Since its explosive debut, Elden Ring has redefined open-world RPGs with breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled character customization – yet players' spectral steed Torrent remains frozen in a single, unchangeable form. 🐴 As 2025 unfolds, the upcoming DLC presents a golden opportunity to finally address this glaring omission by introducing mount personalization and even alternative steeds, transforming how players traverse the Lands Between while deepening the game's rich lore tapestry. With Torrent being the Tarnished's constant companion across hundreds of hours, the lack of visual customization feels increasingly jarring alongside the Fashion Souls extravaganza of armor sets and weapons. Modders have already proven this concept's popularity through creations like the Garden of Eyes mod, demonstrating community hunger for mount variety that official DLC could brilliantly fulfill.
The Mount Customization Void
Elden Ring's character creator offers staggering depth – from facial bone structure to tattoo patterns – making Torrent's static appearance increasingly conspicuous with each playthrough. Players spend approximately 40% of gameplay mounted according to community estimates, yet the spectral steed cannot sport even simple cosmetic alterations like:
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✨ New spectral manes or tail styles
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🎨 Color variations reflecting player allegiance
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⚔️ Functional armor sets boosting health during cavalry combat
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🎁 Decorative saddlebags or charms
This oversight becomes especially puzzling considering FromSoftware's DLC history. Past expansions like Dark Souls III: The Ringed City introduced iconic armor sets like the Ringed Knight gear, setting clear precedent for expanding visual options. Torrent's makeover could follow similar item-based implementation via blacksmiths or hidden quests.
Beyond Aesthetics: Gameplay & Lore Implications
People Also Ask: Could mount customization affect gameplay mechanics? Absolutely! Functional horse armor could increase Torrent's stagger resistance during dragon fights, while specialized horseshoes might boost sprint duration. More radically, defeating mounted bosses like Night's Cavalry or Starscourge Radahn could unlock their steeds as alternate mounts with unique abilities:
| Mount Source | Special Ability | Visual Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Night's Cavalry | Shadow Step Dash | Ebony Armor & Purple Flames |
| Radahn's Steed | Meteor Jump | Red Braids & Golden Barding |
| Dragon Communion | Glide Momentum | Scale Textures & Smoke Trail |
Moreover, Torrent's fragmented lore desperately needs DLC expansion. Current snippets hint at connections to Melina (who gifted his whistle) and Ranni (who recognizes him), but his origins remain shrouded. New customization items could double as narrative devices – a Celestial Saddle revealing Astel-related backstory, or Spiritflame Mane connecting to Deathbirds. This approach mirrors how base-game armor descriptions enriched Elden Ring's environmental storytelling.
Technical Feasibility & Player Impact
Community mods have already demonstrated mount reskins' viability, with creations ranging from spectral reindeer to ethereal wolves. Official implementation would avoid modding's instability risks while allowing:
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Seamless multiplayer visibility for cosmetic changes
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Balanced stat adjustments via smithing upgrades
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Lore-friendly acquisition through NPC questlines
This evolution would resonate deeply with Elden Ring's core themes of personal legacy. Just as Tarnished forge their identity through Great Runes, customizing their trusted companion would create deeper emotional investment in the journey. Imagine charging into the DLC's rumored Shadow Lands atop a Torrent adorned with Miquella's gold thread or Mohg's sanguine decorations – a true extension of player agency.
FAQ: Burning Questions About Elden Ring DLC Mounts
Q: Will Torrent customization affect gameplay balance?
A: Cosmetic options would remain balance-neutral, while functional upgrades (like armor) would require significant resource investment akin to weapon upgrading, maintaining risk-reward equilibrium.
Q: Could mount variety trivialize terrain challenges?
A: New mounts might specialize rather than outclass – a magma-walking steed for fire areas would struggle in snowfields, preserving environmental design integrity.
Q: How might Torrent's lore connect to the DLC?
A: Melina's expanded role seems likely, potentially revealing Torrent as a fragment of the Erdtree's life cycle or a fallen demigod's spirit.
Q: Are there precedents for mount customization in Souls games?
A: While not in previous titles, Sekiro's prosthetic tool upgrades demonstrate FromSoftware's willingness to expand mobility options post-launch.
Q: Would new mounts replace Torrent permanently?
A: More likely as situational alternatives – Torrent's double jump remains essential, with new steeds offering specialized movement (climbing, swimming short distances) for specific zones.