Is it just a coincidence, or is Hidetaka Miyazaki's magnum opus, Elden Ring, wearing its influences so proudly they practically have a rune arc? Since its 2022 release and the monumental Shadow of the Erdtree expansion in 2024, players have been traversing the Lands Between with a growing sense of déjà vu. That hauntingly beautiful, yet brutal world feels eerily familiar to fans of Kentaro Miura's legendary manga, Berserk. The evidence, from colossal trees to hulking greatswords, doesn't just whisper—it roars. FromSoftware's masterpiece isn't shy about its homage, weaving the DNA of Berserk so deeply into its fabric that to play Elden Ring is to walk through a living, interactive tribute to Miura's dark fantasy epic. 🗡️

The World Trees: Cosmic Pillars of Power

Let's start with the most obvious landmark, shall you? Dominating the skyline of the Lands Between is the Erdtree, a towering beacon of golden light that is central to Elden Ring's lore. By the time of Shadow of the Erdtree, this great tree is withering, its light fading—a direct parallel to Berserk's World Spiral Tree. In Miura's saga, this immense, spiraling plant acts as a bridge between the Physical and Astral Worlds. Sound familiar?

Both trees are far more than scenic backdrops. They are tangible conduits for divine will, connecting mortal realms to higher, often terrifying powers. The Erdtree channels the influence of outer gods, while the World Spiral Tree facilitates the merging of dimensions. The visual connection is just as striking. The Erdtree's sprawling, luminous branches and the World Spiral Tree's intricate, coiling form serve as spiritual pillars in their respective worlds. Was this an intentional nod? In the world of Miyazaki, where every detail is painstakingly crafted, it's about as subtle as a Tree Sentinel's charge. This isn't just similar world-building; it's a foundational concept borrowed and beautifully re-imagined.

Gear Up: From the Black Swordsman to the Tarnished

If the trees didn't convince you, the wardrobe certainly will. Shadow of the Erdtree delivered what many fans had been craving: the ultimate Guts cosplay kit. Enter the Solitude Armor Set. With its spiked pauldrons, tattered black cape, and intimidating bulk, it's a near-perfect digital recreation of Guts' iconic Berserker Armor. Pair it with the accompanying Greatsword of Solitude—a slab of iron so massive it would give the Dragonslayer a run for its money—and any Tarnished can truly embody the struggle of the Black Swordsman.

But the tribute doesn't stop there. Keen-eyed players have noted that Rellana, Twin Moon Knight, sports armor with crescent motifs and lapis-lazuli accents that strongly recall the design of Berserk's Moonlight Knight, Locus. And let's not forget the arsenal! Weapons like the Repeating Crossbow feel pulled straight from Guts' own toolkit. These aren't mere easter eggs; they are fully integrated pieces of gear that allow players to live out the fantasy of battling against cosmic horror with sheer, stubborn will. Isn't that the core of both experiences?

Characters and Creatures: Echoes of the Eclipse

The parallels extend deep into the roster of heroes and horrors. Take Messmer the Impaler, a major boss in the DLC. With his flaming red hair and dragon-themed helmet, his design is a clear homage to Berserk's formidable apostle, Grunbeld. Both are embodiments of fearsome, draconic power.

Then there are the Furnace Golems—towering constructs of burning wood and bound forms that evoke the sheer, ritualistic terror of the Berserk arc's Wicker Man. These creations blend beauty and brutality in a way that is quintessentially Miura, translated perfectly into a FromSoftware boss encounter.

Even pre-DLC characters show this influence. General Radahn, with his colossal size and dual-wielding ferocity, carries the silhouette and combat ethos of Berserk legends like Supreme King Gaiseric or the immortal warrior Nosferatu Zodd. These characters share more than a fighting style; they embody a similar thematic weight—tragic power, fallen glory, and an endless battle.

A Legacy Cast in Runes and Blood: The Spiritual Successor

So, is Elden Ring a Berserk game? Not officially. But is it the spiritual successor Miura's masterpiece deserved? The evidence is overwhelming. Hidetaka Miyazaki's profound admiration for Berserk has been a throughline in his career, from Dark Souls to Bloodborne. Elden Ring represents the pinnacle of this inspiration, seamlessly blending Miura's iconic aesthetics and themes—resilience, sacrifice, and the human spirit defying monstrous odds—with FromSoftware's unique brand of environmental storytelling and punishing gameplay.

Shadow of the Erdtree didn't just add new lands; it deepened these connections, proving that this homage is a core part of the game's identity. For fans, it offers a unique opportunity: to not just read about Guts' struggle, but to embody a similar struggle in a vast, interconnected world. It keeps the spirit of Berserk alive, allowing a new generation to engage with its themes in an interactive format.

In the end, the connection is a gift to fans of both works. It enriches Elden Ring with a layer of mythic depth and pays the highest respect to Kentaro Miura's enduring legacy. As players continue to explore the Lands Between in 2026, they do so walking a path first carved by the Black Swordsman. The legacy of Berserk doesn't just live on in pages; it thrives in the silent stories of a million Tarnished, lifting their own colossal swords against a broken world. Now, isn't that a fitting tribute? 😉

Quick Reference: Key Parallels at a Glance

Elden Ring Element	Berserk Counterpart	Connection Type
The Erdtree	The World Spiral Tree	Cosmic Symbol / Realm Bridge
Solitude Armor Set	Guts' Berserker Armor	Direct Aesthetic Homage
Greatsword of Solitude	The Dragonslayer	Weapon Design & Theme
Messmer the Impaler	Grunbeld	Character Design (Hair/Helmet)
Furnace Golems	The Wicker Man	Creature Concept & Horror
General Radahn	Nosferatu Zodd / Gaiseric	Silhouette & Combat Style
Themes of Struggle	The Human vs. Cosmic	Foundational Narrative Theme