Two fan-favorite fantasy stories,Elden RingandBerserk,have many surprising similarities, leading fans to believe that they are connected. The world ofElden Ringhas 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 masterpieceBerserk,the game has undeniable parallels between the two worlds. From character designs to weaponry and world-building,Elden Ringechoes some of the themes, aesthetics, and concepts found in Miura’s legendary series.
It’s no secret that Hidetaka Miyazaki, the creative mind behindElden Ringandmany other FromSoftware titles, has drawn significant inspiration fromBerserk. But with the release ofElden Ring’sexpansion,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 inElden Ring’slore is the Erdtree, a towering beacon of light and life that dominates the Lands Between. InShadow of the Erdtree,this large tree begins to wither, its golden light leaking as it loses influence. This is in direct parallel toBerserk’sWorld 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 inBerserkand 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’sErdtree andBerserk’sWorld 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 betweenElden RingandBerserkis the design of the armor and weapons. Players exploringShadow of the Erdtreecan 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 toGuts' 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 aBerserkwarrior battling their own inner and outer demons.
Another nod to Miura’sBerserkcan 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 fromBerserk. 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 howElden Ringis contributing to keepingBerserk’slegacy 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 RingandBerserkhavemany thematic and storyline similaritiesthroughout their characters and monsters. Messmer, the Impaler, aShadow of the Erdtreeboss, has red hair and a dragon-themed helmet that is inspired byBerserk’sGrunbeld. 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, theFurnace Golems introduced in the DLCcould be compared to the Wicker Man fromBerserk.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 fromBerserk.Both characters are extremely powerful, withRadahn’s dual bladesechoing Zodd’s fighting techniques. These parallels show howElden Ringadapts 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
WhileElden Ringis not a direct adaptation ofBerserk,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 ofBerserkis obvious, andShadow of the Erdtreecontinues showing this by blending Miura’s influence with FromSoftware’s distinct storytelling style.
For fans ofBerserk, Elden Ringis 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 Ringis deeply connected toBerserk. 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.
Elden Ring
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.
Berserk
Berserkis 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.
