Is Elden Ring an Easier Souls Game? A Deep Dive

Yes, Elden Ring is generally considered easier than many of the previous Souls games, but with a very significant caveat: its open-world structure and flexible gameplay mechanics allow players to tailor the difficulty to their liking. While some purists might scoff, the sheer breadth of options available in Elden Ring means that a determined player can find ways to overcome challenges that would be insurmountable in the more linear and restrictive environments of, say, Dark Souls 3 or Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Let’s delve into the nuances that make Elden Ring’s difficulty such a complex topic.

The Factors Contributing to Perceived Ease

Several key elements contribute to the perception that Elden Ring is more accessible than its predecessors:

• Open World Exploration: Unlike the meticulously crafted, interconnected levels of the Dark Souls trilogy, Elden Ring presents a vast open world. This allows players to bypass difficult areas, level up, acquire better gear, and return later when they are better equipped to handle the challenge. This freedom eliminates the sense of being trapped, a common source of frustration in other Souls games.

• Spirit Ashes: These summonable allies fundamentally alter the combat dynamic. Spirit Ashes can draw enemy aggro, providing crucial breathing room for players to heal, reposition, or unleash powerful attacks. Some Spirit Ashes are incredibly powerful, essentially trivializing certain boss encounters for those who choose to rely on them.

• Powerstancing and Build Variety: Elden Ring offers an unparalleled level of customization when it comes to character builds. The ability to powerstance weapons (wielding two of the same type simultaneously), coupled with a vast array of weapons, spells, and incantations, allows players to create highly specialized and effective characters. This adaptability can make the game significantly easier for those who experiment and find a build that suits their playstyle.

• The Jump Button: It may sound trivial, but the addition of a jump button drastically changes the way players can interact with the environment. Jumping allows for more strategic positioning, evasion of attacks, and access to previously unreachable areas. This added layer of mobility makes combat and exploration feel more fluid and less punishing.

• Accessibility of Summons: Summoning other players for co-op assistance has always been a feature of the Souls series, but Elden Ring makes it far more accessible. The ease with which players can summon allies, combined with the power of Spirit Ashes, can turn even the most challenging boss fights into manageable encounters.

The Caveats: Where Elden Ring Remains Brutal

While the above factors certainly contribute to a more accessible experience, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Elden Ring still retains the core tenets of the Souls formula. Certain aspects of the game remain incredibly challenging:

• Late-Game Bosses: While early and mid-game bosses can be overcome with relative ease through clever use of Spirit Ashes and powerful builds, the late-game bosses in Elden Ring are notoriously difficult. Enemies like Malenia, Blade of Miquella, often considered one of the hardest bosses in FromSoftware history, and Elden Beast, are designed to punish mistakes and require a high level of skill and precision.

• Difficulty Spikes: The open world can sometimes lead to unexpected difficulty spikes. Players can stumble into areas far beyond their current level, leading to frustrating and one-sided encounters.

• The Souls “Language”: Like its predecessors, Elden Ring relies on a non-traditional form of storytelling that requires players to piece together lore and understand the game’s mechanics through observation and experimentation. This can be overwhelming for newcomers.

• Unforgiving Combat: Despite the availability of powerful tools, Elden Ring’s combat remains unforgiving. Enemies hit hard, and mistakes are often punished severely. Players must learn to dodge, parry, and manage their stamina effectively to survive.

Is Elden Ring the “Easiest” Souls Game?

Ultimately, whether Elden Ring is the “easiest” Souls game is subjective and depends on individual playstyle and preferences. Those who embrace the game’s open-world structure, utilize Spirit Ashes, and experiment with different builds will likely find it more accessible than the more linear and punishing Dark Souls games. However, those who attempt to tackle the game without these tools or venture into challenging areas unprepared will find that Elden Ring can be just as brutal as any other FromSoftware title.

The real genius of Elden Ring lies in its ability to cater to a wider audience without sacrificing the core challenge that defines the Souls genre. It offers a wealth of options for players to customize their experience, allowing them to tailor the difficulty to their liking. Whether you’re a seasoned Souls veteran or a complete newcomer, Elden Ring has something to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Elden Ring my first Souls game?

Elden Ring is a fantastic entry point to the Souls-like genre because of its open-world design and abundant options for customization. You can always grind and improve yourself.

2. Can you change the difficulty in Elden Ring?

No, Elden Ring, like other FromSoftware games, does not have traditional difficulty settings. However, players can effectively adjust the difficulty through various in-game mechanics, such as summoning, using Spirit Ashes, and choosing different builds.

3. Which class is the easiest to start with in Elden Ring?

The Vagabond is generally recommended as the easiest starting class for beginners. It starts with high Vigor, Strength, and Dexterity, making it a durable and versatile character capable of wielding a variety of weapons and armor.

4. Are Spirit Ashes considered “cheating” in Elden Ring?

Using Spirit Ashes is not considered cheating. They are an intended game mechanic designed to help players overcome challenging encounters. Some players may choose not to use them for a more purist experience, but there’s no inherent shame in utilizing this tool.

5. Is Elden Ring harder than Dark Souls 3?

Elden Ring can be harder than Dark Souls 3 in certain aspects, particularly in the late game. However, the open-world structure and the availability of Spirit Ashes make it generally more accessible to a wider range of players.

6. What level should I be to fight Malenia?

It is recommended to be around level 120-150 to fight Malenia, Blade of Miquella. However, even at this level, she remains one of the most challenging bosses in the game.

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

The main story of Elden Ring takes around 60-80 hours to complete. However, exploring the open world and completing all side content can easily extend the playtime to over 100 hours. If you want to have a 100% game completion, you may spend around 133 hours.

8. Is Elden Ring fun for casual players?

Yes, Elden Ring can be enjoyable for casual players, especially those who appreciate exploration, character customization, and a sense of progression. The open world allows players to tackle challenges at their own pace and find ways to overcome obstacles that suit their playstyle.

9. Is Elden Ring harder on New Game Plus (NG+)?

Yes, Elden Ring is significantly harder on NG+. Enemies have increased health and damage, making combat more challenging.

10. Is Elden Ring harder than Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice?

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is generally considered more difficult than Elden Ring due to its reliance on precise parrying and its lack of character customization options.

11. Can I play Elden Ring offline?

Yes, Elden Ring can be played offline. However, playing offline will disable the ability to summon other players for co-op assistance.

12. What makes Elden Ring so popular?

Elden Ring’s popularity stems from its vast open world, challenging but rewarding gameplay, deep character customization, and rich lore. Its accessibility compared to other Souls games has also attracted a wider audience.

13. Should I watch a guide before playing Elden Ring?

Whether or not to watch a guide before playing Elden Ring is a matter of personal preference. Some players prefer to go in blind and discover the game’s secrets on their own, while others find that guides can help them avoid frustration and make the most of their experience.

14. What is the best weapon in Elden Ring for beginners?

The Lordsworn’s Straight Sword is often recommended as one of the best weapons for beginners. It is easy to acquire, has good damage, and scales well with both Strength and Dexterity.

15. Does Elden Ring require a lot of grinding?

Elden Ring does not necessarily require a lot of grinding. However, leveling up your character and acquiring better gear will make the game significantly easier. Players can choose to grind if they are struggling with certain areas or bosses, but it is not essential to complete the game.

Ultimately, Elden Ring presents a uniquely tailored Souls experience. While challenging, the openness and flexibility allow players to engage on their own terms, making it a potentially more accessible entry point than its predecessors.

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