Elden Ring: Latest Info and Updates

Don Marley

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Elden Ring, the action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware, has captivated players worldwide since its release in February 2022. This ambitious title, born from the collaboration between game director Hidetaka Miyazaki and fantasy author George R. R. Martin, offers a vast open world filled with challenging encounters and intricate lore. Players assume the role of a Tarnished, embarking on a quest to restore the shattered Elden Ring and become the Elden Lord in the Lands Between.

The game’s combat system is both accessible and deep, allowing players to wield a variety of weapons and spells as they face formidable foes. Elden Ring’s world design encourages exploration, rewarding curiosity with hidden treasures, optional bosses, and secret areas. The game’s difficulty, a hallmark of FromSoftware titles, pushes players to improve their skills and strategize against diverse enemies.

Elden Ring’s success extends beyond its gameplay, earning critical acclaim and numerous Game of the Year awards. Its rich narrative, stunning visuals, and innovative mechanics have set a new standard for open-world RPGs, influencing the gaming industry and captivating a dedicated fanbase.

Elden Ring: The Journey Continues with Updates and “Shadow of the Erdtree”

Even though it was released in early 2022, Elden Ring continues to be a hot topic in the gaming world. FromSoftware has been diligently updating the game and recently released a major expansion. Here’s the latest info on what’s happening in the Lands Between.

“Shadow of the Erdtree” Expansion

The biggest news is the release of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. This expansion adds a significant amount of new content, including:

  • New Storyline: “Shadow of the Erdtree” takes place after the events of the main game and features a mysterious new storyline with new characters and challenges.
  • New Areas to Explore: The expansion introduces new areas to the Lands Between, expanding the already vast world.
  • New Bosses and Enemies: Get ready to face formidable new bosses and enemies with unique attack patterns and abilities.
  • New Weapons and Armor: Discover and equip new weapons and armor to enhance your Tarnished’s power.
  • New Gameplay Mechanics: The expansion might introduce new gameplay mechanics or expand on existing ones, offering fresh challenges and strategies.

Ongoing Updates and Patches

In addition to the expansion, FromSoftware continues to release updates and patches for Elden Ring. These updates typically include:

  • Bug Fixes: Addressing various bugs and glitches that players have encountered.
  • Balance Adjustments: Tweaking gameplay elements, such as weapon damage or enemy stats, to improve balance and fairness.
  • Performance Improvements: Optimizing the game’s performance to improve frame rates and stability.
  • Quality-of-Life Changes: Adding or improving features to enhance the overall player experience.

Recent Updates

  • Update 1.15 (November 2024): This update focused primarily on bug fixes, addressing issues with cutscenes, weapon damage, and incantation casting. It also included potential performance fixes for PS5 and PC versions.

Community and Events

The Elden Ring community remains active, with players sharing their experiences, strategies, and creations online. Speedruns, challenge runs, and unique builds are popular topics of discussion. FromSoftware occasionally hosts events or collaborates with other companies to create Elden Ring-themed content, keeping the game fresh and engaging.

Key Elden Ring Updates and Info

CategoryDetails
Expansion“Shadow of the Erdtree” released, featuring new storyline, areas, bosses, and more
UpdatesOngoing patches address bugs, balance, performance, and quality-of-life
Recent UpdateUpdate 1.15 (November 2024) focused on bug fixes and performance improvements
CommunityActive community sharing experiences, strategies, and creations

With the “Shadow of the Erdtree” expansion and ongoing updates, Elden Ring continues to offer a challenging and rewarding experience for players. Whether you’re a seasoned Tarnished or new to the Lands Between, there’s always something new to discover and conquer in this critically acclaimed game.

Key Takeaways

  • Elden Ring combines challenging combat with an expansive open world
  • The game features a unique collaboration between Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R. R. Martin
  • Players can choose from a wide array of weapons, spells, and playstyles to tackle the game’s challenges

Game Overview

Elden Ring offers a vast open-world experience filled with challenging combat, deep lore, and intricate exploration. Players embark on an epic journey through a richly crafted fantasy realm, facing formidable foes and uncovering ancient mysteries.

Gameplay Mechanics

Elden Ring blends action RPG elements with open-world exploration. Combat relies on precise timing and strategic use of weapons, spells, and skills. Players can customize their character’s attributes and equipment to suit their playstyle.

Key features include:

  • Mounted combat on Torrent, the spectral steed
  • Crafting system for creating useful items
  • Summoning spirit allies for assistance in battle
  • Flask of Wondrous Physick for mixing unique buff combinations

The game’s difficulty curve encourages players to explore and level up before tackling tougher areas. Death is a learning experience, with each attempt teaching new strategies.

The Lands Between

The Lands Between serves as the game’s setting, a sprawling continent divided into distinct regions. Each area boasts unique environments, from haunting underground cities to windswept plains.

Notable locations include:

  • Limgrave: Starting area with verdant fields and ruins
  • Caelid: Scarlet rot-infested wasteland
  • Leyndell, Royal Capital: Golden city at the foot of the Erdtree

Players discover Sites of Grace, serving as checkpoints and fast travel points. Hidden dungeons, caves, and catacombs reward thorough exploration with valuable items and lore tidbits.

Narrative and Lore

Elden Ring’s story unfolds through environmental storytelling, item descriptions, and character interactions. The player, a Tarnished, seeks to become Elden Lord by defeating demigods and reforging the shattered Elden Ring.

Central narrative elements:

  • The shattering of the Elden Ring
  • Conflict between demigods for power
  • Mystery of Queen Marika’s disappearance

Side quests flesh out the world’s history and inhabitants. Players piece together the complex backstory through exploration and careful observation, uncovering the truth behind the Lands Between’s current state.

Character Development

Character development in Elden Ring centers on crafting a unique Tarnished warrior through attribute allocation and skill mastery. Players shape their character’s strengths and abilities to tackle the challenges of the Lands Between.

Attributes and Skills

Elden Ring’s character creation system allows players to customize their Tarnished’s appearance and starting attributes. The eight core attributes – Vigor, Mind, Endurance, Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane – form the foundation of character builds.

Leveling up increases these attributes, enhancing combat prowess and unlocking new abilities. Strength and Dexterity improve physical damage, while Intelligence and Faith boost magical capabilities. Vigor increases health, and Mind expands the Focus Points pool for spell casting and weapon skills.

Skills tied to weapons and armor provide additional combat options. Players can swap these skills between compatible armaments, creating versatile loadouts for different situations.

The Tarnished

The Tarnished serve as the player’s avatar in the Lands Between. These exiled warriors return to claim the title of Elden Lord. As they progress, Tarnished characters evolve through equipment upgrades, attribute improvements, and mastery of diverse combat styles.

NPCs play a crucial role in shaping the Tarnished’s journey. Interactions with these characters unlock new quests, provide valuable items, and reveal lore about the game world. Some NPCs offer services like weapon upgrades or spell teaching, further expanding the Tarnished’s capabilities.

The table below summarizes key aspects of character development:

AspectDescription
AttributesEight core stats that define character strengths
SkillsWeapon and armor abilities for combat versatility
LevelingIncreases attributes and overall power
EquipmentArmor and weapons that enhance combat effectiveness
NPC InteractionsUnlock quests, items, and character development options

Combat and Equipment

Elden Ring’s combat system blends melee, ranged, and magical elements with a diverse array of equipment options. Players can tailor their approach to suit various playstyles and enemy encounters.

Weaponry

Elden Ring features 308 unique weapons across multiple categories. These include swords, axes, bows, and catalysts for spellcasting. Each weapon type has distinct attack patterns and scaling attributes.

Weapon skills, known as Ashes of War, add special abilities to armaments. These can be swapped between compatible weapons, allowing for customized movesets.

Popular choices include the versatile Longsword for balanced combat and the hard-hitting Greatsword for high damage output. Ranged options like bows and crossbows offer safe engagement from a distance.

Armor Sets

Protective gear in Elden Ring balances defense with weight management. Lighter armor sets allow for faster movement and dodge rolls, while heavier options provide superior damage reduction.

Notable sets include:

  • Radahn’s Set: High poise and physical defense
  • Carian Knight Set: Balanced protection with magic resistance
  • Raging Wolf Set: Lightweight option for agile fighters

Equipment selection impacts a character’s encumbrance, affecting stamina regeneration and movement speed. Players must consider these factors when choosing their loadout.

Tactics and Strategy

Combat in Elden Ring rewards patience and observation. Studying enemy attack patterns and weaknesses is crucial for success. Dodge-rolling and blocking form the foundation of defensive play.

Stealth mechanics allow for surprise attacks and enemy avoidance. Crouching reduces detection range, enabling players to bypass tough encounters or gain a tactical advantage.

In multiplayer, coordinated attacks and complementary builds enhance group effectiveness. PvP combat emphasizes timing, spacing, and predicting opponent actions.

Spirit Ashes summon AI allies, providing distraction and additional damage output during challenging fights.

Magical Abilities

Spells and incantations offer ranged offensive options and utility effects. Magic users can choose from various schools, including:

  • Glintstone Sorceries: Focused on ranged damage
  • Incantations: Versatile mix of buffs, heals, and attacks
  • Dragon Communion: Powerful draconic abilities

Talismans enhance magical prowess, boosting attributes or granting special effects. Careful selection of spells and supporting equipment allows for diverse magical playstyles.

Mana management is critical for sustained spellcasting. Players must balance spell usage with melee combat to conserve resources during extended encounters.

Multiplayer Elements

Elden Ring offers a rich multiplayer experience with various online interactions. Players can engage in cooperative play, player versus player combat, and asynchronous communication.

Online Interactions

Elden Ring’s multiplayer system supports 1 to 4 players. It features both cooperative and competitive elements. Players can summon allies to help them tackle challenging areas or bosses.

The game uses a unique asynchronous online system. This allows players to feel the presence of others even when playing alone. Messages, bloodstains, and player ghosts appear in the game world.

To participate in multiplayer, players need specific items. The Tarnished’s Furled Finger is crucial for cooperative play. It creates a summon sign for other players to join.

Players can also invade other worlds for PvP combat. The matchmaking system considers character level and weapon upgrades. This ensures balanced encounters.

Multiplayer ModePlayersPurpose
Cooperative1-4Help with bosses and areas
PvP Invasion2Combat between players
AsynchronousN/AIndirect player interaction

A password system allows friends to connect easily. It bypasses level restrictions for cooperative play. This feature is available across all platforms: PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.

Technical Aspects

Elden Ring’s technical implementation showcases FromSoftware’s commitment to creating immersive and visually stunning worlds. The game leverages advanced rendering techniques and optimization strategies to deliver its vast open-world experience.

Platforms and Performance

Elden Ring runs on FromSoftware’s proprietary Dragon Engine, enabling the game’s expansive environments and intricate combat mechanics. Released for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One, the game offers varying performance profiles across platforms.

On next-gen consoles, Elden Ring targets 60 frames per second (fps) with dynamic 4K resolution. Last-gen systems aim for 30 fps at 1080p. PC users benefit from uncapped framerates and higher resolutions, depending on their hardware capabilities.

Performance issues have been noted, particularly on PC. Players have reported frame drops and stuttering in certain areas. FromSoftware and publisher Bandai Namco have addressed some of these concerns through post-launch patches.

PlatformResolutionTarget FPS
PS5/XSXDynamic 4K60
PS4/XBO1080p30
PCVariesUncapped

The game’s visual fidelity and expansive world design push hardware limits, resulting in occasional technical challenges. Load times vary between platforms, with SSDs in newer systems providing faster transitions between areas.

Game World and Exploration

Elden Ring’s vast world offers countless opportunities for discovery. Players can uncover hidden areas, face challenging foes, and gather resources to craft powerful items.

Dungeons and Secrets

The Lands Between is filled with dungeons and hidden areas to explore. These range from small caves to sprawling underground complexes. Each dungeon contains unique enemies, traps, and treasures.

Players can find secret passages by attacking illusory walls or using careful observation. Some areas require specific items or actions to access. Exploring thoroughly often rewards players with powerful equipment or valuable resources.

Many dungeons culminate in boss fights, offering significant challenges and rewards. Defeating these bosses can unlock new areas or provide essential items for progression.

Items and Crafting

Elden Ring features a robust crafting system that allows players to create useful items. Crafting materials can be gathered from the environment or obtained by defeating enemies.

Common craftable items include:

  • Arrows and bolts
  • Healing items
  • Weapon coatings
  • Throwing weapons
Crafting MaterialCommon SourcesUsed For
Rowa FruitPlantsHealing items
Animal BonesWildlifeArrows, bolts
MushroomsCaves, forestsWeapon coatings
Smithing StonesMines, enemiesWeapon upgrades

Golden Seeds and Spirit Ashes are special items that enhance player abilities. Golden Seeds upgrade healing flasks, while Spirit Ashes summon allies in battle.

Expansion and Additional Content

Elden Ring’s world continues to grow through downloadable content, offering players new areas to explore and challenges to overcome. The expansion introduces fresh lore, gameplay elements, and features to enhance the gaming experience.

Downloadable Content (DLC)

Elden Ring’s first major DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, is set to release on June 21, 2024. This expansion promises to expand the game’s rich lore and introduce new areas for players to explore.

The DLC will likely require players to meet certain in-game conditions to access its content. Defeating specific bosses like Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood may be necessary to unlock the new areas.

Shadow of the Erdtree is expected to bring:

  • New regions to explore
  • Additional bosses and enemies
  • Expanded storylines and lore
  • Fresh weapons and armor sets
  • Unique spells and abilities
FeatureDetails
Release DateJune 21, 2024
Price$34.89 (Xbox version)
Access RequirementsDefeat Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood
New ContentAreas, bosses, weapons, spells

Players can purchase the DLC separately or as part of special edition bundles. The expansion aims to refine the Elden Ring experience, potentially addressing some of the base game’s formulaic elements.

Cultural Impact and Reception

Elden Ring made a significant mark on the gaming industry and popular culture. The game’s immersive world and challenging gameplay resonated with players and critics alike, leading to widespread acclaim and influence.

Awards and Accolades

Elden Ring received numerous accolades for its groundbreaking design and gameplay. The game won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2022, solidifying its place among the industry’s most celebrated titles.

Critics praised Elden Ring’s intricate world-building and combat system. The game also earned recognition for Best Art Direction and Best RPG at various award ceremonies.

AwardCategoryResult
The Game Awards 2022Game of the YearWon
The Game Awards 2022Best Game DirectionWon
DICE AwardsGame of the YearWon
BAFTA Games AwardsBest GameWon

Influence on Gaming

Elden Ring’s success has had a notable impact on the gaming industry. The game’s open-world design and challenging combat have inspired other developers to rethink their approach to action RPGs.

The game’s multiplayer features spawned a unique subculture among players. Cooperative play and player-created challenges became popular, fostering a strong community around the game.

Elden Ring’s blend of difficulty and accessibility has influenced discussions about game design. Developers now consider how to balance challenge and player engagement in new ways.

The game’s success has also renewed interest in FromSoftware’s previous titles like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. This resurgence has further cemented the studio’s reputation for creating compelling action RPGs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elden Ring players often seek guidance on various aspects of the game, from technical requirements to gameplay strategies and upcoming content. These common inquiries cover a wide range of topics crucial for both new and experienced players.

What are the system requirements for playing Elden Ring on PC?

Elden Ring demands specific hardware to run smoothly on PC. The minimum requirements include Windows 10, an Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 3 3300X processor, 12GB RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3GB or AMD Radeon RX 580 4GB graphics card. For optimal performance, players should aim for higher specifications.

Storage needs are significant, with 60GB of free space required. A solid-state drive (SSD) is recommended for faster loading times.

How can I defeat the main bosses in Elden Ring?

Defeating bosses in Elden Ring requires strategy and preparation. Players should study boss patterns and weaknesses before engaging. Leveling up appropriate stats and upgrading weapons are crucial steps.

Some bosses are vulnerable to specific damage types or status effects. Experimenting with different approaches and learning to dodge or parry attacks can make battles more manageable.

Summoning help, either NPC allies or other players, can provide additional support during tough fights. Spirit Ashes can also be valuable tools in boss encounters.

What is the expected content of the upcoming Elden Ring DLC?

The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring launched on June 21, 2024. It introduced new areas to explore, additional bosses to challenge, and fresh equipment to collect.

Players can expect an expansion of the game’s lore, potentially revealing more about the Lands Between and its history. New questlines and NPCs likely feature in the DLC, offering further depth to the game world.

Can Elden Ring be played on multiple platforms, and is there cross-platform support?

Elden Ring is available on multiple platforms including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. However, cross-platform play is not currently supported.

Players can only interact with others on the same platform. This limitation applies to both co-op gameplay and PvP encounters.

How does the open-world design of Elden Ring compare to previous Souls games?

Elden Ring’s open-world design marks a significant departure from the more linear structure of previous Souls games. The Lands Between offers vast, interconnected areas for players to explore freely.

This design allows for more diverse approaches to progression. Players can tackle challenges in various orders, potentially accessing late-game areas early if they’re skilled enough.

The open world introduces new gameplay elements like horseback riding and a greater emphasis on exploration. Hidden dungeons, optional bosses, and scattered lore fragments encourage thorough investigation of the landscape.

What are the best strategies for character building in Elden Ring?

Effective character building in Elden Ring depends on the player’s preferred playstyle. Focusing on a few key stats rather than spreading points thinly across all attributes is generally advisable.

For melee builds, investing in Strength, Dexterity, or a combination of both is common. Magic users benefit from Intelligence or Faith, depending on the type of spells they wish to use.

Experimenting with different weapons and their scaling can help optimize damage output. Balancing offensive stats with Vigor for health and Endurance for stamina ensures a well-rounded character capable of surviving tough encounters.

Build TypePrimary StatsRecommended Weapons
StrengthSTR, VIG, ENDGreatswords, Hammers
DexterityDEX, VIG, ENDKatanas, Rapiers
IntelligenceINT, MIND, VIGStaffs, Magic Swords
FaithFTH, MIND, VIGSeals, Holy Weapons
QualitySTR, DEX, VIGVersatile Weapons