Elden Ring fan art has ventured into some unexpected territory, with one creative individual reimagining the iconic Lands Between map in the charming style of Super Mario World. This vibrant version retains the essence of Souslike’s landscape, featuring lush grasslands and distinct islands, all framed by shimmering waters and marked with numbered locations, such as the not-so-lighthearted Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree. Meanwhile, fans are counting down the days to February 14, 2025, when they can dive into the closed beta test for Elden Ring Nightreign.
Since its release in 2022, Elden Ring has captivated players and critics alike, even clinching the Game of the Year award. Its gripping narrative continued with the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion in June 2024, which transported players from the familiar Lands Between to the enigmatic Land of Shadow. The storyline there centered around a new protagonist, Messmer the Impaler. With Shadow of the Erdtree now in the rearview, fans eagerly await the challenges ahead, signaling their enthusiasm by signing up for the Nightreign beta.
An Instagram post by the artist, sometime_tomorrow_studio, unveiled this whimsical take on the Lands Between. Their post showcased a map bordered by water, detailing the familiar grasslands and islands, with locations like Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree, all creatively numbered. Drawing on elements from Zanzio and The Spriters Resource, the artist admitted that the intricate work even led to developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Showcasing the Lands Between in a Super Mario pixel style was an unexpected delight for the community; fans marveled at the artistic transformation of the game’s rich lore and intricate world-building.
In addition to this innovative art piece, the artist also “Super Mario-fied” the Land of Shadow from Shadow of the Erdtree, which the Soulslike community praised heartily. Some fans were so impressed they requested prints of the mashup. But this is not the first time a crossover happened: another fan had previously blended the map design of Elden Ring with the cartographic style of Super Mario, albeit with a rather different focus.
It’s not just fan art that’s enjoying the Mario makeover. Super Mario characters have also leaped into the Lands Between via a surreal mod. Creator Garden of Eyes introduced a mod turning Godrick the Grafted into none other than the bug-eyed plumber himself, accompanied by Yoshi as his dragon ally. This mod didn’t just stop there, also featuring pop culture icons like Homer Simpson, Moana, and Ugandan Knuckles, bringing a quirky twist to FromSoft’s formidable world.
Through both fan art and modding, the creative spirit of the Elden Ring community continues to shine, showcasing an ability to blend the game’s dark, immersive world with playful, unexpected elements from other universes.
