“Lords of the Fallen 2 director emphasizes the game’s unique approach to builds, highlighting its experimental nature compared to FromSoftware titles.”

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In a recent developer update, members of the team behind Lords of the Fallen 2 drew comparisons to Elden Ring and other titles from FromSoftware, focusing on combat in their upcoming Soulslike sequel. They highlighted the importance of build diversity and how different builds can be effectively utilized.

Game director James Lowe noted, “With a FromSoft game, and I’m not criticizing them, once I find my build, I’m set. That’s likely the build I’ll stick with throughout the game, and I won’t really change it.”

He continued, “In Lords of the Fallen, I feel encouraged to experiment more. I might think, ‘I want to try dual-wielding. How does that feel?’ While I do feel attached to my build, I’m confident enough to say, ‘I’ll play around with this for a few hours.’ Or, ‘I’ve struggled with this encounter; let me switch things up and see how it goes.'”

Lowe makes a valid point. While there are numerous builds to explore, the option to respec your character in FromSoftware games is often limited or comes later in the game. In the early stages of titles like Elden Ring, your build often revolves around the best weapon or spell you’ve discovered.

Once you upgrade that weapon and invest in the necessary stats, it tends to become your go-to for a significant portion of the game. Elden Ring exemplifies this, while Bloodborne offers a more linear approach to build crafting, and Sekiro is even more focused, centering around your primary katana.

Lords of the Fallen, on the other hand, feels more dynamic and forgiving for players who want to frequently switch between different styles, though it may not reach the flexibility of something like Nioh 3. This is largely due to lighter stat requirements for weapons and spells, a more accessible respec system, and a less demanding weapon upgrade path compared to Elden Ring. While Elden Ring’s Bell Bearings assist with weapon upgrade materials and provide a foundation for experimentation, they can also feel backloaded, which is why Somber-type weapons are so favored early on.

I’m reminded of Obsidian’s reasoning behind the lack of respeccing in The Outer Worlds 2, contrasting it with Baldur’s Gate 3, where you can adjust your stats and classes freely. Neither approach—whether for Soulslikes or traditional RPGs—is inherently wrong. It ultimately depends on whether developers prioritize consequence, permanence, and thoughtful decision-making in your journey, or if they lean towards flexibility and variety in gameplay. I enjoyed refining my spell swordsman in Elden Ring, but I also relished the process of determining my ideal Crusader build in Lords of the Fallen.

Soulslike action RPG Lords of the Fallen 2 is on a “similar journey” as the Batman Arkham games, according to the developers: “It all came together and felt perfect.”

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