Elden Ring
Aug 28, 2026 in 15 days
Elden Ring is an action RPG developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, released in February 2022. Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, with world-building contributions from novelist George R. R. Martin, the game features an expansive open world called the Lands Between. Players assume the role of a customisable character known as the Tarnished, who must explore this world, battle formidable enemies, and seek to restore the Elden Ring to become the Elden Lord. The game builds on the challenging gameplay mechanics familiar from the Dark Souls series but introduces a more open-ended structure with vast exploration, dynamic weather, and a day-night cycle. It offers deep lore, complex characters, and an interconnected world filled with secrets, dungeons, and powerful bosses.
What it’s like
Elden Ring delivers a vast, hauntingly beautiful open world where freedom of exploration is paramount. The experience centers on relentless, high-stakes combat that demands precision and patience, rewarding mastery with profound satisfaction. Unlike linear narratives, the story is fragmented across item descriptions and cryptic dialogues, requiring players to piece together lore through environmental storytelling rather than exposition. The tone is one of decayed grandeur and melancholic mystery, set against a backdrop of epic fantasy and mythic scale. Progression feels organic; if stuck, the design encourages venturing elsewhere to discover new areas, builds, or allies. It balances immense challenge with accessibility options like spirit ashes, making it a landmark achievement in game design that prioritizes player agency and discovery over hand-holding.
Strong in Atmosphere / MoodAudio / MusicCombatDifficulty / ChallengeExploration / WorldGameplay / MechanicsProgression / ReplayabilitySystems Depth / Build VarietyVisuals / ArtPacingPolish / PerformanceStory / Narrative
Keep in mind The steep difficulty curve may alienate players seeking a relaxed or casual experience, despite the open-world freedom to bypass challenges. Additionally, the narrative is intentionally obscure and non-linear, which can frustrate those who prefer clear, direct storytelling.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from ign.com, reddit.com, xboxtavern.com, gamespot.com, metacritic.com, vizzed.com.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Feb 25, 20224 years ago |
| PlayStation 4 | Worldwide | Full release | Feb 25, 20224 years ago |
| PlayStation 5 | Worldwide | Full release | Feb 25, 20224 years ago |
| Xbox One | Worldwide | Full release | Feb 25, 20224 years ago |
| Xbox Series X|S | Worldwide | Full release | Feb 25, 20224 years ago |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Worldwide | Full release | Aug 28, 2026in 15 days |
