Let's get the obvious Berserk tribute over with first.Elden Ring's massive world includes numerous areas that I've called "sword fields." I'll admit, the name itself isn't very innovative: They're simply small fields adorned with swords. They all are stabbed first into the ground, allowing them to stand upright. In Elden Ring Runes the middle of each one is a larger sword with an inscribed inscription that typically provides a vague bit of information on the game's history.

The first time I came across one of these fields, it immediately brought to mind me of Berserk's iconic Hill of Swords. In both the anime and manga, there is a Hill of Swords is meant as a memorial to the wounded soldiers of Band of the Hawk, an mercenary group that served as the show's main characters for a large portion of its initial run. Rickert who is among the last remaining soldiers, forges the countless blades of the Hill of Swords as tribute to his former compatriots.

It's my personal belief that Elden Ring's sword fields serve the same function. I believe they're meant to honor Miura and his passing affected all who are familiar with his work. If they were added to Elden Ring before or after his passing, we'll not find out, but it's definitely a fitting tribute to the person who was influential to many of buy Elden Ring Runes the games' predecessors.