Is Elden Ring a Sequel to Dark Souls? A Deep Dive into FromSoftware’s Lore

The short answer is a resounding no. Elden Ring is not a direct sequel to the Dark Souls series. While both hail from the brilliant minds at FromSoftware and share gameplay DNA, they exist in entirely separate universes with distinct mythologies and narratives. Think of them as siblings, not parent and child; they share family traits but lead independent lives.

Unraveling the Lore: Separate Worlds, Shared DNA

The Allure of Connection

It’s easy to see why the question persists. Elden Ring bears the undeniable mark of a Soulsborne game: challenging combat, intricate level design, cryptic lore, and a general sense of melancholic beauty. The feeling is familiar, a comforting (yet terrifying) embrace for veterans of Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Demon’s Souls. This familiarity breeds speculation. Fans are adept at weaving intricate theories, connecting disparate threads, and uncovering hidden meanings. The desire for a shared universe, a grand tapestry uniting all FromSoftware‘s creations, is powerful.

The Creator’s Word: Hidetaka Miyazaki’s Vision

However, the evidence, both textual and from the source, points in a different direction. Hidetaka Miyazaki, the mastermind behind these games, has explicitly stated that Elden Ring is a standalone universe. He has described Elden Ring as a spiritual successor to the Dark Souls series, meaning it’s a game inspired by another title, but has little to no connection with its lore or narrative. This distinction is crucial. A spiritual successor inherits the essence of its predecessor – the core gameplay mechanics, the overall tone, the sense of exploration and discovery – but not its literal story or characters.

Thematic Resonances vs. Direct Continuity

While there are thematic echoes between the games – recurring motifs like the cycle of fire, the struggle against fate, the corrupting influence of power – these are common threads woven throughout FromSoftware’s work, not proof of a direct link. Think of the Moonlight Greatsword, a recurring weapon across numerous FromSoftware titles. It’s a nod to their history, a fan service Easter egg, not a plot device connecting disparate realities. The presence of similar concepts, like outer gods or cyclical apocalypses, doesn’t necessarily equate to a shared universe either. These are archetypal themes that resonate across different cultures and narratives, perfectly suitable for exploring across various game worlds.

The Power of Interpretation: Headcanon and Fan Theories

Ultimately, the beauty of these games lies in their ambiguity. FromSoftware intentionally leaves gaps in the narrative, inviting players to fill in the blanks, to construct their own interpretations. If you believe Elden Ring is secretly connected to Dark Souls, then that’s perfectly valid for your personal experience. This is often referred to as “headcanon,” which is your personal interpretation that may not align with the established lore. There’s no right or wrong answer, only your individual journey through the Lands Between.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Elden Ring and Dark Souls Connections

Here are 15 FAQs to further clarify the relationship between Elden Ring and Dark Souls, addressing common misconceptions and providing additional context.

1. Is Elden Ring set in the same world as Dark Souls? No, Elden Ring takes place in the Lands Between, a completely separate world with its own history, mythology, and pantheon of gods. Dark Souls is set in the world of Lordran, Drangleic, and Lothric.

2. Are there any characters from Dark Souls in Elden Ring? No, there are no returning characters from the Dark Souls series in Elden Ring. The characters and their stories are unique to each game.

3. Does Elden Ring reference Dark Souls? There are subtle nods and thematic similarities, but no direct references to the events or characters of Dark Souls. These similarities are more akin to Easter eggs or recurring motifs than concrete connections.

4. Is Elden Ring harder than Dark Souls? Difficulty is subjective. Many players find Elden Ring to be more accessible due to its open world and greater freedom in character progression. However, some bosses in Elden Ring are considered significantly challenging.

5. Do I need to play Dark Souls before Elden Ring? No, playing Dark Souls is not required to enjoy or understand Elden Ring. Elden Ring is designed to be a standalone experience. However, familiarity with Soulsborne games might make the learning curve less steep.

6. Is Elden Ring a sequel to any other FromSoftware game? Elden Ring is not a direct sequel to any prior game. It is a standalone experience that draws inspiration from previous FromSoftware titles, especially the Dark Souls series.

7. Does George R.R. Martin’s involvement imply a Dark Souls connection? George R.R. Martin contributed to the world-building and lore of Elden Ring, but his involvement doesn’t create a link to Dark Souls. He helped create a unique and distinct world.

8. Are the gameplay mechanics in Elden Ring the same as Dark Souls? Many core mechanics are shared, such as stamina-based combat, challenging boss fights, and a focus on exploration. However, Elden Ring introduces new elements like an open world, mounted combat, and spirit ashes.

9. Is there a “canon” ending in Elden Ring that might connect it to Dark Souls? While there’s debate on which ending is the most fitting, none of the endings in Elden Ring create a link to the Dark Souls universe.

10. Do all FromSoftware games exist in the same multiverse? While the idea of a shared FromSoftware multiverse is appealing to many fans, there’s no official confirmation. Each game is generally considered to exist in its own separate universe.

11. Is there a hidden meaning behind the Erdtree that connects to Dark Souls’ bonfires? The Erdtree and bonfires are distinct symbolic elements within their respective games, representing different aspects of their worlds. Drawing a direct connection is speculative.

12. What makes Elden Ring a spiritual successor to Dark Souls? Elden Ring inherits the challenging gameplay, intricate level design, and cryptic storytelling that are hallmarks of the Dark Souls series. It builds upon these elements in a new and innovative way, creating a unique experience.

13. Can fan theories change the official lore? Fan theories are a vital part of the community, but they don’t alter the official narrative established by FromSoftware. The developers hold the ultimate authority on the lore.

14. How can I learn more about the lore of Elden Ring and Dark Souls? Engaging with the community, watching lore videos on YouTube, reading online forums, and exploring the games themselves are excellent ways to delve deeper into the lore. The GamesLearningSociety.org website also has relevant information about game analysis and design.

15. Will FromSoftware ever confirm a connection between Elden Ring and Dark Souls? It’s highly unlikely. FromSoftware typically prefers to maintain ambiguity and allow players to interpret their games in their own way. This approach fosters creativity and keeps the community engaged.

In conclusion, while Elden Ring and Dark Souls share a common lineage and thematic resonances, they are definitively separate entities. Enjoy each game for its unique strengths and appreciate the distinct worlds that FromSoftware has crafted. Embrace the mystery, forge your own path, and let the lore unfold naturally.

Here are some of the games developed by FromSoftware:

• Armored Core series
• Demon’s Souls
• Dark Souls series
• Bloodborne
• Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
• Elden Ring