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Certain studios have cultivated such stellar reputations that any announced project will automatically attract hype. FromSoftware is one of those companies, and its next game,Elden Ring, has been thoroughly discussed since its reveal at E3 2019.RELATED:Elden Ring May Be a ‘True’ Successor to Dark SoulsWhile information regardingElden Ringis limited, FromSoftware has released enough tidbits to suggest the game could be one of the most ambitious projects in the studio’s history. A compelling announcement trailer, Bandai Namco’s official site, a gameplay trailer, and interviews with key personnel in the game’s development provide some indication of what this adventure should hold. Let’s take a look at what’s currently known about the action RPG, includingElden Ring’s release date, development, themes, and rumors.Updated on June 28, 2025 by Mark Sammut:Elden Ring’s release is just around the corner, and FromSoftware has by now painted a crystal clear image of the title. This article has been revised to include Elden Ring’s ten classes, along with the game’s minimum and maximum PC requirements.
Elden Ring’s Announcement Trailer And Development
Elden Ring’s reveal at E3 2019 not only confirmed that FromSoftware was working on another project but also that it will bedirected by Hidetaka Miyazaki. Miyazaki has grown into one of gaming’s most revered creators of the last two decades, which is reflected by the positive critical receptions that his games have garnered, particularly since the release of 2009’sDemon’s Souls.
Hidetaka Miyazaki(Director) has quite a fantastic resume:
How Long Has Elden Ring Been In Development?
In aninterview with Xbox at E3 2019, Miyazaki confirmed thatElden Ringhas been in the works since development ended onDark Souls 3’s DLC. AsThe Ringed Citywas released on July 12, 2025, it can be surmised thatElden Ringhas been in development since at least that date. This also means that FromSoftware and Miyazaki had already started onElden Ringwhile they were working onSekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
Elden Ring’s World Has Been Crafted By Miyazaki And George R. R. Martin
Elden Ringsees FromSoftware collaborating with George R.R. Martin, the author of theA Song of Ice and Firefantasy series. In the same interview with Xbox, Miyazaki expressed his admiration for Martin’s work, with the director describingFevre Dreamas a “masterpiece among vampire fantasy.”
FromSoftware reached out to the author to see if he would be interested in working on a project. Following a fruitful introductory meeting, Miyazaki and Martin spoke aboutElden Ring’s themes and ideas. The acclaimed author used these discussions to write a mythos “full of interesting characters and drama along with a plethora of mystical and mysterious elements” forElden Ring’s universe.
RELATED:George R.R. Martin’s Involvement in Elden Ring Explained
In the interview withIGN’s Esra Krabbe, Miyazaki described Martin’s role as a “guide for the world’s lore.” While FromSoftware is still handling the game’s story, NPCs, and presentation,Martin’s vision serves as the foundation forElden Ring’s history. In an interview found in theFebruary 2022 edition of Edge Magazine, Miyazaki explained that Martin was asked to create dramatic heroes of old, ones that would add toElden Ring’s mythos.
In the same interview, Miyazaki listedThe Lords of the Ringsas one ofElden Ring’s influences, along with Michael Moorcock’sThe Eternal Championnovels and theRuneQuesttabletop RPGâââââ.
Elden Ring’s Score Is Composed By Yuka Kitamura
FromSoftware’s games have traditionally featured epic scores that seamlessly complement and enhance the action on screen. While not much is known about the personnel working onElden Ring,Yuka Kitamura has confirmed that she is composing the music for the game. Those familiar with FromSoftware’s work should be accustomed to Kitamura’s style.
RELATED:Elden Ring Fan is Creating an Unofficial Soundtrack
Elden Ring’s Story And Themes
“I doubt you could even imagine it…” is the first sentence delivered by the narrator inElden Ring’s announcement trailer, and that quote should be taken to heart. Regardless of George R. R. Martin’s involvement,Elden Ringis still ultimately a FromSoftware project; consequently, its lore is likely to be cryptic and sprinkled in through environmental storytelling.Elden Ringis not as story-driven asSekiro: Shadows Die Twice, but that does not mean the lore will not be fascinating.
Elden Ring’s Setting
Elden Ringtakes place in The Lands Between, a fantasy world in a state of turmoil. This realm is governed byQueen Marika the Eternalbut also hampered by her children who have been driven insane by the shards of the Elden Ring. Once the Elden Ring shattered, the Queen’s offspring each took a piece, an act that led to a war known asThe Shattering.
The Lands Between’s current state is a direct result of this conflict.The Golden Orderis also mentioned in theSummer Game Festtrailer andElden Ring’s Bandai Namco page, which could be a reference to Marika’s children or the titular ring. It seems to be tied to a large glowing tree shown in the trailer that could be connected to theGreater Willmentioned on Bandai Namco’s site.
RELATED:Elden Ring Confirms Major Story Details and Characters
What Is The Elden Ring And How Does It Connect To The Tarnished?
The Elden Ring, which is tied to the Erdtree, blesses the people of The Lands Between, a connection physically represented through the receiver’s eyes. As time passed and The Elden Ring’s blessing began to fade, some people lost that grace.These are the Tarnished,Elden Ring’s player character, and they were banished from The Lands Between.
Not much has been revealed about the Erdtree’s significance, butit could prove to be similar toGame of Thrones' Weirdwood Trees.
Once the Elden Ring shattered, the Tarnished regained their grace, allowing them to return to The Lands Between. Now, the player character must recollect the shattered pieces of the Elden Ring in order to become theElden Lord. When the Elden Ring was whole, The Lands Between had two Elden Lords, one of which wasGodfrey. As discussed in the Edge Magazine interview,Godfrey is a major player inElden Ringwho represents the heroic qualities of old. He is a character who was born out of George R.R. Martin’s mythos.
In the 2021 gameplay trailer, the narrator addresses the player character, questioning why they seek the Elden Ring. A female narrator, the lady in black seen in the trailer, speaks about the Tarnished needing to slay the beings who have taken shards of the Elden Ring, specifically saying that “they will die.”
RELATED:Elden Ring’s Synopsis Sounds a Lot Like Dragon Age: Inquisition
Elden Ring’s Themes
Courtesy ofMartin’s contributions,Elden Ringlooks set to explore different themes from Miyazaki and FromSoftware’s other games. While it remains to be seen what exactly will be touched upon by the RPG, the “ambition of mankind” will be one of its themes.Elden Ring’s themes will be reflected by the title’s presentation of concepts such as “beauty, justice, and strength.”
Miyazaki’s previous outings have tackled themes such as mortality, legends, corruption (both mental and physical), and the degradation of society. For example,Bloodborne’s themes include “exploring the unknown” and “the feeling of fighting for one’s life.” The dynamic between light and dark also tends to feature prominently in most of Miyazaki’s worlds and stories, and that is unlikely to change inElden Ring.
Elden Ring’s World
With some of thefantasy genre’s greatest creatorscollaborating for this project,Elden Ring’s world has the potential to be something truly special. As tends to be the case with FromSoftware, details aboutElden Ring’s lore have been kept under wraps, asMiyazaki and company prefer that players discover the game’s world first-hand.
In terms of genre,Elden Ringis a third-person action RPG set in a dark fantasy universemuch like FromSoftware’s most popular projects. Unlike the Japanese backdrop of Miyazaki’s last project,Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice,Elden Ringuses a Western fantasy setting.
Elden Ring’s world is divided into six areas,with each one having amain dungeon that houses that zone’s central boss that will be one of Queen Marika’s offspring. There will also be a hub. As shown in the November 2021 Gameplay Preview, dungeons will be complex and designed so that players can use multiple routes.
Elden Ring Is Open-World (Or Open-Field)
Games likeDark Soulstake place in dense, interconnected worlds that harbor back to classic Metroidvanias. Although the player is given some leeway on how they tackle most locations, they are generally guided in a specific direction. As people progress through a campaign, they will eventually need to backtrack to access new areas or bosses.
RELATED:How Elden Ring’s Open-Field Concept Inherently Changes the Dark Souls Formula
In 2019, Miyazaki explained that the biggest difference betweenDark SoulsandElden Ringis that the latter will be open-world. More specifically,Miyazaki spoke about providing an “open field” for players to explore. The areas will be “open and vast,” reflectingElden Ring’s ambitious and expansive lore. The2021 Gameplay Previewreflected this earlier description, highlighting a vast map, sandbox-esque progression, and large multi-layered dungeons.
AsDrew Ferguson explores in this article,Elden Ringcould hit a sweet spot betweenSkyrim’s open-world andDark Souls' linear but open areas.Elden Ringcould also prove to be “Big Dark Souls.” In fact,George R.R. Martin describedElden Ringas a sequel toDark Souls.
In a2021 interview conducted after the Summer Game Fest, Miyazaki mentioned thatElden Ringwill have multiple endings and offer more freedom thanDark Souls. While there is an optimal order to tackle The Lands Between’s six areas, andElden Ringwill provide some guidance during its opening stages, players will not be locked into following a fixed pattern.
RELATED:Elden Ring Doesn’t Need Easy Mode Thanks To Its Open World Design
Will Elden Ring Include Populated Towns?
While NPCs will be scattered acrossElden Ring’s world,populated towns and villages will not be featured. With the RPG’s open-field design already presenting its own challenges, FromSoftware decided to not include traditional NPC civilizations.
In the game,towns and villages will take the form of ruins. Other locations, such ascastles and fortresses, can also be found by exploring the map. These locations are in addition to each area’s main dungeon. This detail also shines a light on the state ofElden Ring’s world; this is a desolate place, one where darkness threatens to overwhelm the light, and danger lurks around every corner. However, beauty can still be found.
Elden Ring’s Gameplay And Builds
BloodborneandSekiro: Shadows Die Twicereduced the RPG elements found in theSoulsgames, opting for a heavier focus on action and adventure. Rather than continuing down this path,Elden Ringpushes its RPG aspects to the forefront.
Unlike 2019’sSekiro:Shadows Die Twicethat featured a fixed protagonist,Elden Ringwill leave it up to the players to create their own characters and builds. Miyazaki even describedElden Ringas a “natural evolution” ofDark Souls.
In a2021 interview with IGN, Miyazaki confirmed that there will be ahuge variety of weapons and spells scattered across The Lands Between. Not only that but there are dozens ofskillsthat can be assigned to different weaponsand are not restricted to specific ones like inDark Souls, highlightingElden Ring’s focus on player freedom and build variety.
Elden Ringmight be quite a departure fromSekiro: Shadows Die Twice, butcertain builds in the upcoming game could emulate the movement-focused combat of the 2019 title.
RELATED:Elden Ring Having a Traditional Souls Class System Seems Likely Now
Elden Ring’s Classes
There areten classes inElden Ring.Like other FromSoftware games, these classes are archetypes that players can mold to suit their playstyle, and some will naturally be more welcoming to newcomers. Along with melee builds, magic can be cast in two ways inElden Ring:Sorceries or Incantations. The former requires a Staff while the latter uses a Sacred Seal. Both consume FP.
Please note that the game’s Closed Network Test included three classes that will not be in the full game: Enchanted Knight, Bloody Wolf, and Champion.
Elden Ring’s Combat
In the 2019IGN interview,Miyazaki confirmed thatElden Ring’s gameplay is based onDark Souls. Simplistic but challenging, that franchise’s combat system provides satisfying real-time action that rewards an intimate understanding of an enemy’s attack patterns. It’s both reflex-based and tactical, all underpinned by a customization system that facilitates a variety of strategies to be viable in battle.
WhileElden Ring’s gameplay shares similarities withDark Souls, the former’s more open nature mandates that the combat evolves to match the new structure and presentation. In the IGN 2021 interview, Miyazaki explained that a significant difference betweenElden Ringand FromSoftware’s previous games is “the number of choices you have available in combat.” Players can combine weapons, skills, magic, and items to craft unique builds and decide how they want to approach combat scenarios.Stealthis also an option.
Elden Ring’s Summer Game Fest Gameplay Reveal
With its gameplay reveal at theSummer Game Fest 2021Kickoff event,Elden Ringput to resta lot of the speculation surrounding its combat. The trailer showcases multiple build types as the Tarnished takes on a range of bosses and enemies. Magic, melee, ranged, and even horseback combat are all showcased, confirmingElden Ringwill not be restricting its players. AGhost Horsewill help players traverse the game’s large map, making the experience more accessible.
Elden Ringis FromSoftware’s biggest title to date when it comes to sizeand scale. Consequently,horseback riding will be included to make traversing the world easier. The gameplay trailer not only shows horseback riding but also depictsthe main character performing an attack. This confirms horseback riding will be used as a legitimate combat strategy rather than just a way to get from Point A to Point B.
RELATED:Elden Ring Playtime Revealed, ‘Largest Game’ by FromSoftware to Date
Elden Ring Gameplay Preview
On July 11, 2025, Bandai Namco released a 20-minute video previewingElden Ring’s gameplay, providing the first detailed look into the game’s minute-by-minute loop. This release reinforced many of the features shown in the Summer Game Fest reveal.
Here are some things the preview showcased:
Elden Ring’s Bosses And Difficulty
The switch to an open-field map will affectElden Ring’s presentation of bosses, both in terms of encounters and their difficulty. If players can explore the game’s world freely, that could mean areas will offer a more uniform challenge so that people will not be funneled into a single direction.
FromSoftware has takensteps to makeElden Ringmore accessible, including features like the Ghost Horse that are designed to provide a helping hand in combat and guide players on their next objectives. When discussing thetopic of difficulty with PlayStation Blog, Miyazaki predicted that more people will completeElden Ringthan FromSoftware’sSoulstitles. It should be noted that Miyazaki does not sayElden Ringis easier, just that players will have more freedom on how to progress throughout the game.
Through the Summer Game Fest trailer, Gameplay Preview, and other resources, glimpses are provided of some of the bosses that populateElden Ring’s world. So far, they seem to come in a few forms:
RELATED:Elden Ring Gameplay Shows Boss Fight With Margit the Fell Omen
Will Elden Ring Include Multiplayer?
Similar to FromSoftware’sDark Soulsfranchise,Elden Ringwill feature online co-op, as players can either tackle the campaign “alone or online.”
The November 2021 Gameplay Preview showcasedElden Ring’s multiplayer support, confirming thatco-op, PvP, and invasionswill all be included in the game. From the footage and information revealed so far,Elden Ring’s multiplayer appears to be an expanded version ofDark Souls' system, providing players the freedom to enter other worlds either to provide assistance or to wreak havoc.
RELATED:Elden Ring Leak Points to Dark Souls Style Online PvP
Can Players Pause Elden Ring?
Except forSekiro: Shadows Die Twice, FromSoftware’s recent releases have generally opted against allowing players to pause their games. Although theSoulstitles can be played solo, they do offer a multiplayer option that does not lend itself well to a pause feature. Although not confirmed directly from FromSoftware, theElden Ringgameplayreleased so far suggests the 2022 RPG will be following in the footsteps of theSoulsseries. At the moment,it is rumored thatElden Ringcannot be paused.
Unsurprisingly considering FromSoftware’s recent releases,Elden Ringwill haveNew Game Plus.
Other Mechanics Confirmed For Elden Ring
Elden Ringwill include aday/night cycle and dynamic weather system, additions that complement the game’s more open nature. Typically, FromSoftware’s worlds are quite static in terms of gameplay and progression, only changing at the behest of the narrative. However,Elden Ringlooks set to be a more transformative and unpredictable experience. In fact,Bandai Namco’s sitespecifically states that “the environment, the weather, and the time of day” can be used to the player’s advantage.
Some other mechanics confirmed to be in the game are:
Elden Ring’s Release Date And Platforms
At the end of the Summer Game Fest 2021, FromSoftware showed off a trailer for its upcoming game and also confirmed thatElden Ringwill be released on Jul 18, 2025. In October 2021, Bandai Namco Entertainment announced thatElden Ringhas been delayed to July 03, 2025.
Therefore, at the moment, February 2022 will beElden Ring’s month.
RELATED:The Next Elden Ring Reveal Trailer Needs to Go Big
Besides the standard edition, Bandai Namco has announced thatElden Ringwill have aCollector’s Editionand Premium Collector’s Edition. Alongside a few other things,these editions includea 23 cm Statue of Malenia - Blade of Miquella, a hardcover artbook, a steelbook, a digital copy ofElden Ring’s soundtrack, and 3 art cards. The Premium package also has a 1:1 replica of Replica of Malenia – Blade of Miquella’s helmet.
Elden Ring Will Be Coming To PS5, PS4, XBX/S, Xbox One, And PC
Bandai Namco’sofficial page forElden Ringconfirms that the title will be available on thePlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC. While the game was originally announced solely for the PS4, XBO, and PC, Sony and Microsoft went on to debut their next-gen systems. Consequently,Elden Ringwill now be available across generations.
As studios have sought to cater to both last and next-gen systems, many have opted to prioritize the PS4 and Xbox One since development would have started with those consoles in mind. It remains to be seen what differences there will be between the versions, although the PS5 and XBX/S releases will naturally benefit from quicker load times.
RELATED:Is Elden Ring Coming to PC?
Unfortunately, Nintendo Switch owners seeking a FromSoftware title will probably need to look to the past to get their fix asElden Ringis unlikely to be ported to the current version of the system. Currently,Dark Souls: Remasteredis available on Nintendo’s hybrid console. Alternatively,Ashenis a fun Souls-like that is on the Nintendo Switch.
Elden Ring’s Performance On Consoles
Elden Ringis a cross-generation release, meaning that performances will vary greatly depending on somebody’s system. According toBandai Namco’s console specifications, the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions ofElden Ringwill offer players the selection ofPerformance ModeorResolution Mode.
Up to 1920x1080P
Up to 3200x1800P¹
Up to 3840x2160P
Up to 30 FPS
Up to 60 FPS²
Raytracing (via patch)
Up to 1600x900P
Up to 2560x1440P
Up to 60 FPS
*4K and HDR require compatible displays.
²While Performance Mode is enabled.
Elden Ring’s PC System Requirements
WithElden Ringless than 10 days away from launch, FromSoftware has announced itsminimum and recommended PC specs. They are shown in the above image that was uploaded tothe game’s Twitter page, along with being listed below:
Intel Core i5-8400 Or AMD Ryzen 3 3300X
Intel Core i7-8700K Or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
16 GB RAM
Graphics Card
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060, 3 GB Or AMD Radeon RX 580, 4 GB
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070, 8 GB Or AMD Radeon RX Vega 56, 8 GB
60GB
Windows-Compatible Audio Device
Will Elden Ring Support VR?
At the moment, FromSoftware has not stated thatElden Ringwill support VR. However, for a brief period,the game’s PSN page did list “VR Headset Enabled,” althoughthis has since been removed. Most likely, this was just a mistake andElden Ringwill not support virtual reality.
As enticing of a feature as this might sound,Elden Ringdoesn’t seem to be the type of game that typically embraces VR. Third-person action RPGs are in short supply for the PSVR, and it seems unlikely thatElden Ringwill go against the grain.
Latest Elden Ring News
Elden Ringconcluded its Closed Network Test in November, giving fans the first taste of the RPG’s offerings. With the game’s release less than two away, the wait is almost done.
RELATED:The Odds of Elden Ring Being at E3 2021
Recommended Readings
As the wait continues forElden Ring’s debut, there are more than enough articles, discussions, and rumors to keep even the most die-hard FromSoftware fan satiated. Along with the various pieces linked throughout this page, here are a handful of other articles to check out:
Every Game Coming Out On PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and the Nintendo Switch
Elden Ringmight cast a wide shadow but it is hardly the only major game set to come out over the next few months. Regardless of whether someone owns a PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, or PC, they are spoilt for choice when it comes toupcoming games. Those looking for something to play while waiting for the release ofElden Ringshould check out the following articles:
Elden Ringreleases on August 02, 2025 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC.
MORE:Elden Ring Preview: From Software Takes Souls to the Open World
