Is Dark Souls and Elden Ring in the Same Universe?
The world of video games has given us many epic stories and experiences, but few can rival the lore and complexity of the Dark Souls series and its latest installment, Elden Ring. Fans of the series have been wondering for months whether these two games share the same universe, and if so, how they are connected. In this article, we’ll delve into the lore and explore the connections between Dark Souls and Elden Ring, providing answers to this burning question.
Direct Answer: Yes, Dark Souls and Elden Ring are in the Same Universe
To start, let’s look at a statement made by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the director of both Dark Souls and Elden Ring, in an interview with IGN. When asked about the connection between the two games, Miyazaki stated: " Elden Ring is a continuation of the world of Dark Souls, but it’s not a direct sequel." This suggests that while the two games share the same universe, they have distinct stories and settings.
The Connection: Lore and History
The lore of Dark Souls and Elden Ring is complex and interconnected. Both games take place in a vast, interconnected world where ancient civilizations, deities, and powerful beings have shaped the course of history. The Elden Ring takes place in the world of The Lands Between, a realm that was ravaged by a catastrophic event known as The Shattering.
In Dark Souls, the world is characterized by the Age of Fire, a time when the gods were said to have descended upon the world, bringing fire and light. Elden Ring takes place after this event, in a world where the Age of Dark has begun, marked by the decline of the gods and the rise of powerful, powerful beings known as The Greater Will.
Shared Elements
Despite being set in different time periods, Dark Souls and Elden Ring share several key elements:
• The Gods: Both games feature powerful deities who play a significant role in shaping the world. In Dark Souls, these gods are often depicted as flawed and capricious, while in Elden Ring, they are more distant and enigmatic.
• The Undead: Both games feature Undead, beings who have lost their souls and are cursed to roam the world. In Dark Souls, the Undead are often depicted as a plague, while in Elden Ring, they are seen as a key part of the world’s balance.
• The Concept of Time: Both games play with the concept of time, often featuring multiple timelines and parallel universes.
The Impact of The Shattering
The Shattering, a catastrophic event that took place in Elden Ring, had a profound impact on the world. This event caused a rift in the fabric of reality, creating new paths and connecting distant lands. In Dark Souls, the effects of The Shattering can be seen in the world’s decay and the rise of new, powerful forces.
The Ties That Bind
Despite the differences between Dark Souls and Elden Ring, several characters and elements from the original series make appearances in the new game. Some notable examples include:
• The Lord of Cinder: A character from Dark Souls returns in Elden Ring, playing a key role in the story.
• The Tarnished: In Elden Ring, players can discover fragments of the Tarnished, a group of beings from Dark Souls who sought to link the fire.
• The Covenant: In Elden Ring, players can encounter The Covenant, a mysterious organization from Dark Souls that seeks to restore the world to its former glory.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dark Souls and Elden Ring are indeed in the same universe, with a complex and interconnected lore that spans thousands of years. While the two games have distinct stories and settings, they share many key elements, including the gods, the Undead, and the concept of time. The connections between the two games are woven throughout their lore, making for a rich and immersive experience for fans of the series.
Timeline of Events
Here is a rough timeline of the events in the Dark Souls and Elden Ring universe:
| Time Period | Event |
|---|---|
| Age of Fire | The gods descend upon the world, bringing fire and light. |
| Age of Dark | The gods abandon the world, and the Age of Dark begins. |
| The Shattering | A catastrophic event that causes a rift in the fabric of reality. |
| Age of Undead | The Undead roam the world, and powerful forces begin to rise. |
| Elden Ring | Players take on the role of a Tarnished, seeking to claim the Elden Ring and become the new ruler of The Lands Between. |
What’s Next?
As fans of the series, we’re eager to see where the story of Elden Ring will take us. Will we learn more about the connections between Dark Souls and Elden Ring, or will we discover new and exciting elements that expand the world of the series? One thing is certain – the world of Dark Souls and Elden Ring is vast and complex, with many secrets waiting to be uncovered.