Elden Ring, with its sprawling open world and captivating lore, has drawn countless players into the challenging world of FromSoftware. But Is Elden Ring A Good First Souls Game? That’s the question many new players are asking, and this article will delve deep into the nuances of that very question.
Elden Ring’s Open World: A Blessing and a Curse for Newcomers
Elden Ring’s vast open world is undeniably a huge draw, but it can also be overwhelming for newcomers to the Souls-like genre. The freedom to explore anywhere can lead to encountering enemies and bosses far beyond your current capabilities early on. While veterans appreciate the flexibility, new players might feel lost or discouraged by the lack of linear progression. This open-ended structure can also make it difficult to determine where to go next or how to appropriately level up your character for the challenges ahead. However, this open world also provides a unique advantage: the ability to walk away from a difficult encounter and return later, stronger and more prepared.
Combat Complexity: A Core Element of the Souls Experience
The combat system in Elden Ring, like other Souls games, is known for its deliberate pace and challenging nature. Mastering dodging, parrying, and understanding enemy attack patterns are crucial for survival. While the game offers a wide array of builds and playstyles, the core mechanics require patience and practice. New players will undoubtedly die, often, but each death is a learning experience. This is where Elden Ring’s open world can again be a double-edged sword. While having the option to explore and level up elsewhere can be helpful, it can also mask underlying skill deficiencies that will become apparent against later bosses.
Exploring the vast open world of Elden Ring
Difficulty and Accessibility: Finding the Balance
Elden Ring is undeniably difficult, but not unfairly so. The game provides players with the tools to succeed, but it requires effort and dedication to learn and master them. The spirit summon system, while controversial among some veteran players, offers a valuable lifeline for newcomers, allowing them to summon AI companions to aid in battle. This can be a crucial element in overcoming challenging bosses or navigating tricky areas. However, relying too heavily on summons can hinder the development of essential combat skills, creating a dependency that might become detrimental in the long run.
The Joy of Discovery and Mastery: The Soulsborne Allure
The allure of Souls-like games, including Elden Ring, lies in the immense sense of accomplishment derived from overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. The feeling of finally defeating a boss that has repeatedly killed you is unparalleled. Elden Ring offers this same rewarding experience, amplified by the sheer scale and depth of its world. The cryptic storytelling and environmental narrative encourage exploration and discovery, rewarding curious players with hidden secrets and lore fragments.
Facing a formidable boss in Elden Ring
Is Elden Ring Right for You? A New Player’s Perspective
So, is Elden Ring a good first Souls game? The answer is: it depends. If you’re patient, persistent, and enjoy a challenge, then Elden Ring can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The open world provides a degree of flexibility not found in previous Souls games, allowing you to tackle challenges at your own pace. However, if you’re easily frustrated by difficulty or prefer a more linear experience, you might find Elden Ring overwhelming.
Other Souls-Like Options for Beginners
While Elden Ring can be a good entry point, some might find other FromSoftware titles more approachable. Dark Souls 3, with its more streamlined world and slightly more forgiving combat, might be a better starting point for those new to the genre. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, while also challenging, focuses on a more direct combat system with a strong emphasis on parrying, offering a different flavor of the Souls-like experience.
Utilizing spirit summons in Elden Ring
Conclusion: Embracing the Challenge of Elden Ring
Elden Ring is a fantastic game, but its open world and challenging combat can be daunting for newcomers. It requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. If you embrace the challenge, Elden Ring can be an incredibly rewarding experience, opening the door to a world of captivating lore and thrilling gameplay. If you’re prepared to learn and adapt, the Lands Between await. So, take a leap of faith, Tarnished, and discover the wonders and challenges that await you in Elden Ring.
FAQ
-
Is Elden Ring harder than Dark Souls? The difficulty is comparable, but Elden Ring’s open world can make it feel more challenging at times due to the possibility of encountering over-leveled enemies early on.
-
Do I need to play other Souls games before Elden Ring? No, Elden Ring is a standalone experience and can be enjoyed without prior knowledge of other Souls games.
-
What is the best starting class for beginners in Elden Ring? The Vagabond and Samurai are generally considered good starting classes for new players due to their balanced stats and starting equipment.
-
How long does it take to beat Elden Ring? Completing the main story can take anywhere from 50 to 100 hours, depending on your playstyle and exploration.
-
Are there difficulty settings in Elden Ring? No, there are no traditional difficulty settings. However, the game offers various ways to make the experience easier, such as summoning spirits or utilizing online co-op.
-
What is the spirit summon system in Elden Ring? The spirit summon system allows players to summon AI companions to assist them in battle, providing valuable support against tough enemies and bosses.
-
Is Elden Ring a good game for casual gamers? Elden Ring’s difficulty can be a significant barrier for casual gamers. However, the sense of accomplishment and the beautiful world might still appeal to those willing to put in the effort.
