Elden Ring: gameplay, and everything else we know | PC Gamer 2024
Intro
Elden Ring has taken the gaming world by storm with its expansive open-world design, intricate lore, and challenging gameplay. Developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, this action RPG has captivated players with its deep narrative and engaging mechanics. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the genre, Elden Ring offers a plethora of secrets waiting to be uncovered. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating aspects that make Elden Ring a standout title in the gaming landscape.
The Mysterious Lore of Elden Ring
Elden Ring’s lore weaves a rich and enigmatic narrative that stands as a hallmark of FromSoftware’s storytelling. Co-created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin, the world of Elden Ring is filled with ancient deities, lost civilizations, and supernatural entities, each contributing to a complex and immersive story. Players encounter fragmented tales and cryptic clues through environmental storytelling and item descriptions, which encourage deep exploration and attentive play.
The game’s world, known as the Lands Between, is a place where every ruin, forest, and castle has a story to tell. By piecing together scattered bits of lore, players can uncover the intricate histories of kingdoms that have risen and fallen, and the roles played by divine beings and mortal heroes. The narrative intricacies extend to the many characters you meet, each with their own motivations, secrets, and arcs that intertwine with the grander story.
Lore enthusiasts will find themselves diving into every corner of the game, analyzing dialogues and poring over item descriptions to fully understand the world’s backstory. Even the landscape itself often serves as a narrative device, with locations and landmarks revealing hidden depths about the world’s past and the mysteries that lie within it.
Elden Ring challenges players to become active participants in uncovering its story, fostering a sense of discovery and wonder. The meticulous attention to detail ensures that every interaction and discovery is meaningful, adding layers to the overarching mythos. As players journey through the game, the gradual unveiling of its lore keeps them engaged, motivated, and continually curious about what lies beyond the next horizon.
Exploring the Open World
Elden Ring’s expansive open world stands as one of its most compelling features, inviting players to venture into the unknown. The Lands Between is a vast and varied landscape, filled with numerous regions that each boast their own distinct environments and secrets. From lush meadows and dense forests to desolate wastelands and towering mountains, every area is crafted with meticulous detail, encouraging exploration.
What sets Elden Ring apart is its non-linear approach to world design. Unlike the more guided experiences of previous FromSoftware titles, players are free to chart their own paths and make their own discoveries. This sense of freedom is heightened by the presence of hidden paths, secret dungeons, and unexpected encounters, all waiting to be found by the keen-eyed adventurer. The game rewards curiosity, with exploration often leading to valuable loot, new abilities, and deeper insights into the game’s lore.
The dynamic weather system and day-night cycle add an extra layer of immersion and complexity to the experience. Weather conditions can change on a whim, affecting visibility and the behavior of both enemies and NPCs. Nighttime can bring out more dangerous foes or alter the world in subtle ways, making each journey unique.
Traversal is made more engaging with the ability to ride a spectral steed, allowing for faster travel across the expansive world. This mount isn’t just a means of transportation; it also plays a role in combat and exploration, offering new ways to approach challenges.
In Elden Ring, the world itself is as much a character as any other, filled with mysteries and treasures that make every step of the journey worthwhile.
Challenging Combat Mechanics
Elden Ring’s combat system stands out for its demanding blend of strategy, precision, and adaptability. Building on the foundation laid by FromSoftware’s previous titles, this game introduces new mechanics that further enhance the combat experience. Players must master an array of weapons, spells, and abilities to overcome a diverse roster of enemies. The inclusion of mounted combat adds an extra layer of complexity, allowing players to engage in battles from horseback and requiring them to adapt their tactics accordingly.
In Elden Ring, timing and positioning are crucial components of combat. Even the most skilled warriors can be defeated by poorly timed strikes or misplaced moves. The game rewards players who carefully observe enemy patterns and exploit their weaknesses. Various enemies and bosses require different approaches, necessitating a flexible combat style that can adapt to changing circumstances.
Stamina management remains a core aspect of combat, demanding players to balance their offensive and defensive actions carefully. Dodging, blocking, and parrying are essential techniques that need to be executed with precision. Additionally, the game introduces a new mechanic known as “Guard Counter,” allowing players to retaliate immediately after blocking an attack, which opens up more strategic options during fights.
Magic and ranged combat also play significant roles, offering alternative methods to tackle difficult encounters. Players can utilize a wide range of spells, from offensive magic to healing incantations, to support their chosen playstyle. The diversity in combat options ensures that each player can develop a unique approach tailored to their preferences.
Elden Ring’s combat challenges players to continually refine their skills, encouraging a deep engagement with its mechanics and rewarding mastery with a satisfying sense of progression.
Character Customization and Progression
Character customization and progression are pivotal elements in Elden Ring, providing players with the freedom to shape their own unique experience. Starting with the creation of your character, the game offers various classes, each featuring distinct attributes and skills. As you venture through the Lands Between, you’ll gain experience points, which can be allocated to enhance key attributes such as strength, dexterity, and intelligence. This allows players to tailor their character’s development to their preferred combat style, whether it be melee-focused, magic-oriented, or a balanced hybrid.
The array of armor sets, weapons, and spells available in Elden Ring encourages experimentation and adaptability. Players can mix and match equipment to find the optimal combination that suits their strategic preferences. The game’s extensive customization options extend to abilities and spells, enabling players to explore different builds and tactics. Whether you prefer a heavily armored warrior wielding a colossal sword or a nimble rogue with dexterous twin blades, the game offers the flexibility to pursue various playstyles.
One of the standout features of Elden Ring is the ability to respec your character. This mechanic allows you to reallocate your attributes and experiment with new builds without starting over. It encourages players to continuously evolve their strategies and adapt to the diverse challenges presented by the game.
Additionally, the game introduces unique mechanics such as crafting, which enables players to create and upgrade items using materials found throughout their journey. This adds another layer of depth to character progression, ensuring that every decision feels impactful and rewarding. Elden Ring’s robust customization system not only enriches gameplay but also empowers players to fully immerse themselves in their personalized adventure.
Multiplayer and Co-op Features
Elden Ring offers a seamless multiplayer and co-op experience that enriches gameplay and fosters community interaction. Players can use summoning signs to invite others into their world for assistance with challenging areas or formidable bosses. This cooperative mode encourages teamwork and strategy, as multiple players can combine their strengths to tackle difficult encounters.
In addition to co-op, Elden Ring features competitive PvP elements where players can invade each other’s worlds. This introduces a thrilling layer of unpredictability, as invaders can appear at any time to disrupt your progress. These PvP battles demand quick thinking and adaptability, providing an exciting contrast to the collaborative aspects of the game.
The multiplayer mechanics also include unique items such as the “Furlcalling Finger Remedy” for summoning allies and the “Bloody Finger” for initiating invasions. These items are integral to accessing the multiplayer features, ensuring that players can engage in both cooperative and competitive play seamlessly.
Another standout feature is the ability to leave messages for other players. Using a system of preset phrases, players can offer tips, warnings, or hints about hidden secrets and dangers. This indirect form of communication fosters a sense of shared discovery and camaraderie among the player base.
Elden Ring’s multiplayer and co-op systems not only enhance the core gameplay but also create a dynamic and interconnected world where players can support, challenge, and interact with one another in meaningful ways.
Boss Battles and Unique Enemies
Elden Ring’s boss battles and unique enemies are a testament to FromSoftware’s mastery of challenging encounters. Each boss is meticulously crafted, featuring distinct attack patterns and weaknesses that require players to observe and adapt. These epic battles often demand a combination of strategic thinking, precise timing, and quick reflexes to succeed. Beyond the bosses, the game presents a variety of unique enemies, each designed to test different aspects of a player’s skill set. From towering giants to nimble assassins, these foes contribute to the rich and diverse combat experience.
The game’s enemies are not just obstacles but integral parts of the world-building. Their designs and behaviors often reflect the lore and history of the Lands Between, adding another layer of depth to the narrative. Some enemies are tied to specific regions or storylines, making each encounter feel meaningful and contextually significant.
In addition, the AI of these enemies is sophisticated, with many reacting dynamically to the player’s actions. This unpredictability keeps players on their toes, ensuring that no two encounters feel the same. The satisfaction of overcoming these formidable adversaries is a core aspect of Elden Ring, providing a rewarding experience that challenges and engages players at every turn.
Visuals and Sound Design
Elden Ring’s visuals are a testament to FromSoftware’s commitment to creating a visually stunning and atmospheric world. The art direction skillfully captures the vastness and diversity of the Lands Between, offering players a visual feast of detailed environments, from decaying ruins to vibrant forests. Each area is meticulously crafted, showcasing breathtaking vistas and intricate details that invite exploration and immersion. The character and enemy designs are equally impressive, with a diverse array of creatures that add to the game’s rich lore and enhance the overall experience.
The sound design in Elden Ring further elevates the game’s immersive quality. The soundtrack, composed by Yuka Kitamura, is hauntingly beautiful, perfectly matching the game’s dark and mysterious tone. Ambient sounds play a crucial role in setting the mood, with every location offering unique audio cues that draw players deeper into the world. The rustling of leaves, the distant cries of creatures, and the clang of weapons all contribute to a richly textured soundscape. Additionally, the voice acting adds depth to the characters, making their stories and interactions more engaging. Together, the visuals and sound design in Elden Ring create a captivating experience that keeps players engrossed in the game’s world.
Tips and Tricks for New Players
Starting Elden Ring can feel overwhelming, but a few key strategies can help ease your journey. First, take your time to explore the world thoroughly. The Lands Between are filled with hidden treasures, shortcuts, and lore that can provide significant advantages. Pay attention to item descriptions and environmental cues to uncover secrets that can aid your progress.
Experimentation is crucial. Try out different weapons, spells, and abilities to find what best suits your playstyle. Don’t be afraid to switch things up; the game allows for significant customization, so make use of it to optimize your build. Remember, you can respec your character later, giving you the flexibility to adapt as you learn more about the game’s mechanics.
Engage with the multiplayer features. Summoning other players for co-op can make challenging sections more manageable, and you can learn a lot by observing how others approach combat. On the flip side, be prepared for invasions, and use them as opportunities to refine your combat skills.
Lastly, be patient and persistent. Elden Ring is designed to challenge you, and every defeat is a learning experience. Take note of enemy patterns and refine your strategies accordingly. With time, practice, and a bit of determination, you’ll find yourself mastering the game and uncovering its many secrets.
