Elden Ring’s pre-release build is a fascinating glimpse at what could’ve been
One modder recently gained access to Elden Ring’s beta version
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It’s no secret thatElden Ringhouses significant unfinished content, and one modder’s highlighted this by streaming a pre-release build.
A known figure in Soulsborne circles, modder Lance McDonald has been hard at work ever sinceElden Ring’s launch back in February. Having previously datamined Elden Ring’s November 2021 network test build — where he discoveredyou could originally get NPCs drunk— he’s now gained access to Elden Ring’s beta version, streaming it yesterday (August 11) via Twitch.
Confirmed viaTwitter, McDonald revealed this beta version is from “two months before the game released”. That includes “heaps” of unfinished content, such as “different items, enemies, mechanics, character names, and full debug camera mode”.
To achieve this, McDonald used a jailbrokenPS4, advising viewers this beta version’s “using the network test user interface”. Confirming “this is my own work” (viaNME), McDonald advised he patched the game to enable this feature, porting over “a bunch of code to make this work”.
Intriguingly, this debug camera lets you detach yourself from the playable character, finding new discoveries like multiple shipwrecks in the western sea. McDonald also revealed that the Spectral Steed Torrent and Melina do make their way into the starting cave where the player wakes up, once the Grafted Scion kills you. It’s a fascinating insight and you can watch thatElden Ring Twitch streamright here.
I’m live on Twitch for something special, I’m playing through a pre-release version of Elden Ring (from 2 months before the game released!) with HEAPS of unfinished stuff, different items, enemies, mechanics, character names, and full debug camera mode. GO https://t.co/qDYEQN4VLs pic.twitter.com/c7Nc2XN5yWAugust 11, 2022
No end of discoveries
It’s a known fact that video games always cut content during development. Sometimes a feature simply doesn’t fit the team’s current plans anymore, or maybe it’s a necessary sacrifice for reigning in scope. FromSoftware games are no exception to this rule and nearly half a year later, Elden Ring revelations are still plentiful.
We’ve seen it a few times in recent months. Back in June, YouTuber Sekiro Dubi discovered thatMerchant Kalé once played a bigger rolein Elden Ring, where he would’ve appeared in a late-game questline. In May, Twitter user JesterPatches uncovered plans for aweapon and armor durability system, and there’s likely plenty more to come.
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We’re still seeing the occasional official updates, too. FromSoftware’s just dropped Elden Ring patch 1.06, whichnerfs one of the game’s most frustrating abilities, Bloodhound Stop, and we’re also aware the developer’s beensecretly changing Elden Ring’s map between updates. It’s hard to say what’ll come next but we’re hoping thefirst Elden Ring DLCisn’t far off.
Henry is a freelance writer based in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. When he’s not wandering in VR or burning through his RPG backlog, he’s probably planning his next D&D session.
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