a nod toward an incomplete storyline involving Miquella; others claim it’s teasing some major update. While maybe all the hopefuls (or delusional ones?) figure this is their Win-Confirmation for Elden Ring 2. Realistically speaking, it is a greetings of the game for ALL its absurd success. But hey, a Tarnished can always dream.
FromSoftware has always put mind to soul games, remember its release of that poster with ElderTree shadow on it and going dead silent? Keeping its fans in a blind spot is what they do all right. This time, though, it sounds like a farewell, which is funny, considering the Elden Ring DLC is not even out yet. Oh, unless—wait for it—the entire DLC announcement itself!
This, right here, is the image that has been doing numbers. Very golden, very churchy, and those famous ominous tones of FromSoft. No discernible landmarks and characters: just vibes. Classic. Go to Reddit, and already there are threads entitled, “I turned the brightness up and found a secret boss.” Spoiler alert: They didn’t.
Perfect timing too; the second birthday of Elden Ring, and Bandai Namco just filed a trademark for “Elden Ring: Golden Circle.” Quite the happy coincidence; if it is. FromSoft does not do coincidence; they are the type to design entire questlines based on random wall kicks. All deliberate.
Moving on: Prepare for more silence. Perhaps a cryptic tease at the Summer Game Fest. Perhaps nothing at all, just that tweet would linger like Malenia’s rot. But in no way does that change the reality that Tarnished people would keep theorizing, feather-scraping the last strokes of whatever lore, and dying at Tree Sentinels. Because that is what we do.
So far, “Shadow of the Erdtree” is still allegedly an upcoming DLC. But there is no date, no teaser, just sadistic smiles from our lord and master, Miyazaki. So keep that fire burning, Tarnished. This Grace of Gold, or whatever it is, will be helpful. Someday.
