Is there any modern video game world more staggering in its sheer scale and density of secrets than the Lands Between? Elden Ring exploded onto the scene not just as a game, but as a full-blown cultural phenomenon, and its legacy has only grown with the monumental Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. But beyond the epic boss fights and tragic NPC quests lies a treasure trove of secrets—a veritable museum of pop culture homage, studio in-jokes, and loving nods to its inspirations. What hidden gems might you have missed while you were busy being maidenless? Let's dive into the outrageous, delightful, and often surprising Easter eggs that FromSoftware has tucked away in every corner of its masterpiece.
11. The Unkillable Troll: Patches Returns!
Could an FromSoftware game truly be complete without the appearance of the most infamous trickster in gaming? Patches, the bald, untrustworthy scoundrel, is a staple across the studio's titles, and his appearance in Elden Ring is a glorious tradition. This time, he lurks in Murkwater Cave, ready to ambush the greedy Tarnished who dares to touch "his" chest. He remains a trolling force who enjoys pranking and manipulating you, and the choice to spare him or end his antics is a rite of passage. Does any other character so perfectly embody the playful, punishing spirit of these games?
10. A Hunter's Arsenal in The Lands Between
Prepare for a visceral trip down memory lane! Scattered throughout Elden Ring are weapons that feel unnervingly familiar to veterans of Yharnam. The most blatant is the 
Ghiza's Wheel, which is a direct transplant of Bloodborne's beloved Whirligig Saw. But the love doesn't stop there! Keen-eyed players have spotted the spiritual successors to other iconic tools of the hunt, such as the Kirkhammer and Moonlight Greatsword. Wielding these weapons isn't just about efficiency; it's a nostalgic power trip, a secret handshake between the game and its most devoted fans.
9. The Colossal Homage: Guts' Sword
Is any piece of media truly dark fantasy if it doesn't pay respects to the godfather of the genre, Berserk? FromSoftware's adoration for the Berserk Manga and anime is legendary, serving as the bedrock for the Dark Souls trilogy. Elden Ring continues this tradition with many Easter eggs that relate to characters, locations, and imagery. The most iconic? The impossibly large Colossal Sword found near the Caelem Ruins, a perfect replica of the Dragonslayer wielded by the Black Swordsman himself, Guts. Lifting it is to channel the spirit of struggle that defines both the manga and the game.
8. Let It Go! The Frozen Reference Nobody Saw Coming
In a world of rot, madness, and cosmic horror, who would expect a reference to a Disney musical? The shock was palpable when players read the description of 
Blaidd's Armor. It concludes with the legendary, meme-worthy line: "...but the cold never bothered him anyway." Suddenly, the stoic half-wolf Blaidd is recontextualized. Who knew this loyal warrior had so much in common with Elsa? It's a moment of absurd, brilliant levity that proves FromSoftware's writers have a wicked sense of humor.
7. A Blade of Penitence: The Blasphemous Nod
What's better than one soul-crushing, religiously-themed action game? Two of them, acknowledging each other! This Easter egg is for the connoisseurs. The 
Blasphemous Blade is a direct homage to a 2D Souls-like Metroidvania game titled Blasphemous. Awarded for defeating the terrifying 
God-Devouring Serpent, this weapon doesn't just share a name and aesthetic with the indie darling; its life-stealing ability makes it one of the most powerful tools in the Tarnished's arsenal. It's a glorious tip of the hat from one master of misery to another.
6. Tradition Must Be Honored: The Poison Swamp
Could it truly be a FromSoftware game without a zone designed specifically to infuriate you? The Lake of Rot is Elden Ring's entry into the hallowed hall of poisonous swamps, a tradition dating back to the Blighttowns and Farron Keeps of old. While perhaps not as agonizingly slow as Dark Souls 3 and the sluggish poison swamp experience, it replaces poison with the far more terrifying Scarlet Rot. It's a rite of passage, filled with hidden paths and deadly bosses. The message is clear: prepare your boluses, or perish.
5. The Prisoner of Fate: Griffith's Helmet
Another profound nod to Berserk is worn right on the player's head. The Prisoner starting class helmet, with its distinctive barred design, was initially thought to reference historical iron masks. However, its true inspiration is far more tragic. It mirrors almost exactly the torturous helmet placed upon Griffith after his rescue—a device meant to hide his mutilated face. Choosing this class isn't just a stat decision; it's an unconscious roleplay into one of the most pivotal and harrowing moments in manga history.
4. A Glimmer in the Shadow: The Hidden Erdtree
Even in the bleakest of realms, hope finds a way. In the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, explorers can find a beautiful, subtle Easter egg: a single, small glowing Erdtree tucked away in a small passage. Guarded by Perfumers, this tiny bastion of golden light stands in stark contrast to the oppressive darkness of the Land of Shadow. It serves no grand purpose other than to be a moment of quiet beauty—a reminder of the world above and a small gift for the most observant Tarnished.
3. Stance of a Legend: Blaidd Channels Guts
The references to Berserk aren't just in items; they're in posture and presence. When you first encounter Blaidd in the Mistwood Ruins, he isn't just sitting—he's posing. His iconic seated stance is a frame-for-frame recreation of Guts' posture during the legendary Boat arc of the manga. With Blaidd's wolf-like head and Guts' canine-themed Berserker Armor, the silhouettes are a perfect match. It's a silent, powerful tribute that speaks volumes about the character's inspiration before he even says a word.
2. Welcome Back to the Woods: A Bloodborne Nightmare
The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC delivered the ultimate callback for Bloodborne veterans. The Abyssal Woods is not just an area; it's a full-blown love letter to the Forbidden Woods from Bloodborne. The dense, oppressive fog, the winding paths, and the sense of lurking dread are all perfectly recreated. And the enemies? The Aging Untouchables that shamble through the mist perform a grab attack that will trigger instant, horrifying flashbacks to the Brainsuckers of Yharnam. It's a masterclass in nostalgic terror, proving that some nightmares never truly end.
From the icy queen of Arendelle to the blood-soaked streets of Yharnam, from the pages of the darkest manga to the triumphs of indie developers, Elden Ring's world is a tapestry woven from the threads of pop culture itself. These Easter eggs are more than just cheap references; they are conversations, tributes, and inside jokes that deepen the experience for those in the know. They transform a solitary journey through a broken world into a shared celebration of the stories and games that shaped it. So, Tarnished, the next time you venture forth, look closer. You never know what legendary artifact, familiar face, or meme-worthy line is waiting just around the next crumbling corner.