A recent datamined discovery uncovered an interesting change in the development of Elden Ring. Initially, the popular open-world game was supposed to start with players washed up on a desolate beach in Limgrave. However, the current opening sequence has the player waking up in the Stranded Graveyard after a deadly fall. It feels like washing up on a beach would have had less of a story reason behind it.
Dataminer Sekiro Dubi discovered and revealed this alternate intro. Upon analyzing cutscenes, Dubi identified a difference between the location ID linked to Melina’s encounter with the player and the actual in-game setting. Further examination, including referencing the Network Test build of Elden Ring, revealed a note from Japanese developers stating “(disable) respawn point for game start.” This indicates that the initial plan may have been for players to start their journey from a beach in West Limgrave (Thanks, Eurogamer).
Sekiro Dubi was able to restore the cutscene partially but had to use alternative dialogue. The original opening now offers a clearer narrative flow, reflecting the Tarnished’s fall from the Chapel of Anticipation. It also provides a more logical explanation for Melina and Torrent discovering the player.
FromSoftware probably decided not to start the game on the beach for gameplay reasons. Starting on a beach would have given players too much freedom initially, making it easier to miss the important tutorial area, the Cave of Knowledge. Also, the big reveal of The Lands Between after leaving the cave would have been less impactful.
This kind of thing is to be expected. I wouldn’t say many games know exactly where you’re going to start from the beginning and likely change that spot often through development. The idea of keeping players in an area where they can learn the game is a good one.
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