Elden Ring

Elden Ring is a 2022 action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, with worldbuilding by George R. R. Martin, the game was released on February 25, 2022 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, and later for Nintendo Switch 2. Players control a customizable Tarnished, an exile summoned to the Lands Between, on a quest to repair the shattered Elden Ring and become Elden Lord.

The open world features six main areas traversable on foot or via the spectral steed Torrent, alongside linear hidden dungeons. Combat emphasizes a variety of weapons and magic spells, with stealth mechanics offering alternative approaches. Runes serve as currency for leveling attributes at Sites of Grace, which also enable fast travel. Online multiplayer allows cooperative play against bosses or player-versus-player combat.

FromSoftware aimed to create an open-world evolution of Dark Souls. Miyazaki admired Martin's work and gave him freedom to design the backstory and mythology, while Miyazaki wrote the in-game narrative. The team focused on environmental scale, constructing numerous structures across the world. The game received near-universal acclaim, with Metacritic scores of 97/100 for PC, 96/100 for PS5, and 95/100 for Xbox Series X. It won multiple Game of the Year awards, including at The Game Awards 2022, D.I.C.E. Awards, and Game Developers Choice Awards, and is considered one of the greatest games of all time. It sold over 30 million copies worldwide.

The downloadable content Shadow of the Erdtree, released in June 2024, follows the player into the Land of Shadow and sold over ten million copies. A multiplayer spinoff, Elden Ring Nightreign, launched in 2025. A film adaptation is in production, slated for 2028. The game's cultural impact includes a large modding community, fan art, and extensive lore discussions.[편집]

Elden Ring is played from a third-person perspective in an open world. The player character can explore six main areas on foot or ride the spectral steed Torrent, which can double-jump and dash. Hidden dungeons, catacombs, and caves offer linear challenges with bosses and rewards. Combat involves melee weapons, ranged bows, and magic spells, with a stamina bar governing attacks and dodges. Stealth allows sneaking past enemies or performing critical hits. Runes, earned by defeating enemies, are used to level attributes like Vigor, Mind, Endurance, Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane. Sites of Grace serve as checkpoints for fast travel, leveling, and resting, which respawn most enemies. Ashes of War modify weapon skills and affinities. Spirit Ashes summon NPC allies for aid. Online multiplayer supports cooperative play for up to three players and player-versus-player invasions.[편집]

The Lands Between once prospered under the Elden Ring, the source of order. Queen Marika the Eternal shattered the Ring, causing chaos and granting demigods shards called Great Runes. The player is a Tarnished, exiled from the lands, now called back by grace to become Elden Lord. The journey involves defeating six demigods to collect Great Runes, then facing the final bosses to repair the Ring or choose an alternative ending. The narrative is delivered through environmental storytelling, item descriptions, and NPC dialogues. George R. R. Martin provided the backstory, including the history of the Golden Order, the Eternal Cities, and the Outer Gods, while Miyazaki wrote the in-game events.[편집]