Elden Ring Gameplay Video
Featured: Game Comparisons
Elden Ring Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Proprietary (FromSoftware) |
| Genre | Action RPG, Open World, Souls-like, Dark Fantasy |
| Initial Release | 2022-02-25 |
| Developer | FromSoftware Inc. |
| Publisher | Bandai Namco Entertainment (International), FromSoftware (Japan) |
| Setting | The Lands Between |
| Perspective | Third-Person |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S |
| Multiplayer | Cooperative (Summon Phantoms), PvP (Invasions, Duels, Colosseum) |
| Unique Feature | Vast Open World Design by FromSoftware, George R. R. Martin Worldbuilding, Challenging Combat, Deep Lore, Ashes of War System, Spirit Ash Summons, Mounted Combat (Torrent). |
Elden Ring System Requirements
1080p_No_RT
tune Minimum (1080p ~30-45 FPS, Low/Medium Preset, No Ray Tracing) – Low to Medium Preset, Ray Tracing OFF
tune Recommended (1080p ~60 FPS, High Preset, No Ray Tracing) – High Preset, Ray Tracing OFF
1440p_No_RT
tune High (1440p ~60 FPS, High/Max Preset, No Ray Tracing) – High/Max Preset (Optimized), Ray Tracing OFF
4K_No_RT
tune Ultra (2160p/4K ~45-60 FPS, High/Max Preset, No Ray Tracing) – High/Max Preset (Optimized), Ray Tracing OFF
Elden Ring Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core I7 12700 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 140W
storage 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
1349
Model: MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I7 12700 H (Score: 900)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Score: 6600) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_No_RT - Minimum (Low to Medium Preset, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory Intel Core I9 13900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
999
Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 13900 H (Score: 1058)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_No_RT - Minimum (Low to Medium Preset, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_No_RT - Minimum (Low to Medium Preset, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory Intel Core I9 12900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI 150W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1397
Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 12900 H (Score: 1030)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI (Score: 7100) @ 150W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_No_RT - Minimum (Low to Medium Preset, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory Intel Core I5 12450 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
645
Model: HP Victus 15 with RTX 3050 and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I5 12450 H (Score: 628)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_No_RT - Minimum (Low to Medium Preset, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory Intel Core I5 12500 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 TI 80W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
710
Model: Acer Nitro 5 with RTX 3050 Ti and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I5 12500 H (Score: 633)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 TI (Score: 7220) @ 80W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_No_RT - Minimum (Low to Medium Preset, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_No_RT - Minimum (Low to Medium Preset, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 680 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1299
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 680 H (Score: 880)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 (Score: 7448) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_No_RT - Minimum (Low to Medium Preset, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 590 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3080 100W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
1489
Model: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 590 HS (Score: 820)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3080 (Score: 7904) @ 100W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_No_RT - Minimum (Low to Medium Preset, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory Intel Core I7 13620 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1350
Model: MSI Katana 15 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core I7 13620 H (Score: 843)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_No_RT - Minimum (Low to Medium Preset, Ray Tracing OFF).
-
Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 (64-bit)
64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 is required.
- memoryDirectX: DirectX 12 (Feature Level 12_0)
DirectX 12 API is required.
- save_altStorage Note: 60 GB available space (SSD Recommended). Size may increase with DLC like 'Shadow of the Erdtree'.
An NVMe SSD is highly recommended for the best experience, minimizing load times and improving asset streaming in the large open world.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: The game does not natively support DLSS or FSR in its initial releases, but this can vary with patches or be achievable via mods on PC. Ray tracing was added in a post-launch patch for PC (shadows and ambient occlusion).
Key Settings: Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Antialiasing Quality, SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion), Grass Quality, Volumetric Quality, and Reflection Quality heavily impact performance. Ray Tracing features are very demanding.
Elden Ring: Map Size and Regions
Elden Ring features a massive open world, the Lands Between, composed of six major regions, each ruled by a Shardbearer demigod: Limgrave (temperate, introductory region), Liurnia of the Lakes (vast wetlands and magical academy), Caelid (scarlet rot-infested wasteland), Altus Plateau (golden, autumnal highlands leading to the capital), Mt. Gelmir (volcanic region home to Rykard), and Mountaintops of the Giants (snowy, desolate peaks). There are also extensive underground areas like Siofra River, Ainsel River, and Deeproot Depths, as well as Leyndell, Royal Capital. The world is seamlessly interconnected with numerous dungeons, caves, catacombs, castles, and points of interest. Map size is estimated to be very large, significantly exceeding previous FromSoftware titles (e.g., comparisons suggest around 70-80 sq km for the main overworld, with substantial underground areas adding to this).
Elden Ring: Post-Launch Content / DLC
A major expansion, 'Shadow of the Erdtree,' is set to release in June 2024, promising a new large area, new story, bosses, weapons, and spells. The game has also received free updates including a Colosseum PvP mode and various balance patches.
Elden Ring: Game Editions
Available in Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition (digital artbook & soundtrack), Collector's Edition (Statue of Malenia, SteelBook, artbook, digital soundtrack), and Premium Collector's Edition (Collector's Edition content + 1:1 Malenia helmet replica). The 'Shadow of the Erdtree' expansion is a major paid DLC.
Elden Ring: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Elden Ring supports cross-generation multiplayer within the same console family (e.g., PS4 players can play with PS5 players). However, there is no full cross-platform play between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Elden Ring Specific Game Elements
Elden Ring Weapons
- securityAxes, Greataxes, Halberds (Chopping/Cleaving (Often Strength Focused))
Weapons that deal significant physical damage, often with good stagger potential. Halberds offer reach and sweeping attacks.
- securityBows, Greatbows, Crossbows, Ballistas (Ranged (Physical Projectile))
Various ranged weapons using arrows or bolts. Bows scale with stats, crossbows typically do not but can be used with lower stat investment. Greatbows and Ballistas are heavy artillery.
- securityCurved Swords, Curved Greatswords, Katanas (Slashing Blade (Often Dexterity Focused))
Weapons emphasizing fast slashes, often causing bleed buildup (especially Katanas). Curved Greatswords offer a balance of speed and power.
- securityDaggers, Claws, Fists (Light Melee (Fast/Status Effects))
Fast-attacking weapons, often used for applying status effects like bleed or poison quickly, or for critical hits (daggers). Can be dual-wielded effectively.
- securityGlintstone Staves (Magic Catalyst (Sorcery))
Used to cast Glintstone Sorceries. Different staves scale with Intelligence and boost specific types of sorceries.
- securityHammers, Great Hammers, Colossal Weapons (Blunt) (Blunt/Strike Damage (Often Strength Focused))
Weapons that deal strike damage, effective against heavily armored or crystalline enemies. Colossal weapons are slow but devastating.
- securitySacred Seals (Magic Catalyst (Incantation))
Used to cast Incantations. Different seals scale with Faith (and sometimes Strength/Arcane) and boost specific types of incantations.
- securityShields (Small, Medium, Greatshields) (Defensive)
Used to block incoming attacks. Offer varying degrees of damage negation and guard boost (stamina reduction on block). Small shields are better for parrying, greatshields for absorbing heavy hits. Can be infused with Ashes of War for special abilities.
- securitySpears, Great Spears, Twinblades (Piercing/Slashing (Reach/Agility))
Spears offer excellent reach for thrusting attacks. Great Spears are heavier versions. Twinblades are agile weapons that hit multiple times with spinning attacks.
- securityStraight Swords, Greatswords, Colossal Swords (Sword (Various Sizes))
A wide variety of swords offering different attack speeds, ranges, and damage scaling. From nimble short swords to massive, two-handed colossal swords. Can be infused with Ashes of War.
- securityThrusting Swords, Heavy Thrusting Swords (Piercing Blade (Often Dexterity/Counter Focused))
Weapons designed for piercing attacks, effective against armored foes or for counter-attacks. Heavy Thrusting Swords offer more reach and stagger.
- securityTorches (Utility/Light Melee)
Provide light in dark areas. Some have unique properties like repelling certain enemies or dealing minor fire damage.
- securityWhips, Flails (Flexible Melee (Unique Properties))
Whips offer range and can bypass shields. Flails deal strike damage and their charged attacks cannot be parried.
Elden Ring Vehicles
- directions_carLifts & Elevators (Various) (Mechanical Traversal)
Numerous mechanical lifts and elevators are found within Legacy Dungeons, caves, and other structures, providing vertical traversal and often leading to new areas or shortcuts.
- directions_carSpiritsprings (Environmental Traversal Aid)
Natural whirlwinds of air found in the open world. Riding Torrent into a Spiritspring allows for a massive vertical jump, enabling access to high cliffs and plateaus.
- directions_carTeleporters & Waygates (Magical Traversal)
Fixed teleporters or waygates are found in specific locations, allowing for instant travel between two linked points, sometimes across vast distances or to secret areas.
- directions_carTorrent (Spectral Steed) (Mount / Exploration Tool)
The Tarnished's loyal spectral steed, summoned with the Spectral Steed Whistle. Allows for fast traversal across the vast open world of the Lands Between. Torrent can double jump using Spiritsprings (whirlwinds), gallop quickly, and is essential for mounted combat against certain enemies and bosses. Cannot be used inside most dungeons or Legacy Dungeons.
Elden Ring Characters
- personBlaidd the Half-Wolf - Ally / Ranni's Shadow
A loyal and powerful half-wolf warrior bound to serve Ranni. He assists the Tarnished during Ranni's questline and has his own distinct character arc.
- personD, Hunter of the Dead - NPC / Golden Order Fundamentalist
A warrior dedicated to hunting Those Who Live in Death, associated with Gurranq and the Golden Order.
- personFia, the Deathbed Companion - Key NPC / Quest Giver
A companion who offers to hold the Tarnished, granting a temporary HP buff (Baldachin's Blessing) at the cost of a slight max HP debuff. Her questline involves Those Who Live in Death and leads to an alternate ending.
- personIron Fist Alexander (Warrior Jar) - Ally / Living Jar Warrior
A large, sentient jar filled with the remains of warriors. He is a jovial and honorable character seeking glorious battle and travels the Lands Between. Assists the Tarnished in several boss fights.
- personMelina - Ally / Spectral Maiden / Guide
A mysterious spectral maiden who offers the Tarnished an accord: she will act as their Finger Maiden (allowing them to turn Runes into strength) in exchange for being taken to the foot of the Erdtree. She provides guidance, lore, and is central to the main storyline.
- personPatches the Untethered - NPC / Recurring FromSoftware Character / Trickster Merchant
The infamous trickster from previous FromSoftware games. Appears as a mini-boss and later a merchant, always up to no good but sometimes offering unique items.
- personPreceptor Seluvis - NPC / Carian Sorcerer / Schemer
A sorcerer in Ranni's service, but with his own manipulative and sinister agenda involving puppets. Offers sorceries and a morally questionable questline.
- personQueen Marika the Eternal / Radagon of the Golden Order - Central Lore Figure / Ruler of the Lands Between
The vessel of the Elden Ring and eternal queen of the Lands Between. Her shattering of the Elden Ring initiated the game's conflict. Radagon is her other half/consort, a champion of the Golden Order.
- personRanni the Witch (Lunar Princess Ranni) - Key NPC / Empyrean Demigod / Quest Giver
An enigmatic demigod with four arms and a spectral face, who cast aside her Great Rune and her Empyrean flesh. She initiates one of the game's largest and most popular questlines, offering the Tarnished a chance to usher in a new age, the 'Age of Stars.'
- personShardbearer Demigods (Godrick, Rennala, Radahn, Rykard, Morgott, Mohg, Malenia) - Main Bosses / Antagonists
The children and descendants of Queen Marika who claimed shards of the Elden Ring (Great Runes) after The Shattering, plunging the Lands Between into war. They are the primary bosses the Tarnished must defeat.
- personThe Tarnished - Protagonist (playable)
The player-customizable character. An individual of a group exiled from the Lands Between long ago, now summoned back by the call of lost Grace after The Shattering, to seek the Elden Ring and become the Elden Lord. Their specific origin class is chosen at character creation.
- personWar Counselor Iji - Ally / Ranni's Counselor / Blacksmith
A giant, gentle troll blacksmith and Ranni's wise counselor. Provides advice and smithing services.
- personWhite Mask Varré - NPC / Follower of Mohg, Lord of Blood
One of the first NPCs the Tarnished meets, guiding them towards Mohgwyn Palace and PvP activities.
Top 3 Characters (Subjective):
the Witch (Lunar Princess Ranni): An enigmatic Empyrean demigod who offers the Tarnished a different path, central to one of the major endings and a fan-favorite questline. 2. Melina: A mysterious spectral maiden who acts as the Tarnished's guide, allowing them to level up and providing lore. Her true purpose is gradually revealed. 3. Iron Fist Alexander (Warrior Jar): A sentient, jovial warrior jar personnage encountered throughout the Lands Between, seeking glorious battle. A beloved, quirky character.
Elden Ring Missions / Objectives
- flagActivating Great Runes
Objective: After defeating a Shardbearer Demigod and obtaining their Great Rune, the Tarnished must find and ascend the corresponding Divine Tower to restore its power, allowing it to be equipped at a Site of Grace (requires a Rune Arc to activate its effect).
- flagClearing Evergaols
Objective: Circular stone platforms that transport the Tarnished to an arena to fight a unique boss. Rewards often include powerful Ashes of War, weapons, or spells.
- flagLegacy Dungeons (e.g., Stormveil Castle, Academy of Raya Lucaria, Volcano Manor, Leyndell Royal Capital, Crumbling Farum Azula, Elphael Brace of the Haligtree)
Objective: Explore large, intricate, multi-layered dungeon environments filled with powerful enemies, traps, shortcuts, secrets, mini-bosses, and culminating in a major Shardbearer or story-critical boss fight. These are key progression points.
- flagMain Story Path (Becoming Elden Lord / Other Endings)
Objective: The overarching goal is to gather Great Runes by defeating Shardbearer Demigods, gain access to the Erdtree, and ultimately mend or replace the Elden Ring to become the Elden Lord. The specific steps and requirements vary based on player choices and progression through key Legacy Dungeons and boss encounters (e.g., defeat Godrick, Rennala, Radahn, Morgott, Rykard, Mohg, Malenia - though not all are strictly mandatory for every ending). This path involves interactions with Melina and other key NPCs.
- flagMajor NPC Questlines (Ranni, Fia, Millicent, Alexander, Blaidd, Nepheli Loux, Dung Eater, Goldmask & Brother Corhyn, etc.)
Objective: Optional but often extensive and rewarding storylines involving key characters. Completing these questlines can lead to unique items, spells, Spirit Ashes, alternate game endings (especially Ranni's and Fia's), and deeper understanding of the lore. These often require specific actions, finding items, or defeating certain enemies across multiple regions.
- flagMinor Dungeons (Caves, Catacombs, Tunnels, Ruins)
Objective: Smaller, optional dungeons found throughout the open world. Each typically contains a mini-boss at the end and rewards valuable items like Talismans, Spirit Ashes, Ashes of War, crafting materials, or upgrade materials.
- flagShadow of the Erdtree DLC Campaign (Expansion)
Objective: A new major storyline set in the Land of Shadow, accessed by touching Miquella's withered arm in Mohgwyn Palace. Involves following in Miquella's footsteps, uncovering new lore, facing new demigods and enemies, and exploring a vast new map. (Details based on pre-release info)
- flagWorld Bosses & Field Bosses (Tree Sentinels, Night's Cavalry, Erdtree Avatars, Dragons, Death Rite Birds, Tibia Mariners, etc.)
Objective: Powerful, often optional, bosses found roaming the open world or guarding specific locations. Defeating them usually yields unique weapons, Ashes of War, Sorceries/Incantations, or significant amounts of Runes.
Top 3 Missions/Objectives (Subjective - as game is largely non-linear):
a Shardbearer Demigod (e.g., Godrick the Grafted, Starscourge Radahn, Malenia, Blade of Miquella): Major milestone boss fights required to obtain Great Runes and progress towards becoming Elden Lord. Each is a significant challenge with unique mechanics. 2. Exploring a Legacy Dungeon (e.g., Stormveil Castle, Academy of Raya Lucaria, Crumbling Farum Azula): Large, intricate, multi-layered dungeons filled with enemies, traps, secrets, and culminating in a major boss. 3. Completing a Major NPC Questline (e.g., Ranni the Witch's quest, Fia's quest, Millicent's quest): Optional but extensive storylines that delve deep into the lore, unlock unique rewards, and can lead to alternate game endings.
Elden Ring Companions / Summons
- groupCooperative Phantoms (Online Players) (Human (Other Tarnished Players))
Ability: Using online multiplayer features, players can summon up to two other Tarnished (phantoms) into their world to assist with difficult areas or boss fights. Summoned players have reduced flask charges and are returned to their world upon defeating the area boss or if the host dies.
- groupMelina (Narrative/Level Up) (Spectral Maiden (Nature Unknown))
Ability: While not a direct combat companion, Melina appears at Sites of Grace to allow the Tarnished to level up by converting Runes into strength. She also provides significant lore exposition and drives parts of the main narrative. She can be summoned for one specific late-game boss fight.
- groupNPC Questline Summons (Temporary AI) (Humanoid (Various NPCs like Blaidd, Alexander, Millicent, Nepheli Loux, etc.))
Ability: During specific NPC questlines or before certain boss fights related to those quests, the player can often summon that NPC as an AI-controlled ally to help in the fight. Their presence is temporary and tied to that specific encounter or quest step.
- groupSpirit Ashes (Summonable AI) (Various (Spectral Humans, Beasts, Monsters, Demi-Humans))
Ability: The Tarnished can collect and upgrade numerous Spirit Ashes to summon spectral allies in combat. These range from packs of wolves or demi-humans to powerful individual knights, sorcerers, archers, or unique creatures (e.g., Mimic Tear, Black Knife Tiche, Lhutel the Headless). They require FP to summon and can only be used near Rebirth Monuments (common in boss arenas and difficult areas). They act independently, drawing aggro, dealing damage, or providing support.
- groupTorrent (Spectral Steed) (Spectral Horse)
Ability: The Tarnished's loyal spectral steed, summoned with the Spectral Steed Whistle. Allows for fast traversal across the vast open world of the Lands Between. Torrent can double jump using Spiritsprings (whirlwinds), gallop quickly, and is essential for mounted combat against certain enemies and bosses. Cannot be used inside most dungeons or Legacy Dungeons.
Elden Ring Collectibles
- collections_bookmarkAshes of War
Location/Use: Found in chests, dropped by Teardrop Scarabs, specific enemies/bosses, or sold by merchants. Items that can be applied to most standard weapons to grant them a new weapon skill and change their damage scaling affinity (e.g., Heavy, Keen, Quality, Magic, Fire, Sacred).
- collections_bookmarkCookbooks & Crafting Recipes
Location/Use: Found or purchased from merchants. Unlock new recipes for crafting consumable items like Arrows/Bolts, Greases (weapon buffs), Pots (throwable bombs), Cured Meats (status resistance buffs), and more, using materials gathered from the world.
- collections_bookmarkCrystal Tears (for Flask of Wondrous Physick)
Location/Use: Dropped by Erdtree Avatars or found at Minor Erdtrees. Two Crystal Tears can be mixed in the Flask of Wondrous Physick at a Site of Grace to create a custom, single-use potion with powerful temporary effects (e.g., massive stat boost, temporary invincibility, FP cost negation).
- collections_bookmarkGolden Seeds
Location/Use: Found at the base of illusory Minor Erdtrees glowing with golden light. Used at Sites of Grace to increase the maximum number of charges for the Flask of Crimson Tears (HP) and Flask of Cerulean Tears (FP).
- collections_bookmarkGreat Runes
Location/Use: Obtained by defeating major Shardbearer Demigod bosses. Must be activated at a corresponding Divine Tower. Once activated, can be equipped at a Site of Grace and its powerful passive effect (e.g., increased stats, HP on kill) is enabled by consuming a Rune Arc.
- collections_bookmarkMemory Stones
Location/Use: Found in specific towers or as quest rewards. Permanently increase the number of memory slots available for attuning Sorceries and Incantations.
- collections_bookmarkPaintings (Puzzles)
Location/Use: Paintings found in various locations. Interacting with a painting shows an artist's depiction of a scene. The player must then find that exact location in the game world to find a 'ghost' of the artist, who drops a reward (often a unique item or Ash of War).
- collections_bookmarkSacred Tears
Location/Use: Found in churches scattered throughout the Lands Between, usually before a statue of Queen Marika. Used at Sites of Grace to increase the potency (amount restored per charge) of the Flask of Crimson Tears and Flask of Cerulean Tears.
- collections_bookmarkSpirit Ashes
Location/Use: Found in chests, dropped by enemies, or as quest rewards. Consumable items that allow the Tarnished to summon spectral allies (ranging from basic creatures to powerful knights or sorcerers) to aid in combat, particularly against bosses. Require FP to summon and can only be used near Rebirth Monuments. Upgraded with Grave/Ghost Gloveworts.
- collections_bookmarkStonesword Keys
Location/Use: Consumable keys found or purchased. Used to open Imp Statue Seals, which block off optional areas, dungeons, or rooms containing valuable loot, often requiring one or two keys per seal.
- collections_bookmarkTalismans
Location/Use: Found in chests, dropped by enemies/bosses, sold by merchants, or received as quest rewards. Equippable accessories that provide a wide variety of passive buffs, such as increased stats, damage negation, enhanced weapon abilities, or improved resource regeneration. Many are hidden.
Top 3 Collectibles:
Runes: Dropped by Shardbearer demigods. Once activated at a Divine Tower, they provide powerful passive buffs when equipped (and a Rune Arc is consumed). 2. Golden Seeds & Sacred Tears: Golden Seeds increase the number of Flask (healing/FP restoration) charges. Sacred Tears increase the potency of Flasks. Found near Minor Erdtrees and in churches respectively. 3. Talismans: Equippable items that provide a wide variety of passive buffs (e.g., increased stats, damage negation, enhanced abilities). Many are hidden or dropped by bosses.
Elden Ring Armor
- shieldAlter Garments Option
Focus/Stats: At Sites of Grace (with a specific item), some armor pieces can be 'Altered' to remove or change certain cosmetic elements (e.g., removing a cape), which might slightly alter weight and sometimes (rarely) stats.
- shieldArmor Sets (Head, Chest, Gauntlets, Leggings)
Focus/Stats: Players can equip four pieces of armor: Head, Chest, Gauntlets (Arms), and Leggings (Legs). Each piece provides defensive stats (Physical, Strike, Slash, Pierce, Magic, Fire, Lightning, Holy negation) and Poise (resistance to being staggered). Armor sets often have a cohesive visual style and can be mixed and matched. Some pieces or sets offer special passive effects (e.g., boosting a specific stat or spell type). Armor has weight, affecting equip load and roll speed.
- shieldLight, Medium, Heavy Armor Categories
Focus/Stats: Armor pieces generally fall into light, medium, or heavy categories, influencing their defensive values, poise, and weight. Heavier armor offers more protection but requires higher Endurance for equip load to maintain faster roll speeds (Light, Medium, Heavy roll).
Elden Ring Clothing / Appearance
- checkroomAlter Garments Feature
Details: At Sites of Grace, using a Sewing Needle and Tailoring Tools, players can alter certain chest armor pieces to change their appearance, typically by removing a cape or other cosmetic flourish. This can slightly reduce the armor's weight and sometimes marginally affect stats.
- checkroomArmor Sets (Full)
Details: Hundreds of full armor sets, each consisting of a Helm, Chest Armor, Gauntlets, and Leg Armor. Sets provide a cohesive visual style (e.g., Knight Set, Sorcerer Set, Vagabond Set, various faction armors like Carian Knight, Godrick Soldier, Cleanrot Knight) and offer varying levels of protection, poise, and weight. Some sets have unique passive effects when multiple pieces are worn, though this is less common than individual piece perks.
- checkroomIndividual Armor Pieces (Mix & Match)
Details: Players can freely mix and match Helms, Chest Armor, Gauntlets, and Leg Armor from different sets to optimize stats (defense, poise, weight for desired roll speed) and achieve a unique fashion statement ('Fashion Souls').
- checkroomTalismans (Accessory Slots)
Details: While not 'clothing,' Talismans are equipped in dedicated slots and are crucial for character builds, providing significant passive bonuses. They have unique visual icons but do not change the character's outward appearance.
Elden Ring Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
1. Cooperative Play: Players can summon up to two other players (phantoms) into their world to help with exploration, defeating enemies, and tackling bosses. Requires consumables like Furlcalling Finger Remedy. 2. Invasion (PvP): Players can invade other players' worlds as hostile Red Phantoms to engage in combat. 3. Duels: Players can summon others specifically for duels using red summon signs or participate in organized PvP in the Colosseums. 4. Hunter/Blue Sentinels: Players can be automatically summoned to help a host who has been invaded.
- labelUser Interface
Features a minimalistic HUD displaying health (red), FP (blue), and stamina (green) bars. Equipped items (weapons, spells, consumables) are shown in quick slots. A compass at the top of the screen aids navigation. Menus for inventory, equipment, stats, map, and system settings are accessible. Status effects and buffs are shown with icons. Sites of Grace act as checkpoints and hubs for leveling/upgrading.
- labelSound and Music
Original score primarily composed by Yuka Kitamura, Tsukasa Saitoh, Shoi Miyazawa, Yoshimi Kudo, and Tai Tomisawa. Features epic orchestral themes for boss battles, melancholic ambient pieces for exploration, and ethereal choral music for significant locations. Sound design is crucial for combat cues (enemy attacks, parry windows) and creating atmosphere in the diverse biomes and dungeons.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Powered by FromSoftware's proprietary engine, Elden Ring presents a breathtaking and artistically stunning open world. It features diverse landscapes from lush forests and crumbling castles to fetid swamps and celestial realms. Known for its grand scale, intricate environmental details, imaginative enemy and boss designs, and atmospheric lighting. Ray tracing (shadows and ambient occlusion) was added post-launch on PC and current-gen consoles, enhancing visual depth.
- labelAccessibility Features
Accessibility options are more limited compared to some modern AAA titles but include control remapping (extensive on PC), subtitle customization (size, background), options to disable camera auto-rotation, and some UI adjustments. The game's core difficulty remains a key design pillar, but Spirit Ashes and co-op can significantly aid players.
- labelStory and Setting
Set in the Lands Between, a realm blessed by the Elden Ring and the Erdtree. The shattering of the Elden Ring by unknown forces led to a war among the demigod offspring of Queen Marika the Eternal, each claiming a Great Rune (shard of the Elden Ring). This conflict, The Shattering, plunged the Lands Between into ruin. The player is a Tarnished, one of an exiled group now beckoned back by the call of lost Grace to traverse the land, defeat the Shardbearer demigods, gather the Great Runes, and become the Elden Lord. The world's history and mythology were conceived by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R. R. Martin.
- labelSkills and Upgrades Overview (Attributes, Weapons, Ashes of War, Spirit Ashes)
Players level up by spending Runes (currency/XP) at Sites of Grace to increase core Attributes: Vigor (HP), Mind (FP for skills/spells), Endurance (stamina, equip load), Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence (sorcery scaling), Faith (incantation scaling), and Arcane (discovery, status effect buildup, some spells). Weapons are upgraded using Smithing Stones or Somber Smithing Stones. Ashes of War are equippable skills that grant weapons new abilities and can change their damage scaling. Spirit Ashes allow players to summon spectral allies (from basic wolves to powerful knights or mages) to aid in combat, upgraded using Grave Gloveworts. Talismans provide passive buffs. Sorceries and Incantations offer a wide array of magical abilities.
- labelTop 5 Weapons (Subjective/Iconic - examples)
- 1. Moonveil (Katana): Powerful Intelligence/Dexterity katana with a potent magical unsheathe attack. 2. Rivers of Blood (Katana): Infamous for its bleed-inducing Corpse Piler weapon art. 3. Blasphemous Blade (Greatsword): Deals fire damage and heals on kill with its Taker's Flames weapon art. 4. Lusat's Glintstone Staff / Carian Regal Scepter (Sorcery Staves): Top-tier staves for sorcery builds. 5. Dark Moon Greatsword (Greatsword): Iconic FromSoftware weapon, deals magic damage and has a frost-infused charged projectile.
- labelTop 3 Spirit Ashes (Summons - Subjective based on utility)
- 1. Mimic Tear Ashes: Summons a duplicate of the player character, including their equipped gear and stats, making it incredibly versatile and powerful. 2. Black Knife Tiche: Summons an agile assassin who inflicts Destined Death (damage over time, reduces max HP), excellent against bosses. 3. Lhutel the Headless: Summons a spectral knight who can teleport, throw lances, and use a greatshield, making her a versatile tank and damage dealer.
Elden Ring Frequently Asked Questions
- help_outline Is Elden Ring made by the same developers as Dark Souls?Yes, Elden Ring is developed by FromSoftware, the same studio renowned for the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. It shares many gameplay philosophies and mechanics with these titles.
- help_outline Is George R. R. Martin's involvement significant in Elden Ring?George R. R. Martin, author of 'A Song of Ice and Fire' (Game of Thrones), collaborated with Hidetaka Miyazaki to create the foundational lore, mythology, and history of the Lands Between and its characters. He primarily contributed to the worldbuilding that existed before The Shattering, while FromSoftware developed the main game narrative and events within that established history.
- help_outline Is Elden Ring an open-world game?Yes, Elden Ring features a vast, seamless open world called the Lands Between, which players can explore freely. This is a significant departure from the more interconnected but less 'open' level design of previous Souls games. It also includes large, intricate 'Legacy Dungeons' which are more akin to traditional Souls levels.
- help_outline How does multiplayer work in Elden Ring?Elden Ring features both cooperative and competitive (PvP) multiplayer. Players can summon others to help with bosses and exploration, be invaded by hostile players, or engage in duels. This is done through various in-game items and systems like summon signs and the Colosseums.
- help_outline What are Ashes of War?Ashes of War are equippable items that grant weapons new special skills (weapon arts) and can change their damage scaling properties (affinities like Heavy, Keen, Magic, etc.). They allow for extensive customization of weapon movesets and build crafting.
- help_outline What are Spirit Ashes?Spirit Ashes are consumable items that allow the player to summon spectral allies (ranging from animals to warriors) to aid them in combat. They require FP (Focus Points) to summon and can only be used in areas with a Rebirth Monument. They can be upgraded to become more powerful.
- help_outline Is Elden Ring very difficult?Elden Ring maintains FromSoftware's reputation for challenging gameplay, particularly its boss fights. However, the open-world structure, the ability to explore and level up elsewhere if stuck, and powerful tools like Spirit Ashes and Ashes of War provide players with more options to overcome challenges compared to some previous titles, making it potentially more accessible to a wider audience while still offering deep difficulty for veterans.