Is Elden Ring a Walk in the Park Compared to Dark Souls? Untangling the Difficulty Debate

The age-old question: Is Elden Ring easier than Dark Souls? The short answer is… it’s complicated. Elden Ring, while undeniably challenging, offers several mechanics and design choices that can make the overall experience less punishing than the Dark Souls trilogy. This isn’t to say it’s a breeze; rather, Elden Ring provides more tools and opportunities for players to mitigate difficulty, allowing for a wider range of skill levels to find enjoyment and success. Let’s delve deeper.

The Open World Advantage: Breathing Room in the Lands Between

One of the most significant differences lies in the open-world structure. Dark Souls games are known for their intricate, interconnected level design that often funnels players into specific, challenging areas. Elden Ring, on the other hand, allows players to explore freely and tackle challenges in a non-linear fashion.

• Avoiding the Brick Wall: If you’re stuck on a particularly tough boss, like Margit the Fell Omen, you can simply ride off in another direction, level up, find new equipment, and return later, much stronger. This is a crucial element of its accessibility.
• Discovery and Empowerment: The open world is teeming with secrets, dungeons, and optional bosses. Discovering a powerful weapon or a new Spirit Ash can drastically alter the difficulty of encounters.
• Pace and Choice: The open world permits for more flexibility when it comes to the game’s speed. A player can choose to make the game slower and easier.

Spirit Ashes: Your AI Allies in Battle

Perhaps the most controversial, yet impactful, addition to the FromSoftware formula is the introduction of Spirit Ashes. These summonable allies provide valuable assistance in combat, acting as distractions, dealing damage, and allowing players to create openings.

• Accessibility vs. Challenge: Spirit Ashes can significantly reduce the difficulty of boss fights, particularly for those struggling with the game’s combat mechanics. However, some purists argue that relying on Spirit Ashes trivializes the experience.
• Strategic Depth: Utilizing different Spirit Ashes strategically adds another layer of depth to combat. Some are better suited for tanking damage, while others excel at inflicting status effects or dealing ranged damage.
• Balance is Key: While powerful, Spirit Ashes are not a guaranteed victory. Players still need to understand enemy attack patterns and employ smart tactics to succeed.

Build Variety: Crafting Your Perfect Tarnished

Elden Ring boasts an unparalleled level of build variety, allowing players to create characters that cater to their preferred playstyle. This freedom can greatly impact the perceived difficulty of the game.

• Overpowered Options: Certain builds, such as those focused on magic or bleed, can be incredibly powerful, allowing players to cheese through encounters that would otherwise be extremely challenging.
• Finding Your Niche: The sheer number of weapons, armor sets, spells, and incantations means that players can experiment and find a build that perfectly suits their strengths.
• Re-Specing: The ability to re-spec your character allows you to change builds if the one you are running isn’t working out for you.

Accessibility Options and Quality of Life Improvements

Beyond the core gameplay mechanics, Elden Ring incorporates several quality-of-life improvements that make it more accessible than previous FromSoftware titles.

• Sites of Grace: The abundance of Sites of Grace (bonfires) reduces the frustration of dying repeatedly, as you’re less likely to lose significant progress.
• Map and Fast Travel: The detailed map and fast travel system make exploration much more convenient, allowing players to quickly travel to different areas and manage their time effectively.
• Multiplayer Assistance: The option to summon other players for co-op assistance remains, providing a valuable lifeline for those struggling with specific challenges.

But Dark Souls Still Holds Its Own

Despite these advantages, it’s important to acknowledge that Dark Souls still presents a unique and formidable challenge.

• Tighter Level Design: Dark Souls’ meticulously crafted levels often force players to confront enemies and obstacles head-on, demanding precision and skill.
• More Punishing Combat: Dark Souls combat can feel more unforgiving, with less room for error and a greater emphasis on timing and spacing.
• The Sense of Isolation: The oppressive atmosphere and sense of isolation in Dark Souls contribute to its overall difficulty, creating a feeling of constant tension and dread.

The Final Verdict: Easier, But Not Easy

In conclusion, while Elden Ring offers more tools and options for players to overcome challenges, it is not a significantly easier game than Dark Souls. It’s more accurate to say that Elden Ring is more accessible and accommodating, allowing a wider range of players to experience the unique thrill of overcoming adversity in a FromSoftware game. Ultimately, the perceived difficulty will depend on individual playstyles, build choices, and willingness to embrace the game’s mechanics. As our understanding of game design and its impact on players continues to evolve, resources like the Games Learning Society can help to deepen this discussion. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more insights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Elden Ring my first Souls game?

Yes, Elden Ring offers a relatively more approachable experience and is a good starting point for those new to the genre. Its easier to level up and avoid areas that are over your level than in Dark Souls.

2. Are Elden Ring bosses harder than Dark Souls bosses?

It’s debatable. Elden Ring bosses often have more complex movesets and higher damage output. But the fact that you can summon help with Spirit Ashes makes them much more approachable.

3. Which Dark Souls game is the hardest?

Opinions vary, but many consider Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin to be the most difficult, due to its enemy placement and unique mechanics like Adaptability.

4. Does leveling up make Elden Ring significantly easier?

Yes, leveling up increases your stats, making you stronger and more durable. This is especially noticeable in the early game. Also weapons get stronger as you level them up.

5. Can an average gamer beat Elden Ring?

Yes, with patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn, the average gamer can beat Elden Ring. Don’t be afraid to explore and experiment!

6. How long does it take to beat Elden Ring?

The average playthrough takes around 50-70 hours, but completionists can easily spend over 100 hours exploring every nook and cranny.

7. What’s the best class for beginners in Elden Ring?

The Vagabond is often recommended for beginners due to its high starting health and strength, making it more forgiving in combat.

8. What is the best way to get better at Elden Ring?

Learning enemy attack patterns, exploring thoroughly, and experimenting with different builds are all crucial for improving your skills.

9. At what level do most players beat Elden Ring?

Most players are around Rune Level 150 when they beat Elden Ring.

10. What percentage of players actually beat Elden Ring?

Elden Ring has a relatively high completion rate, with almost 50% of players finishing the game at least once.

11. Is Elden Ring grindy?

Elden Ring can be grindy if you’re trying to reach max level or acquire specific items, but it’s not necessary to grind extensively to beat the game.

12. What makes Elden Ring so popular?

Its open world, challenging combat, deep lore, and sense of exploration all contribute to its popularity. The open-world aspect helped the game become very popular.

13. Should I use Spirit Ashes in Elden Ring?

That’s entirely up to you! Spirit Ashes can make the game easier, but some players prefer to challenge themselves without them. They’re there for your use if you need them!

14. Is Elden Ring more accessible than previous FromSoftware games?

Yes, Elden Ring’s open world, Spirit Ashes, and quality-of-life improvements make it more accessible to a wider audience.

15. What are some tips for Elden Ring beginners?

Focus on exploring, leveling up your Vigor (health), and learning enemy attack patterns. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or consult online resources.