Elden Ring: Is It Just Another Souls Game?

Unequivocally, no. While Elden Ring shares DNA with the Dark Souls series and the broader “Soulsborne” lineage, it transcends being “just another Souls game.” It’s a distinct evolution, a bold stride into a truly open world, and a masterful blend of familiar mechanics with innovative features that carve out its own identity. Elden Ring retains the core difficulty and intricate combat FromSoftware is known for, but it offers a freedom of exploration, customization, and narrative engagement that elevates it beyond a simple rehash of the Souls formula.

Deconstructing the “Souls” Label

The term “Souls-like” has become shorthand for a specific genre characterized by challenging combat, deliberate movement, intricate level design, and a cryptic, lore-rich world. Dark Souls undeniably popularized these elements. Elden Ring adopts these core tenets, but it doesn’t stop there. To understand why it’s more than just a Souls game, we need to dissect the key differences.

Open World Freedom vs. Linear Progression

Dark Souls and its brethren are renowned for their meticulously crafted, interconnected level design. While exploration is encouraged, progression is relatively linear, guided by a defined path and specific milestones. Elden Ring throws this structure out the window. The Lands Between is a vast, sprawling open world that invites players to forge their own path.

This freedom impacts gameplay significantly. Players can circumvent difficult encounters, discover hidden areas and dungeons, and tackle challenges in any order they choose. This freedom is unparalleled in previous FromSoftware titles.

Narrative Approach: From Cryptic to Collaborative

Dark Souls’ storytelling is notoriously opaque, relying heavily on item descriptions, environmental clues, and player speculation to piece together the narrative. Elden Ring, while still retaining a degree of mystery, presents a more accessible and engaging narrative structure.

The involvement of George R.R. Martin in creating the world’s lore is evident. Elden Ring offers a richer, more complex backstory that informs the player’s journey. The narrative remains challenging to fully grasp, but it’s far less esoteric than the cryptic tales of Dark Souls, allowing more players to appreciate the world’s depth.

Combat and Customization: Expanding the Arsenal

The core combat mechanics of Elden Ring remain rooted in the Souls tradition: deliberate attacks, strategic dodges, and the importance of timing and stamina management. However, Elden Ring vastly expands the possibilities for character customization and combat styles.

The addition of Spirit Ashes allows players to summon AI companions to assist in battles, a feature absent from previous Souls games. This alone drastically alters the difficulty curve and allows players to tailor their experience to their skill level. Furthermore, the sheer number of weapons, spells, armor sets, and Ashes of War (weapon skills) provides an unparalleled level of build diversity, enabling players to create unique and powerful characters.

Accessibility and Difficulty: A Nuanced Challenge

Elden Ring is still a challenging game, but it is arguably more accessible than previous FromSoftware titles. The open world allows players to overlevel their characters and acquire powerful equipment before tackling difficult bosses. The availability of Spirit Ashes and other tools provides options for players who may struggle with the game’s core combat.

While the unforgiving nature of FromSoftware games remains, Elden Ring offers more avenues for players to overcome challenges and progress through the game. It’s a brutal but fair experience that rewards patience, experimentation, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. It’s not easy but it is definitely not insurmountable.

Beyond the Difficulty: A Game for Everyone?

The question of whether Elden Ring is for everyone is complex. The game’s difficulty may deter some players, but the open world and customization options make it more approachable than its predecessors. Elden Ring’s accessibility, coupled with its vast world and intricate lore, draws in gamers who might typically shy away from the Souls-like genre.

Whether you are a veteran of FromSoftware games or a newcomer to the genre, Elden Ring offers a compelling and rewarding experience. It’s a game that demands patience and perseverance, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about Elden Ring, addressed to help you understand its place within and beyond the Souls-like genre:

Is Elden Ring a direct sequel to Dark Souls?

No, Elden Ring is a completely separate game with its own universe, lore, and characters. While it shares similar gameplay mechanics with the Dark Souls series, it is not connected to the Dark Souls storyline.

Can I play Elden Ring without having played any Dark Souls games?

Absolutely! Elden Ring is designed to be accessible to new players, even those unfamiliar with the Souls-like genre. While experience with previous FromSoftware titles may provide some advantage, it is by no means necessary to enjoy or succeed in Elden Ring.

Is Elden Ring harder than Dark Souls?

This is subjective and depends on individual playstyle. Elden Ring offers more tools and options to overcome challenges, making it arguably more accessible than some Dark Souls games. However, some bosses and areas in Elden Ring are incredibly difficult.

What makes Elden Ring a “Soulslike” game?

Elden Ring shares key characteristics with the Souls series, including challenging combat, deliberate movement, intricate level design, a focus on exploration, a dark fantasy setting, and a cryptic narrative.

How is Elden Ring different from other open-world games?

Elden Ring’s open world is unique because it is densely populated with challenging enemies, hidden secrets, and intricate dungeons. It does not hold the player’s hand, encouraging exploration and discovery. The difficulty is not scaled to level.

Does Elden Ring have multiplayer?

Yes, Elden Ring features online multiplayer, including cooperative play where players can summon others to assist with challenging areas and bosses, as well as player-versus-player (PvP) invasions.

What are Spirit Ashes and how do they work?

Spirit Ashes are summonable AI companions that can assist players in combat. They can be acquired throughout the game and upgraded to become more powerful. Spirit Ashes provide a significant advantage, especially for players who struggle with solo combat.

Is Elden Ring’s story easier to understand than Dark Souls?

While still retaining a degree of mystery, Elden Ring’s story is generally considered more accessible than the cryptic narratives of the Dark Souls series. The involvement of George R.R. Martin in creating the world’s lore provides a richer and more engaging backstory.

What are Ashes of War and how do they affect combat?

Ashes of War are weapon skills that can be applied to weapons, changing their abilities and providing new combat options. They allow players to customize their weapons to suit their playstyle and create unique builds.

Is Elden Ring suitable for casual gamers?

While challenging, Elden Ring is more accessible to casual players than previous FromSoftware titles. The open world allows players to overlevel their characters and acquire powerful equipment, and Spirit Ashes can provide assistance in combat.

What is the best class to start with in Elden Ring?

There is no “best” class, as each class has its own strengths and weaknesses. However, classes like the Vagabond and Samurai are often recommended for beginners due to their balanced stats and access to decent starting equipment. The Wretch is the hardest starting class.

How many endings does Elden Ring have?

Elden Ring has multiple endings, each determined by the player’s choices and actions throughout the game. This adds to the game’s replayability and encourages players to explore different paths and outcomes.

Is Elden Ring being developed further?

The studio president and creative director, Hidetaka Miyazaki, has seemingly confirmed that a sequel to Elden Ring was in development.

Which game is more mechanically demanding?

Elden Ring isn’t nearly as demanding mechanically as games like that. Most adversaries use enormous, seconds-long animations to telegraph their strikes, giving players plenty of time to respond with a well-timed dodge, block, or parry.

What impact does a game like Elden Ring have on players?

Games like Elden Ring can be powerful tools for learning. From improving problem-solving skills to fostering resilience, engaging with such complex systems and overcoming obstacles can have a positive impact. The Games Learning Society explores these connections further. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for research and insights into the intersection of games and education.

Conclusion

Elden Ring is a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of the “Souls-like” genre. While it embraces the core tenets of challenging combat, intricate level design, and cryptic lore, it elevates the formula with its vast open world, accessible narrative, and unparalleled customization options. It’s not just another Souls game; it’s an evolution, a bold step into a new era of open-world action RPGs that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you are a seasoned Souls veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Elden Ring offers an unforgettable and rewarding experience that will captivate you for hours on end.