Two fan-favorite fantasy stories, Berserk, have many surprising similarities, leading fans to believe that they are connected. The world of Elden Ring has captivated players since its release, giving them a stunning blend of intricate story, challenging gameplay, and hauntingly beautiful artwork. But for fans of Kentaro Miura's manga masterpiece Berserk, the game has undeniable parallels between the two worlds. From character designs to weaponry and world-building, Elden Ring echoes some of the themes, aesthetics, and concepts found in Miura's legendary series.
It’s no secret that Hidetaka Miyazaki, the creative mind behind Elden Ring and many other FromSoftware titles, has drawn significant inspiration from Berserk. But with the release of Elden Ring’s expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, these connections have become even more clear. The evidence is in both the subtle nods to Miura's story and the themes that are present in both stories.
The Erdtree Is a Nod to Berserk's World Spiral Tree
How Elden Ring's Erdtree Parallels Berserk's Astral Worlds
One of the main points in Elden Ring’s lore is the Erdtree, a towering beacon of light and life that dominates the Lands Between. In Shadow of the Erdtree, this large tree begins to wither, its golden light leaking as it loses influence. This is in direct parallel to Berserk's World Spiral Tree, a massive, intertwined plant that connects the Physical and Astral Worlds.
Berserk Is the Opposite of a Shonen, Which Is Why Its Use of the Most Cliché Shonen Trope Surprised (And Delighted) Me
Berserk, one of the greatest seinen manga of all time makes poignant use of a trope found in Fairy Tail, Naruto, and countless others.
In both stories, these huge trees symbolize a connection between realms. The Erdtree is a conduit for the "Great Will", an outer god that influences the Lands Between, which is similar to the World Spiral Tree in Berserk and how it bridges the mortal and supernatural dimensions. Both trees are more than physical structures, they are real and tangible proof of the divine powers that shape their worlds.
The visual similarities between the two trees are also very apparent. The sprawling branches of the Erdtree and the spiraling form of the World Spiral Tree look extremely similar and both represent pillars of spirituality in their worlds. Whether this was an intentional homage or a similar use of mythical archetypes, Elden Ring's Erdtree and Berserk's World Spiral Tree are undoubtedly connected.
From Guts' Arsenal to Elden Ring's Armory
Guts' Armor and Sword Appear in Shadow of the Erdtree
One of the most obvious connections between Elden Ring and Berserk is the design of the armor and weapons. Players exploring Shadow of the Erdtree can acquire the Solitude Armor Set, which has an uncanny resemblance to Guts’ iconic Berserker Armor. The spiked shoulders, flowing black cape, and scary bulk of the Solitude set practically scream “Guts,” making it a fan-favorite choice for those seeking to look like the Black Swordsman.
This armor also comes with the Greatsword of Solitude, a weapon that is similar to Guts' Dragonslayer sword. Both weapons are hulking slabs of metal that are capable of destroying enemies, perfectly suited for a character who defies human limitations. When paired together, the Solitude set and Greatsword allow players to step into the role of a Berserk warrior battling their own inner and outer demons.
Another nod to Miura's Berserk can be found in Rellana's armor. Known as the Twin Moon Knight, her silver set with crescent motifs and lapis-lazuli accents resembles the Moonlight Knight Locus from Berserk. While it is not an identical match, the parallels in the design and theme show a clear influence. These pieces, along with other weapons like the Repeating Crossbow, which is similar to Guts' own arsenal, show how Elden Ring is contributing to keeping Berserk's legacy alive.
Elden Ring's Characters and Creatures Echo Berserk
Berserk and Elden Ring Have Very Similar Characters and Creature Types
Looking beyond the aesthetics, Elden Ring and Berserk have many thematic and storyline similarities throughout their characters and monsters. Messmer, the Impaler, a Shadow of the Erdtree boss, has red hair and a dragon-themed helmet that is inspired by Berserk's Grunbeld. Both figures are powerful and menacing, serving as formidable opponents in battle.
Elden Ring - The 13 Best Weapons In Shadow Of The Erdtree
The Shadow Of The Erdtree Expansion brought forth many new weapons to Elden Ring, many of which have become the game's strongest armaments.
Similarly, the Furnace Golems introduced in the DLC could be compared to the Wicker Man from Berserk. Those towering, fire-fueled beings are made of a combination of branches and human forms that mirror the unsettling horror of the Wicker Man. These designs show Miura's influence on FromSoftware's world-building, blending beauty and brutality to create a dangerous and fun world for both readers and players.
Even subtler connections can be found in characters like Radahn, whose silhouette and combat style are similar to Supreme King Gaiseric and Nosferatu Zodd from Berserk. Both characters are extremely powerful, with Radahn's dual blades echoing Zodd's fighting techniques. These parallels show how Elden Ring adapts Miura's character designs and traits into its dark fantasy world, giving a fresh yet familiar experience for fans of both works.
Elden Ring Is the Spiritual Successor of Berserk
While Not a Direct Adaptation, Elden Ring Has Undoubted Connections to Berserk
While Elden Ring is not a direct adaptation of Berserk, the connections between the two are undeniable. From the towering Erdtree to the armor, weapons, and characters that pay homage to Miura's creations, the game is the perfect tribute to the lake mangaka's lasting legacy.
Hidetaka Miyazaki's love of Berserk is obvious, and Shadow of the Erdtree continues showing this by blending Miura's influence with FromSoftware's distinct storytelling style.
For fans of Berserk, Elden Ring is the chance to step into a world that feels like the spiritual successor to the manga, using and respecting its themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the human spirit's struggle against overwhelming odds. The evidence does not lie, Elden Ring is deeply connected to Berserk. It is a connection that enriches both the game and the manga, ensuring that Kentaro Mirua's legacy lives on in the hearts of players and readers alike.
Source: The Gamer
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Elden Ring
10/10- Released
- February 25, 2022
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment, From Software
- Engine
- Proprietary
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- PS4 & PS5 and Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
- Cross Save
- no
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
Elden Ring is a popular game released by From Software, creators of games such as Armored Core, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne. Players assume the role of a Tarnished, a being once exiled to the Lands Between and has returned to repair the Elden Ring after the events of "The Shattering." "The Shattering" occurred when the offspring of Queen Marika battled to claim the shards of the Elden Ring, known as Great Runes. Their war has brought lawlessness, destruction, and chaos to the land, and the player will challenge them with the assistance of a Maiden known as Melina as they travel towards the great Erd Tree to face their destiny and to become the one true Elden Lord. Players can tackle the game how they choose and can adventure across realms as they build their character how they want - be it a powerful magic caster or a brutal swordsman - they will have complete control over their build.
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Berserk is a dark fantasy manga series by Kentaro Miura, first published in 1989. Set in a medieval Europe-inspired world, it follows Guts, a lone mercenary, and his struggle against demonic forces after his betrayal by Griffith, leader of the Band of the Hawk. The franchise has expanded into multiple anime series, films, video games, and merchandise.
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