Did Elden Ring Revive the Souls Series? Unpacking Dark Souls Sales Post-Elden Ring
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Determining the exact number of Dark Souls series sales after the release of Elden Ring is challenging as official, publicly released figures are not readily available. However, the available information indicates that Elden Ring’s immense popularity did indeed lead to a boost in sales for the entire Dark Souls franchise. Before Elden Ring’s launch, the Dark Souls series had collectively sold 27 million units. While specific post-Elden Ring numbers are not broken down, the fact that the entire Dark Souls series, as of current reports, has now sold over 35 million units demonstrates that the series has gained at least 8 million in sales after Elden Ring’s release. This is a significant surge and highlights the impact of Elden Ring on its predecessors.
Elden Ring’s Halo Effect on Dark Souls
It’s clear that Elden Ring’s monumental success has not been contained to just its own sales figures. The game’s immense popularity, critical acclaim, and status as Game of the Year for 2022 brought FromSoftware and its “Soulslike” formula into the mainstream in a way never seen before. This newfound interest naturally led many new players, as well as returning veterans, to explore the studio’s back catalog, and particularly, the Dark Souls trilogy.
Increased Awareness and Accessibility
Several factors likely contributed to the increased sales of Dark Souls after Elden Ring’s launch:
- New Fans: Elden Ring introduced millions of new players to the challenging but rewarding gameplay experience that is the hallmark of FromSoftware titles. Many of these newcomers, having enjoyed Elden Ring, would naturally be curious about the games that pioneered the genre, namely the Dark Souls series.
- Accessibility: While Dark Souls is famous for its difficulty, Elden Ring’s open-world design and more forgiving options like summoning spirits made it more accessible to a wider audience. This accessibility likely encouraged many who had been intimidated by the Dark Souls series to give it a try.
- Nostalgia and Comparison: The release of Elden Ring also sparked comparisons between the new title and its predecessors, encouraging long-time fans to revisit the Dark Souls series. Discussions on online forums and social media often revolved around which game was “better,” further driving engagement.
Dark Souls 3: A Key Beneficiary
While the entire series saw an increase, Dark Souls 3 is likely to have experienced a particularly notable surge in sales. As the closest game in the trilogy to Elden Ring in terms of gameplay and combat, Dark Souls 3 acts as a stepping stone for players looking for a slightly more linear, yet still challenging experience, after getting their fill of Elden Ring’s vast open world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that provide more context and insight regarding sales, comparisons, and the influence of Elden Ring on the Dark Souls series:
1. How many units did Elden Ring sell in total?
As of March 2023, Elden Ring had sold 20.5 million units worldwide. It is important to note that these are the last publicly released sales numbers and the game has almost certainly sold more since.
2. How many copies did Dark Souls 3 sell?
Dark Souls 3 reached 10 million copies sold roughly four years after its release, which was considered an achievement at the time. However, this is dwarfed by Elden Ring’s success.
3. Has Elden Ring outsold the entire Dark Souls series?
No. As of now, the Dark Souls series has sold over 35 million units, while Elden Ring has sold 20.5 million units, though its sales will surely continue to grow.
4. How much did Dark Souls sell prior to Elden Ring?
Before Elden Ring’s release, the entire Dark Souls series had reportedly sold approximately 27 million units.
5. Did Elden Ring break any sales records?
Yes, Elden Ring has broken multiple sales records, including selling 12 million units in just two weeks, a feat unheard of for a game in this genre.
6. Is Elden Ring more successful than Dark Souls 3?
Absolutely. Elden Ring sold 12 million units in two weeks, whereas Dark Souls 3 took four years to reach 10 million. This clearly establishes Elden Ring’s greater commercial success.
7. Which is more difficult: Elden Ring or Dark Souls?
While individual experiences vary, Elden Ring generally is considered more accessible, though its late-game content can be more difficult than most of the Dark Souls trilogy. The series is considered more consistently difficult, with Dark Souls 2 often ranked as the least accessible.
8. Why is Elden Ring so popular compared to Dark Souls?
Elden Ring’s open-world design, improved accessibility, more forgiving mechanics such as spirit summons, and the massive hype surrounding its release contributed to its greater popularity.
9. How many people have 100% completed Elden Ring?
Roughly 7.9% of players on PlayStation have earned the Platinum Trophy for Elden Ring, a considerably high rate for a challenging AAA title.
10. Which Dark Souls game is the most like Elden Ring?
Dark Souls 3 is the most similar to Elden Ring in terms of combat and gameplay, despite the absence of an open-world structure.
11. Will there be a Dark Souls Remake?
Currently, FromSoftware has not announced any plans for a Dark Souls remake beyond the previously released remaster of Dark Souls 1. Rumors and speculation lean towards remasters of Dark Souls 2 and 3 before considering any full remake projects.
12. Is Elden Ring easier than Dark Souls?
Elden Ring can be seen as more approachable than Dark Souls because of its open world and spirit summons. However, Elden Ring still poses a challenge, and its late-game content and some bosses can be more difficult than anything in the Dark Souls trilogy.
13. What is the hardest area in Elden Ring?
The Crumbling Farum Azula is widely considered the hardest dungeon in Elden Ring, featuring challenging enemies and boss fights.
14. What percentage of players have completed Elden Ring?
Approximately 50% of Elden Ring players have completed the game at least once, significantly higher than most other AAA games.
15. Is Elden Ring 2 in development?
While no formal announcement has been made, there is strong speculation and even hints from the game’s guidebook that a sequel to Elden Ring is in the early stages of development.
Conclusion: A Legacy Strengthened
Elden Ring’s release has had a significant and positive impact on the Dark Souls series. While exact figures are difficult to ascertain, the fact that the Dark Souls series has gained at least 8 million in sales since Elden Ring’s release is a testament to the newer title’s power to draw attention back to FromSoftware’s legacy titles. By introducing new players and reigniting the interest of veterans, Elden Ring has ensured that the Dark Souls legacy continues to thrive and is enjoyed by even more gamers. This synergistic relationship has further solidified FromSoftware’s place at the forefront of the action RPG genre.