Elden Ring does this better than anyone else
FromSoftware has established itself as a master of visual storytelling through meticulous attention to detail, with cloth and fabric design serving as a prime example. In Elden Ring and across its catalog of action RPGs, the developer demonstrates exceptional care in how garments are shaped, textured, and animated, using these elements to convey narrative and character information without explicit exposition.
Cloth movement and appearance become a form of silent storytelling in FromSoftware’s hands. The way fabrics drape, billow, and interact with character movement tells players about a character’s status, background, and role in the game world. This level of craftsmanship extends beyond mere aesthetics—it reflects the studio’s philosophy that every visual element should serve the broader narrative and worldbuilding.
This approach distinguishes FromSoftware from competitors in the action RPG space, where many studios prioritize gameplay mechanics or story exposition over environmental and character design subtleties. By elevating cloth simulation and costume design to an art form, FromSoftware creates a more immersive and believable world where players piece together lore and context through observation rather than cutscenes or dialogue.