In a surprising revelation, dataminers have uncovered cut dialogue lines indicating that the final boss of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree was initially supposed to speak. While these lines don’t introduce new information, their inclusion could have significantly impacted fans’ interpretation of the Shadow of the Erdtree story.

The climactic battle against a revived Radahn at the end of Shadow of the Erdtree is as intense as any Elden Ring clash. However, many players expressed disappointment with some of the fight’s presentational aspects. One primary complaint is that Radahn remains silent throughout the encounter, with Miquella being the only one to speak.

Radahn Originally Had at Least Three Lines in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Reddit user LaMi_1 recently discovered that the final Shadow of the Erdtree boss originally had at least three lines of dialogue. These lines were intended to be delivered consecutively. In the cut content, Radahn would introduce himself with “I am Radahn,” describe his lineage as “born of red-maned Radagon, and Rennala of the Full Moon,” and conclude with “a lion bred for battle.”

Radahn’s Cut Dialogue Would Have Potentially Made Miquella Look Naive

While the cut lines wouldn’t have provided new lore, the final part of the monologue contradicts the description of the Remembrance of a God and a Lord. This consumable, obtained after defeating the final DLC boss, states that Miquella saw “kindness” in Radahn. However, Radahn’s proclamation of being “a lion bred for battle” emphasizes his nature as a warrior, potentially casting doubt on Miquella’s impression of him and suggesting a naive view of his half-brother.

Having Radahn Speak in Shadow of the Erdtree Might Have Challenged Brainwashing Theories

The brief monologue would also have impacted interpretations of Radahn’s motivations at the end of Shadow of the Erdtree. His silence has led many to believe that Miquella, after ascending to godhood, brainwashed Radahn. Giving Radahn a voice would have suggested he retained some agency after being resurrected, potentially challenging the popular theory that he was mind-controlled by Miquella.

More Cut Content Discovered

Radahn’s introductory lines aren’t the only content left on the cutting room floor. Dataminers have also recently uncovered a cutscene featuring St. Trina, further indicating that FromSoftware made several edits during the final stages of developing the latest expansion.

Fan Reactions and Speculations

Fans have been speculating about the reasons behind cutting Radahn’s dialogue. Some believe it was to maintain a sense of mystery, while others think it was a last-minute decision to preserve the game’s existing lore. Regardless, the discovery of these cut lines has reignited discussions about Shadow of the Erdtree’s story and characters.

As players continue to explore the depths of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, the revelation of these cut dialogue lines adds another layer to the rich and complex narrative crafted by FromSoftware. Whether or not more hidden content will be uncovered remains to be seen, but for now, fans have plenty to ponder.