When Does Elden Ring Get Good?
Fans of Elden Ring argue this is maybe one of the best games of the last decade, but is it for you? This depends quite a bit on the types of games you like to play. Elden Ring is one of most beautiful and immersive games of recent, but can be relentless on players with less exposure to Souls games, where combat is intense with no difficulty setting to allow newer gamers to perhaps just enjoy the story.
Most fans argue that it’s important to give Elden Ring between 10-20 hours before making a call about whether or not you want to keep going, but we’d argue, trying to remain as impartial as possible, you’ll know within the first few hours whether or not this game is something you’ll enjoy.
It’s a long, difficult game, rewarding players with the fortitude to push through, but can be a turnoff for more casual gamers.
What Fans Say
Fans of Elden Ring praise it for seamlessly combining open-world exploration with FromSoftware’s signature challenging gameplay. Players appreciate the game’s intricate world-building, lore, and the freedom to explore without much handholding, which invites players to discover secrets organically. The rich landscapes, diverse enemies, and monumental bosses give a sense of awe and accomplishment as players navigate the game. Another highlight for fans is the flexibility in combat and character progression, as it allows for a vast range of builds and strategies that cater to various playstyles.
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What Haters Say
Critics of Elden Ring often point out the game’s high difficulty, which may deter those unfamiliar with FromSoftware’s games. Some players express frustration with the lack of traditional quest markers, which can make navigation and understanding objectives challenging. Others argue that the combat mechanics, although robust, can feel punishing, especially when facing difficult bosses or areas without adequate guidance or resources. A few detractors also feel the game’s storyline is too fragmented, making it difficult for casual players to follow without diving deeply into lore and item descriptions.
Aggregated Critic Commentary
Critics generally praise Elden Ring as a triumph in game design, blending open-world mechanics with a rich narrative and challenging gameplay. They commend FromSoftware for retaining the core elements that made previous games successful while adding more accessible mechanics, like the ability to choose paths and explore at one’s own pace. The collaboration with George R. R. Martin brought added depth to the lore, with critics appreciating how the game’s narrative invites curiosity without overwhelming the player with exposition. The game has received numerous awards for its graphics, design, and storytelling, with particular accolades for its atmospheric world and boss designs, which contribute to its immersive experience.
Overview of Elden Ring
Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware and directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki in collaboration with author George R. R. Martin, is an open-world action RPG set in the mystical Lands Between. Released in 2022, it quickly captivated players with its expansive world, intricate lore, and challenging combat—a hallmark of the “Soulsborne” games FromSoftware is known for. As the Tarnished, players are tasked with traversing dangerous territories, battling formidable foes, and ultimately restoring the Elden Ring to claim the title of Elden Lord.
The game’s open world is punctuated by stunning landscapes, towering castles, hidden dungeons, and optional bosses, giving players a sense of agency and exploration. With a range of classes, spells, and weapons, it offers varied playstyles, allowing players to build characters suited to their preferences. While challenging, the game also gives players more freedom to progress through multiple paths and explore independently, creating a balance between difficulty and accessibility.
Game Breakdown
The Landscape: The Lands Between is a beautifully desolate world, marked by lush plains, eerie forests, and hauntingly quiet ruins. FromSoftware’s use of verticality in level design and hidden pathways makes each area feel like a unique discovery.
Bosses: The game features some of the most memorable bosses in FromSoftware’s history. Each encounter is designed to test players’ skills and perseverance, with many bosses requiring repeated attempts and careful strategy.
Combat and Mechanics: Elden Ring introduces new mechanics, including mounted combat and Spirit Ash summons, providing players with tools to approach battles differently than in traditional Soulsborne games.
Player Choice: The game offers players freedom to progress in various directions, reducing the linearity of previous games and enhancing replayability.
Similar Games to Elden Ring
- Dark Souls Series – As FromSoftware’s original “Souls” series, Dark Souls shares similar combat mechanics, challenging gameplay, and a dark fantasy aesthetic.
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – FromSoftware’s action game with a focus on parrying and precision, set in a supernatural take on feudal Japan.
- Bloodborne – Known for its faster-paced combat and gothic horror atmosphere, Bloodborne offers a different take on the Souls formula.
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – This RPG shares Elden Ring’s expansive world and player-driven exploration with rich lore and dynamic environments.
- Horizon Forbidden West – An open-world game that emphasizes exploration and combat within a beautifully crafted world, focusing on player freedom.
If You Liked These, You’ll Like Elden Ring
- Nioh Series – With its intricate combat system and Japanese folklore-inspired setting, Nioh appeals to fans of challenging, strategic gameplay.
- Monster Hunter: World – An action RPG that requires careful planning and skillful combat, especially when facing formidable creatures.
- Shadow of the Colossus – Known for its minimalistic storytelling and atmospheric world, it features challenging boss battles that resonate with Elden Ring players.
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – An open-world game with exploration, combat, and RPG elements, focusing on Norse mythology and Viking lore.