The FromSoftware community is buzzing after a mysterious screenshot appeared on the r/fromsoftware subreddit showing what looks like Elden Ring gameplay from an unidentified location featuring a brand new outfit never seen before. The timing couldn’t be more intriguing, coming just as rumors swirl about FromSoftware’s secretive Project FMC and potential unannounced content for their flagship titles.
The Mysterious Screenshot
The image in question shows what appears to be standard Elden Ring gameplay, but with critical differences that have caught the community’s attention. The character wears an outfit that doesn’t match any known armor set from the base game, Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, or Elden Ring Nightreign. The environment also seems unfamiliar, leading players to wonder if this represents cut content, unreleased DLC, or something connected to FromSoftware’s rumored upcoming projects.
What makes this leak particularly interesting is its timing. Elden Ring Nightreign just received The Forsaken Hollows DLC on December 4, adding new content including the Scholar and Undertaker characters. The community is actively playing through this fresh material, making the appearance of seemingly unrelated content all the more puzzling.
Project FMC: FromSoftware’s Secret Game
Context matters here. FromSoftware is reportedly deep into development on an unannounced multiplatform title codenamed Project FMC. According to Kotaku, the studio is in advanced production stages, with sources suggesting a possible reveal before the end of 2026. The codename follows FromSoftware’s tradition of using F-prefixed abbreviations for projects like Dark Souls II, Dark Souls III Remastered, and Armored Core VI.
MP1st originally broke the story in July 2025, reporting that FMC is progressing so smoothly that barring delays, players could experience it by next year. This timeline makes a reveal at a major gaming event increasingly likely, with The Game Awards having been speculated as a potential showcase venue.
What Could Project FMC Be?
The FromSoftware community has developed several compelling theories about Project FMC’s identity:
Dark Souls III Remaster
Many fans believe FMC stands for a Dark Souls III remaster. The game runs well on modern hardware but lacks the visual polish of FromSoftware’s recent releases built on their updated engine. A remaster would bring the beloved title up to current standards while introducing it to a new generation of players.
Frame Gride Remake
A more ambitious theory suggests FMC could stand for Fantasy Mech Combat, representing a remake of FromSoftware’s obscure 1999 mech game Frame Gride. In a 2016 interview, director Hidetaka Miyazaki expressed interest in creating a fantasy mech game. After Armored Core VI’s success proved audience appetite for mech titles, revisiting Frame Gride makes strategic sense. FromSoftware has reportedly been recruiting mech designers since AC6’s release, lending credibility to this theory.
Angel Gem
Social media posts have mentioned a leaked game called Angel Gem, supposedly set during the age of arch trees, dragons, and knights. The protagonist finds themselves caught in a massive war when mysterious fog appears. This description shares thematic DNA with Dark Souls while introducing fresh elements. However, verification for this leak remains scarce.
Brand New IP
FromSoftware has never shied away from creating entirely new franchises. Between Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Sekiro, and Elden Ring, the studio demonstrates consistent ability to craft fresh worlds while maintaining their signature challenging gameplay. Project FMC could represent their next original universe.
FromSoftware’s Busy Schedule
| Project | Platform | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Elden Ring Nightreign | PS4, PS5, Xbox, PC | Released, DLC Active |
| The Duskbloods | Nintendo Switch 2 | Announced for 2026 |
| Project FMC | Multiplatform | In Development |
| Mysterious Screenshot Project | Unknown | Unverified Leak |
Could The Screenshot Be Project FMC?
The connection between the mysterious screenshot and Project FMC remains speculative. If the image shows genuine unreleased content, several possibilities exist. It could represent cut content from Elden Ring that never made it into any DLC. It might be an early build of unannounced Nightreign content. More intriguingly, it could offer a glimpse at Project FMC if that project happens to be Elden Ring-related.
FromSoftware has precedent for keeping multiple Elden Ring projects in development simultaneously. The studio worked on the base game, Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, and Nightreign as separate initiatives. If FMC represents another Elden Ring spinoff or expansion, the mysterious screenshot could be our first unauthorized peek.
The Game Awards Connection
The gaming community recently fixated on a mysterious demonic statue that appeared in the California desert, teasing an announcement at The Game Awards 2025. While various developers, including the Lords of the Fallen team, confirmed the statue wasn’t theirs, CI Games CEO Marek Tyminski expressed hope it represented something from FromSoftware. The statue ultimately revealed Larian’s new Divinity game, but the speculation highlighted how hungry fans are for FromSoftware news.
With FromSoftware and The Game Awards host Geoff Keighley sharing a strong relationship, the annual show has become a reliable venue for FromSoftware announcements. Sekiro was teased there in 2017, Elden Ring showed gameplay at Summer Game Fest 2021, and Armored Core VI debuted at The Game Awards 2022. If Project FMC is real and progressing well, a 2026 Game Awards or Summer Game Fest reveal seems plausible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mysterious FromSoftware screenshot everyone is talking about?
A user on the r/fromsoftware subreddit posted an image appearing to show Elden Ring gameplay featuring an unknown outfit and unidentifiable location. The screenshot’s authenticity and source remain unverified, leading to widespread speculation about whether it represents cut content, unreleased DLC, or a connection to rumored Project FMC.
What is Project FMC?
Project FMC is the codename for an unannounced FromSoftware game reportedly in advanced development stages. Multiple gaming outlets including Kotaku have reported on its existence. The project is expected to be multiplatform and could release as early as 2026, though FromSoftware has not officially confirmed any details.
Could Project FMC be Dark Souls 4?
While possible, director Hidetaka Miyazaki has previously stated that Dark Souls III concluded that series. However, FromSoftware could always revisit the franchise with a remaster, remake, or spiritual successor. The FMC codename historically aligns with Dark Souls projects, making some form of Souls-related content plausible.
Is FromSoftware making a new mech game?
The studio released Armored Core VI in 2023 to strong sales and critical acclaim. They’ve been recruiting mech designers since that release, suggesting another mech project could be in development. Some theorize Project FMC represents Fantasy Mech Combat, potentially a Frame Gride remake combining fantasy and mech elements.
When will we know what Project FMC really is?
If development progresses as reported, an announcement could come at a major gaming event in 2025 or early 2026. The Game Awards and Summer Game Fest are the most likely venues given FromSoftware’s history with those shows. However, nothing is confirmed until FromSoftware or Bandai Namco makes an official statement.
Is The Duskbloods related to Project FMC?
No. The Duskbloods is a separate FromSoftware project announced for Nintendo Switch 2, scheduled for 2026. Sources have specifically stated that Project FMC is multiplatform, ruling out The Duskbloods as a candidate. FromSoftware appears to be juggling multiple projects simultaneously.
Could the screenshot be fake?
Absolutely. Gaming communities frequently see fake leaks created using mods, photo manipulation, or entirely fabricated images. Without verification from FromSoftware or credible gaming journalists, all leaked screenshots should be treated skeptically. The Elden Ring modding community is particularly active, making realistic fake screenshots entirely possible.
What should FromSoftware fans expect in 2026?
Based on confirmed information, fans can look forward to The Duskbloods on Nintendo Switch 2. If the Project FMC leaks prove accurate, another multiplatform FromSoftware title could arrive the same year. Continued support for Elden Ring Nightreign is also expected. That would represent an incredibly productive year for the studio.
The Waiting Game
For now, the mysterious screenshot remains exactly that: mysterious. Whether it connects to Project FMC, represents unreleased Elden Ring content, or turns out to be an elaborate hoax, the image has successfully captured the FromSoftware community’s imagination. With the studio reportedly deep into development on multiple unannounced projects, fans won’t have to wait forever for answers. Keep watching gaming news outlets and major industry events for official reveals. Until then, speculation and theory crafting will continue to dominate FromSoftware forums and subreddits as players attempt to decode every hint and rumor about what the acclaimed developer has planned next.