Elden Ring drew loads of attention when it was originally announced during E3 2019, prompting a seemingly endless stream of questions regarding its release date and just what type of game it will be. A new FromSoftware title is always an event in the ever-growing soulslike community and, despite their high difficulty, these games have increasingly gained mainstream appeal over the years, and for good reason.
The developer has proven time and time again that it’s capable of creating amazing fantasy worlds, ruthless enemies, and stories that, although cryptic and relying on environmental means to be told, are often discussed well after launch. The news that Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin was involved further fanned the hype flames around the title, and we’ve gathered below everything we know about Elden Ring, including details about its release date, gameplay, and story.
Elden Ring Release Date
The wait for Elden Ring’s release date announcement was grueling for the developer’s most dedicated fans, the first details being shared in June 2021, when it was revealed that the title would launch on January 21, 2022.
Later in October 2021, Elden Ring’s launch was delayed until February 25, 2022, which is when the game is now expected to become available globally.
Elden Ring Story
In true FromSoftware fashion, Elden Ring’s story remains cryptic especially before launch. The tidbits that we did get so far suggest that it gravitates around the item that gives the game its name which was shattered by someone. There are mentions of the Golden Order being “broken to its core,” players stepping into the shoes of the Tarnished and setting off in search of the Elden Ring, as they work towards becoming an Elden Lord.
Fire returns as a symbol, although it’s early to tell how big of a part it plays in the story, and there’s even a mention of an unending curse. George R. R. Martin’s role had to do with worldbuilding, helping out to craft the title’s setting – called the Lands Between – as well as its “overarching mythos.”
Elden Ring Gameplay
As far as gameplay is concerned, Elden Ring remains an action-RPG that seems to share some similarities with Dark Souls, including the ruthless difficulty for which FromSoftware is notorious, but also does its own thing. Players get to customize their character’s appearance and freely choose the gear that they wear as they battle all manners of monstrous opponents.
You can also traverse the world and fight opponents while on horseback while the game’s open world is confirmed to feature multi-level dungeons, which take the shape of catacombs, caves, or impressive castles that you can approach in multiple ways. There’s also a map this time around that you can use to navigate the Lands Between.
Like Dark Souls, Elden Ring will let you choose between leaning more into melee skills or opting for a magic-driven playstyle. On top of that, you can summon spirits, seemingly controlled by the AI, to aid you in battle.
Other players can join your games to help you kill bosses but also invade you for some (un)welcome PvP action. You can expect to encounter mysterious characters and battle massive bosses. In between battles, Sites of Grace spread across the world allow you to rest.
Elden Ring also includes a crafting component that lets you prepare for fights without having to run back to a vendor, provided you gathered all the necessary materials.
Elden Ring System Requirements
Elden Ring's system requirements have yet to be announced but we'll likely learn more about them closer to release, which is when we'll update this section.
Where can I buy Elden Ring and how much will it cost?
Elden Ring is set to launch on PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, and PS4. PC users will find it on Steam while those seeking to grab its console version should find it on the Microsoft and PlayStation stores closer to launch. We're looking at a full-priced release, so you'll spend 59,99€/$59.99/£49.99 or your regional equivalent on its base edition.
Elden Ring Trailers
Keep updated on the latest PC Gaming news by following GameWatcher on Twitter, checking out our videos on YouTube, giving us a like on Facebook, and joining us on Discord.
