Weapon Meta Shifts in the Latest Patch
The recent patch for Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree has caused significant changes in the weapon meta. One of the most notable shifts has been the sudden popularity of certain weapons. Mr. Market currently favors the backhand blades, Rakshasa’s Great Katana, and the Blind Spot Ash of War. This suggests these weapons have received buffs or adjustments that make them more appealing to players.
The Decline of Swift Slash
On the flip side, if you’ve been relying on Swift Slash, it’s time to reconsider. The patch has negatively impacted this weapon, making it less effective in the current meta. Selling your ‘stock’ in Swift Slash and investing in the newly favored options might be a wise decision.
The Curious Case of the Ensis Chair
Beyond weapon adjustments, the patch also made a curious, unlisted change: the addition of a fine wooden throne in Rellana’s boss room, the Ensis Moongazing Grounds. This addition went unnoticed in the patch notes but has left fans speculating its significance. My theory is that this chair was initially meant to be there but was missing due to a bug or oversight, reminiscent of the borked quests at Elden Ring’s initial release.
Possible Lore Implications
The Ensis Moongazing Grounds closely correspond to the Royal Moongazing Grounds in Caria Manor, where Royal Knight Loretta’s ghost version is fought in the base game. The newly added Ensis chair shares the same model as the ring of chairs in Caria Manor. While the idea that this chair fills a gap in the original ring was intriguing, further inspection reveals no missing chairs in the Caria ring, only displaced ones.
Final Thoughts on the Ensis Chair
As for the lore, the introduction of the Ensis chair seems to be a simple demonstration of Rellana’s homesickness—an attempt to recreate part of Caria Manor’s environment in isolation. This motif of lone or empty thrones also appears elsewhere in Elden Ring, such as in Morgott’s throne room and Malenia’s boss room, where she dreams in a solitary chair awaiting Miquella’s return. It’s peculiar that such a seemingly minor change went unannounced, yet it has sparked significant curiosity among the player base, highlighting the depth and mystery that Elden Ring perpetually maintains.
