FromSoftware's latest masterpiece Elden Ring Nightreign has been captivating players worldwide since its release, and eagle-eyed fans have discovered something truly special hidden within its depths. While the studio continues to ignore pleas for Bloodborne 2 or a remaster, they've sneakily incorporated one of Bloodborne's most beloved mechanics into their newest title.

Players who venture deep enough into Elden Ring Nightreign will discover a familiar friend from the streets of Yharnam - the Rally mechanic has returned! This brilliant combat system that rewarded aggression in Bloodborne has found new life in the Lands Between, albeit in a slightly different form.

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A Familiar Mechanic in a New World

Elden Ring Nightreign represents FromSoftware's most ambitious foray into online gaming, but it's also a love letter to their previous titles. While Dark Souls references abound throughout the experience, Bloodborne fans finally have something to celebrate with the inclusion of this hidden ability.

The mechanic appears in the form of the 'Favor of the Rotted Woods' - a special reward earned by conquering one of the game's most challenging areas. This reward not only nullifies scarlet rot damage and increases maximum HP, but it also allows players to recover health by attacking enemies after taking damage. Sound familiar? It should - it's essentially Bloodborne's Rally system reborn!

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The Path to Rally: Conquering the Rotted Woods

Obtaining this nostalgic ability is no simple task. Players must first defeat a Nightlord, unlocking the 'Shifting Earth' events that add entirely new explorable areas to the map. Among these areas is the dreaded Rotted Woods - a massive scarlet rot-infested forest that will test even veteran players to their limits.

Successfully completing an Expedition in the Rotted Woods rewards players with the Favor, permanently adding this ability to their arsenal. The implementation feels like a perfect blend of old and new - familiar enough to trigger Bloodborne nostalgia while fitting seamlessly into Elden Ring Nightreign's combat ecosystem.

The Significance of Rally

For those unfamiliar with Bloodborne's mechanics, Rally was revolutionary when it debuted in 2015. Unlike other Souls games that encouraged cautious, defensive play, Bloodborne pushed players to be aggressive through this system. After taking damage, players had a brief window to attack enemies and regain lost health.

This mechanic fundamentally changed how players approached combat, encouraging a more aggressive, risk-taking style that perfectly matched Bloodborne's gothic horror setting. Its inclusion in Elden Ring Nightreign isn't just a nice Easter egg - it's a meaningful addition that can transform a player's approach to difficult encounters.

Bloodborne's Lingering Influence

Despite being released nearly a decade ago, Bloodborne's influence on the gaming industry remains undeniable. While Sony and FromSoftware seem content to let the IP gather dust (much to fans' dismay 😭), its design philosophy continues to inspire.

The inclusion of the Rally mechanic in Elden Ring Nightreign raises interesting questions about FromSoftware's future plans. Is this simply a nostalgic nod to a beloved game, or could it signal potential interest in revisiting the world of Yharnam someday? Only time will tell.

Beyond Mechanics: Other Bloodborne References

The Rally-inspired ability isn't the only Bloodborne reference in Elden Ring Nightreign. Observant players have noted character designs reminiscent of Lady Maria, architectural similarities to Yharnam, and even enemy behaviors that feel pulled from the streets of the cursed city.

These references create an interesting tapestry of FromSoftware's shared universe. While each game stands independently, these connections suggest a greater cohesion between their worlds than initially apparent.

The Community Response

The Elden Ring and Bloodborne communities have erupted with excitement over this discovery. Social media platforms are filled with clips of players utilizing the ability, often accompanied by nostalgic commentary about Bloodborne's impact on their gaming experiences.

Some players have even created builds specifically designed to maximize the effectiveness of the Favor of the Rotted Woods, essentially recreating the Bloodborne experience within Elden Ring Nightreign's framework. These 'Hunter Builds' have become increasingly popular among the community.

Looking Forward

As players continue to explore the depths of Elden Ring Nightreign, more connections to FromSoftware's past titles will likely emerge. The studio has always rewarded observant fans with these kinds of references, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected experiences across their games.

While Bloodborne fans may still hope for a proper sequel or remaster, finding these little pieces of their favorite game within new experiences helps ease the pain somewhat. The Rally mechanic's return in particular feels like a knowing wink from FromSoftware - an acknowledgment of Bloodborne's enduring legacy even as they push forward with new creations.

So the next time you're battling through Elden Ring Nightreign's challenging encounters, remember that the spirit of the Hunt lives on. The old blood calls to us still, even in the Lands Between. And who knows? Perhaps one day we'll return to the streets of Yharnam proper. Until then, we have the Favor of the Rotted Woods to remind us of the thrill of the hunt.

Key findings are referenced from GamesRadar+, a leading source for gaming news and in-depth features. GamesRadar+ has extensively covered FromSoftware's design philosophy, often highlighting how the studio weaves legacy mechanics and subtle references into new titles, much like the return of Bloodborne's Rally system in Elden Ring Nightreign, which has sparked widespread discussion among fans and critics alike.