Elden Ring
Publisher / Developer:
Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware
Release Date: February 25th 2022
ESRB: M (Mature)
Average Rating: 96%
Themes
Action Co-operative Fantasy Multiplayer Open world Single player Third person

The system requirements for Elden Ring on PC are as follows:

  • Minimum Requirements:
    • OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
    • Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 3 3300X
    • Memory: 12 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (3 GB) or AMD Radeon RX 580 (4 GB)
    • DirectX: Version 12
    • Storage: 60 GB available space
    • Sound Card: Windows Compatible Audio Device
  • Recommended Requirements:
    • OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
    • Processor: Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
    • Memory: 16 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (8 GB) or AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 (8 GB)
    • DirectX: Version 12
    • Storage: 60 GB available space
    • Sound Card: Windows Compatible Audio Device

These requirements ensure a smooth gaming experience, with the recommended specifications allowing for better performance and graphics quality.

Publisher / Developer:
Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware
Release Date: February 25th 2022
ESRB: M (Mature)
Average Rating: 96%
Themes
Action Co-operative Fantasy Multiplayer Open world Single player Third person

The system requirements for Elden Ring on PC are as follows:

  • Minimum Requirements:
    • OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
    • Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 3 3300X
    • Memory: 12 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (3 GB) or AMD Radeon RX 580 (4 GB)
    • DirectX: Version 12
    • Storage: 60 GB available space
    • Sound Card: Windows Compatible Audio Device
  • Recommended Requirements:
    • OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
    • Processor: Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
    • Memory: 16 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (8 GB) or AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 (8 GB)
    • DirectX: Version 12
    • Storage: 60 GB available space
    • Sound Card: Windows Compatible Audio Device

These requirements ensure a smooth gaming experience, with the recommended specifications allowing for better performance and graphics quality.

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ℹ️ Frequently Asked Questions

When is the official release date and time for Elden Ring?

Elden Ring was officially released on February 25, 2022. The release times varied depending on the platform and region:

    • PC Release Times:
      • February 24, 2022, at 3:00 PM PT
      • February 24, 2022, at 6:00 PM ET
      • February 24, 2022, at 11:00 PM GMT
      • February 25, 2022, at 12:00 AM CET
      • February 25, 2022, at 8:00 AM KST/JST
    • Console Release Times:
      • February 24, 2022, at 9:00 PM PT
      • February 24, 2022, at 11:00 PM CT
      • February 25, 2022, at midnight local time in most other regions

The game was available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.

What platforms will Elden Ring be available on?

Elden Ring is available on the following platforms:

    • PlayStation 4
    • PlayStation 5
    • Xbox One
    • Xbox Series X|S
    • PC (Microsoft Windows)

What are the different editions of Elden Ring and their key differences?

Elden Ring offers several editions, each with unique features and content. Below is a detailed overview:

    • Standard Edition: Includes the base game. Priced at $59.99.
    • Digital Deluxe Edition: Includes the base game, a digital artbook, and the original soundtrack. Available for $79.99.
    • Launch Edition: Exclusive to EMEA, includes the game disc (or code for PC), a poster, art cards, stickers, and a woven patch.
    • Collector's Edition: Includes a physical game disc, a statue of Malenia - Blade of Miquella, an exclusive steelbook, a 40-page hardcover artbook, art cards, woven patches, and a digital soundtrack. Priced at $189.99.
    • Premium Collector's Edition: Includes everything in the Collector's Edition plus a 1:1 scale helmet replica of Malenia. Priced at $259.99.
    • Shadow of the Erdtree Editions:
      • Standard Edition: Includes just the expansion for $39.99.
      • Premium Bundle: Includes the expansion, a digital artbook, and a soundtrack for $49.99.
      • Collector's Edition: Includes the expansion code, a 46cm statue of Messmer the Impaler, a 40-page physical artbook, and a digital soundtrack for $249.99.
    • Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree Bundle: Includes the base game and the DLC for $79.99.

These editions provide a range of options for players interested in both digital and physical collectibles, as well as additional in-game content.

Does Elden Ring have single and/or multiplayer modes?

Elden Ring offers both single-player and multiplayer modes. Players can explore the game world, complete quests, and engage in combat alone in single-player mode. For those interested in multiplayer, the game supports various modes including cooperative play where players can summon others to help tackle challenges, such as defeating bosses, and competitive player-versus-player (PvP) modes, which include invasions and arena-style matches. Multiplayer interactions are facilitated through a unique asynchronous online element, allowing players to feel the presence of others even without direct interaction.

What's the primary genre of Elden Ring?

Elden Ring is primarily classified as an action role-playing game (RPG). It incorporates elements characteristic of the Souls series and offers an expansive open-world experience.

What are the minimum and recommended system requirements for Elden Ring on PC?

The system requirements for Elden Ring on PC are as follows:

    • Minimum Requirements:
      • OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
      • Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 3 3300X
      • Memory: 12 GB RAM
      • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (3 GB) or AMD Radeon RX 580 (4 GB)
      • DirectX: Version 12
      • Storage: 60 GB available space
      • Sound Card: Windows Compatible Audio Device
    • Recommended Requirements:
      • OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
      • Processor: Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
      • Memory: 16 GB RAM
      • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (8 GB) or AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 (8 GB)
      • DirectX: Version 12
      • Storage: 60 GB available space
      • Sound Card: Windows Compatible Audio Device

These requirements ensure a smooth gaming experience, with the recommended specifications allowing for better performance and graphics quality.

Does Elden Ring support mods, and how mod-friendly is it?

Elden Ring does support mods, and it has developed a vibrant modding community since its release. While modding is not officially supported by FromSoftware, a variety of mods are available that enhance or alter the game in numerous ways. These mods range from quality-of-life improvements, such as the ability to pause the game, to substantial gameplay overhauls that add new mechanics, items, or even entire game modes.

Some popular mods include:

    • Seamless Co-op: Allows players to experience the entire game with friends in a continuous multiplayer session without the usual disconnections.
    • Convergence: An overhaul mod that adds new spells, weapons, and revamped areas.
    • Elden Ring Reforged: Focuses on rebalancing the game's mechanics and combat.
    • Magic Overhaul: Improves and adds new magic spells to the game.
    • Easy Mode: Offers different levels of difficulty reduction for players seeking a less challenging experience.

To install mods, players typically use tools like Mod Engine 2 or Elden Mod Loader, which help manage and apply mods without altering the game's core files directly. It is important to note that when using mods, players should disable the game's Easy Anti-Cheat to avoid bans and ensure they play offline, as mods can affect game balance and multiplayer interactions.

Overall, while Elden Ring does not officially support modding, the community has developed a robust set of tools and mods that offer a wide range of modifications for those playing on PC.

Is cross-platform play or progression supported in Elden Ring?

Elden Ring does not support cross-platform play. This means players on different platforms such as PC, PlayStation, and Xbox cannot play together. The game only supports cross-generation play within the same console family, allowing PS4 players to play with PS5 users and Xbox One players to join Xbox Series X|S users.

Regarding progression, Elden Ring does not support cross-progression or cross-save functionality across different platforms. Players must maintain separate save files for each platform they play on. However, within the same console family, players can transfer their save data from PS4 to PS5 and from Xbox One to Xbox Series X|S, but not in reverse.

What downloadable content (DLC) or expansions are available for Elden Ring?

The only downloadable content (DLC) available for Elden Ring is the expansion titled "Shadow of the Erdtree". This expansion was released on June 21, 2024, and is a substantial addition to the base game. It introduces a new region called the Land of Shadow, featuring perilous dungeons, new enemies, weapons, equipment, and a new storyline. The DLC is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

"Shadow of the Erdtree" is described as FromSoftware's largest expansion to date, and it includes over 100 new weapons, eight new weapon types, ten major bosses, and numerous new dungeons. It is available for purchase separately and requires the base game to play.

In addition to "Shadow of the Erdtree," there was also a free update called the Colosseum DLC, which introduced new PvP modes and opened up three colosseums for competitive play.

Does Elden Ring have an esports scene or competitive leagues?

While Elden Ring does not have an officially recognized esports scene or competitive leagues, it has developed a presence in competitive gaming through various community-driven events and tournaments. Notable examples include Mendo's Elden Ring Challenge on Twitch Rivals with a prize pool of $20,000, and the Trysweaty Tournament, which features specific rules and bans for competitive play. Additionally, the introduction of PvP modes in the Colosseum DLC, such as Duel, United Combat, and Combat Ordeal, supports competitive gameplay.

However, the competitive multiplayer scene in Elden Ring faces challenges, such as balance issues and a dwindling player base, which have affected the growth and sustainability of its esports scene. While there are community efforts to host tournaments and events, a fully-fledged esports league has not been established.

Are there in-game purchases or microtransactions in Elden Ring?

No, Elden Ring does not have in-game purchases or microtransactions. The game offers a complete experience without additional purchases or a battle pass. However, there is a report of a free-to-play mobile version of Elden Ring being developed by Tencent, which will include in-game purchases and microtransactions.

Will there be a season pass, battle pass, or similar for Elden Ring?

No, Elden Ring does not have a season pass or battle pass. The game was originally intended to have a season pass with two downloadable content (DLC) expansions, but this plan was not realized. Instead, all content was combined into a single expansion called Shadow of the Erdtree, which is available as a separate purchase or in bundles.

What accessibility options are available in Elden Ring, such as subtitles, colorblind modes, and difficulty settings?

Elden Ring offers a variety of accessibility options, though it lacks a dedicated accessibility tab. The game includes features like Toggle Aim Lock-On, Auto-Target, Manual Attack Aiming, and various display options such as toggling display blood, subtitles, and HUD settings. However, the subtitle options are limited; they can only be turned on or off, and there are no settings to change the font or size. Moreover, subtitles cannot be customized for size or color, and there are no colorblind modes available.

In terms of difficulty, Elden Ring does not have traditional difficulty settings. Instead, it uses a nuanced system that allows players to alter the game's difficulty through their choices, such as utilizing powerful spells or spirit ashes. However, the upcoming Shadow of the Erdtree DLC will introduce new difficulty modes, but these cannot be changed once selected from the main menu.

Additional accessibility features include the ability to adjust controller vibration, invert camera axes, and customize sound and display settings. While these options provide some level of accessibility, the game lacks comprehensive features that could aid players with disabilities, such as the ability to resize HUD elements or subtitles, or to have menu narration.

Does Elden Ring offer customizable controls for different input devices like keyboard or controller?

Yes, Elden Ring offers customizable controls for both keyboard/mouse and controller inputs. Players can remap most buttons on both input methods, allowing for a tailored gaming experience. On controllers, the buttons can be remapped except for movement and camera controls, which remain fixed to the analog sticks. For keyboard/mouse users, all keys, including movement, can be rebound, but the mouse is fixed for camera movement.

Which studio has produced Elden Ring?

Elden Ring was produced by FromSoftware, Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.

What's the track record of the studio that produced Elden Ring with previous games?

The studio behind Elden Ring is FromSoftware, which has an impressive track record in the gaming industry. They are renowned for developing critically acclaimed titles that have defined and popularized the "Soulslike" genre. Notable games from their portfolio include:

    • Demon's Souls - Released in 2009, it laid the foundation for the Souls series with its challenging gameplay and intricate world design.
    • Dark Souls Series - This series includes multiple entries, each celebrated for its deep lore and punishing difficulty.
    • Bloodborne - Released in 2015, it is known for its aggressive combat mechanics and gothic horror setting.
    • Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - Released in 2019, it introduced fast-paced combat and won several Game of the Year awards.

FromSoftware's games are highly regarded for their challenging gameplay, intricate lore, and strong environmental storytelling, which have earned them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

What is the world setting and story premise of Elden Ring?

Elden Ring is set in the expansive and mysterious realm known as the Lands Between. This world is characterized by a rich and intricate history crafted by the collaboration of Hidetaka Miyazaki, the creator of Dark Souls, and George R.R. Martin, the author of A Song of Ice and Fire. The Lands Between is a vast, open world filled with danger and discovery around every corner.

The central narrative of Elden Ring revolves around the shattering of the titular Elden Ring, a powerful artifact that once governed the laws and balance of the world. This shattering led to the scattering of the Great Runes, fragments of the Elden Ring, which were claimed by the demigod offspring of Queen Marika the Eternal. The demigods' acquisition of these shards sparked a catastrophic conflict known as "The Shattering," a war that left the Lands Between in turmoil.

As a player, you assume the role of a character known as the Tarnished. The Tarnished are individuals who were once exiled from the Lands Between but have been called back by the guidance of grace. Your journey involves recovering the Great Runes, restoring the Elden Ring, and ultimately becoming the Elden Lord, a title that signifies lordship over the realm.

The story is steeped in themes of ambition, power, and the cyclical nature of destruction and rebirth, with players exploring a world filled with ancient myths, powerful enemies, and a narrative that is largely pieced together through exploration and environmental storytelling.

Who are the main characters or figures in Elden Ring?

In Elden Ring, the central figures include a mix of gods, demigods, and significant characters pivotal to the game's narrative:

    • Queen Marika the Eternal: A key figure, serving as the vessel of the Elden Ring and establishing the Golden Order.
    • Godfrey, First Elden Lord: Marika's first consort and a significant character in conquering the Lands Between.
    • Radagon of the Golden Order: Marika's second consort, who shares an intriguing plot twist with her.
    • Queen Rennala: Leader of the Carian Household and associated with the Full Moon sorceries, she is significant due to her ties with Radagon and their children.
    • Ranni the Witch: A central character known for her association with the Dark Moon sorceries and her pivotal role in the game's events.
    • Malenia, Blade of Miquella: Known as a powerful warrior tied to the Scarlet Rot, she plays a major role in the game's lore.
    • Miquella: An Empyrean and a significant figure in the game's expansions.
    • Morgott and Mohg: Known as the Omen twins, they are children of Marika and Godfrey, each with their own contrasting narratives.
    • Godrick the Grafted: A demigod who rules Limgrave and is known for his grotesque practice of grafting limbs to increase his power.
    • Starscourge Radahn: A powerful demigod known for his gravitational magic and a significant figure in the Shattering.
    • Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy: Known for his rebellion against the Golden Order and his blasphemous actions.
    • Maliketh, the Black Blade: Marika's half-brother and guardian of the Rune of Death.
    • Melina: A mysterious spirit who assists the Tarnished and plays a crucial role in the narrative.

These characters, among others, weave a complex tapestry of alliances, rivalries, and quests that drive the narrative of Elden Ring.

What are the combat mechanics and systems in Elden Ring?

Elden Ring offers a deep and complex combat system that blends elements from previous FromSoftware titles with new mechanics tailored to its open-world environment. Here’s an overview of the key combat mechanics and systems:

    • Weapon Variety and Customization: Players can choose from a wide array of weapons, each with unique characteristics and movesets. Weapons can be customized with Ashes of War, which are special abilities that can be interchanged between weapons, affecting their skills and scaling.
    • Combat Styles: Players can engage in melee combat, use ranged weapons, or cast spells. The game allows for a hybrid approach, letting players combine weapons, armor, and magic to suit their preferred play style.
    • Stamina Management: Combat revolves around managing stamina, which is depleted by attacking, dodging, blocking, and running. Efficient stamina management is crucial for maintaining offensive and defensive capabilities.
    • Stealth and Ambush Tactics: Borrowing elements from Sekiro, players can use stealth to sneak up on enemies for critical hits, adding a strategic layer to combat.
    • Guard Counters and Parrying: Players can use shields to block attacks and perform guard counters by following a block with a strong attack. Parrying allows for a critical counterattack if timed correctly.
    • Stance-Breaking Attacks: Similar to Sekiro, players can break an enemy’s stance using heavy or charged attacks, leaving them vulnerable to critical hits.
    • Mounted Combat: Players can fight from horseback using their spectral steed, Torrent. This adds mobility and a tactical advantage, especially in open-world battles.
    • Magic and Incantations: Two types of spells, Sorceries and Incantations, provide offensive, defensive, and support capabilities. Each spell type requires different catalysts and stats to cast.
    • Poise and Status Effects: Enemies and players have a hidden poise meter that affects stagger and critical attack vulnerability. Status effects like poison and bleed can be inflicted through continuous attacks.
    • Dynamic Weather and Day/Night Cycle: These elements can affect combat, such as increased stealth effectiveness at night or altered spell damage in certain weather conditions.
    • Boss Battles and Difficulty: True to FromSoftware’s legacy, boss battles are challenging and require learning attack patterns and strategic planning to succeed.

The combat in Elden Ring is designed to be challenging yet rewarding, encouraging players to experiment with different strategies and builds to overcome the diverse threats of The Lands Between.

How does exploration work in Elden Ring's open world?

Exploration in Elden Ring is a significant and rewarding aspect of the game, taking place in a vast open world known as The Lands Between. This world is composed of six main areas, each featuring a central dungeon with a boss, as well as numerous hidden dungeons, catacombs, tunnels, and caves. The game encourages non-linear exploration, allowing players to discover secrets and side stories without being directed by map icons or quest logs.

Players can traverse the world on foot or on horseback using the spectral steed, Torrent, which allows for faster travel and access to otherwise unreachable areas. The open fields and huge dungeons are seamlessly connected, offering a variety of encounters and overwhelming threats to discover. The game promotes a high sense of accomplishment through the exploration of unknown environments filled with both delightful and nightmarish elements, such as roaming sheep and flame-breathing dragons.

In addition to the open-world elements, Elden Ring features a dynamic day/night cycle and weather system, which can affect gameplay and immersion. Players can freely roam and choose the order in which to tackle each area, with Sites of Grace serving as checkpoints and offering fast travel options. The map is initially obscured by fog and can be unfogged by collecting map fragments marked by little pillars. Players can place beacons and custom markers to guide themselves to destinations of interest.

Furthermore, exploration is made more engaging through the discovery of unique locations and challenges, such as hidden bosses, powerful spells, and valuable treasures. Overworld events and optional bosses add to the sense of discovery and adventure, making the exploration of The Lands Between a core component of the Elden Ring experience.

What role does magic play in Elden Ring's gameplay?

In Elden Ring, magic is a significant and versatile component of gameplay, offering players a range of strategic options for combat and exploration. Magic is divided into two main types: Sorceries and Incantations.

    • Sorceries focus on offensive spells and scale with the Intelligence stat. They require a Staff to cast and include spells like Glintstone Pebble and Comet Azur, which provide powerful ranged attacks.
    • Incantations are more versatile, offering both offensive and defensive capabilities, such as healing and buffs. They scale with the Faith stat and require a Sacred Seal to cast. Examples include Flame of the Fell God and Beast Claw.

Magic in Elden Ring is derived from various sources, including celestial bodies like stars and moons, and is deeply tied to the game's lore and world-building. Players can enhance weapons, fight enemies from a distance, and restore hit points using spells. The use of magic is crucial, as it complements physical combat and adds depth to character customization and progression.

Players can choose to specialize in magic-focused classes, such as the Astrologer or the Confessor, to maximize their spellcasting potential. Overall, magic plays a crucial role in shaping the player's experience and strategy in Elden Ring.

How does character customization and progression work in Elden Ring?

In Elden Ring, character customization and progression are deeply intertwined, offering players a rich and flexible system to develop their unique characters.

At the start of the game, players choose from ten different classes or "origins," each with distinct base stats, starting levels, and equipment. This choice influences your initial playstyle but does not limit your progression, as you can freely develop your character in any direction as you advance.

Character customization is extensive, allowing players to adjust nearly every aspect of their character's appearance. This includes selecting a base template and fine-tuning features such as voice, skin color, face, and hair. Players can also change their character's appearance at any time using a vanity mirror in the Roundtable Hold or by visiting Rennala in the Academy of Raya Lucaria after defeating her, although the original class and starting gift cannot be altered.

Progression in Elden Ring is linked to leveling up through the acquisition of "Runes," the in-game currency, which are used to increase your character's stats. As you level up, the rune cost for each subsequent level increases, generally following a pattern of about 7-10% per level. This encourages strategic planning and resource management.

Players can improve their attributes at Sites of Grace using runes, allowing for a wide range of builds that can be further customized with various weapons, magical abilities, and skills. The game supports experimentation, enabling players to respec their character's stats using Larval Tears, although these are limited and must be used wisely.

Additionally, the game features a classless system that allows for unique builds with different skills, talismans, spells, and consumables. This flexibility ensures that players can tailor their gameplay experience to their preferred style, whether focusing on melee combat, magic, or a hybrid approach.

In summary, Elden Ring offers a robust system for character customization and progression, allowing players to craft their journey through the Lands Between with a character that truly reflects their chosen playstyle.

What influences from other games or media can be seen in Elden Ring?

Elden Ring is a rich tapestry of influences drawn from various games, media, and literature, creating a unique experience that echoes familiar elements while offering something new.

    • FromSoftware's Legacy: As a spiritual successor to Dark Souls, Elden Ring maintains similar mechanics and aesthetics, drawing heavily from the "Soulsborne" genre, which includes Bloodborne and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. These influences are evident in its combat system and overarching themes of difficulty and exploration.
    • Open World Design: The game's open world bears resemblance to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, particularly in its approach to exploration where players have the freedom to explore a vast landscape without being guided by numerous markers. This design choice encourages players to discover secrets organically.
    • Narrative and Mythos: The involvement of George R.R. Martin, known for A Song of Ice and Fire, brings a depth of lore and mythological richness reminiscent of his work on Game of Thrones. This collaboration results in a world filled with complex characters and intricate narratives.
    • Fantasy Literature and Role-Playing Games: Influences from The Lord of the Rings and Michael Moorcock's The Eternal Champion series are present, providing a foundation of epic fantasy and mythology. Additionally, elements from tabletop RPGs like RuneQuest are integrated, enriching the game's world-building and mechanics.
    • Artistic Inspirations: The dark fantasy manga Berserk by Kentaro Miura has been a significant influence, as seen in the game's visual style and narrative themes. The intricate and often grotesque designs resonate with the works of Hieronymus Bosch, adding a layer of surreal horror.
    • Other Video Game Influences: The design and mechanics also draw from games such as The Elder Scrolls, The Witcher 3, and older FromSoftware titles like King's Field and Demon's Souls, offering a blend of exploration, storytelling, and combat.

These diverse influences combine to create a game that honors its predecessors while boldly forging its own identity in the gaming landscape.

What is the role of the Elden Ring itself within the game's narrative?

The Elden Ring plays a central role in the narrative of the game, representing a collection of powerful runes that govern the laws of the world in the Lands Between. It is tied to the Erdtree and is a manifestation of the Greater Will, a cosmic entity that seeks to impose order.

Originally, the Elden Ring brought prosperity and stability. However, its shattering during the Night of the Black Knives led to chaos and conflict among the demigods who sought control over its fragments, known as the Great Runes. This event, known as the Shattering, resulted in a war of succession, leaving the world fractured and without a ruling lord.

Throughout the game, players, as the Tarnished, are tasked with restoring the Elden Ring by collecting its shards and becoming the Elden Lord. This quest involves overcoming various challenges and opponents, including demigods who hold pieces of the shattered ring. The ultimate goal is to restore order to the Lands Between and decide the fate of the world.

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