Can Average Players Play Elden Ring?
Elden Ring, the highly-anticipated action role-playing game (RPG) from Japanese developer FromSoftware, has finally arrived on the market. The game has garnered immense popularity and praise from players and critics alike, thanks to its vast open world, complex storytelling, and intricate gameplay mechanics. However, many players have been questioning whether average players can navigate the game’s challenges, especially considering the franchise’s notorious difficulty. In this article, we’ll answer this question and provide a comprehensive guide on what makes Elden Ring accessible to players of all skill levels.
What is the Difficulty Level of Elden Ring?
FromSoft’s games, including Elden Ring, are infamous for their high difficulty curve. The studio is renowned for crafting experiences that reward exploration, strategic combat, and problem-solving. According to many players and streamers, Elden Ring’s difficulty level is reminiscent of Dark Souls, their previous flagship franchise. Some have even dubbed it "Dark Souls on Steroids", highlighting its increased complexity and depth. However, it’s important to note that difficulty levels are subjective and depend on individual player experience.
Can Average Players Play Elden Ring?
Our answer is yes, average players can play and enjoy Elden Ring. While the game can be challenging, FromSoftware has implemented various mechanics designed to make the game accessible to a broader audience. Here are a few features that contribute to Elden Ring’s inclusivity:
- Context-sensitive learning: The game features interactive tutorials, ambient hints, and environmental clues that help guide players through complex systems, such as magic, summoned allies, and environmental puzzle-solving.
- Stealth and exploration: Enemies can be stealth-killed, and many areas of the world can be navigated without direct confrontation, allowing players to take an approach that suits their preferences.
- Cooperative play: Players can play with friends online, taking on the world and overcoming challenges together, which reduces the difficulty and adds variety to the gameplay experience.
Who is the Game Targeted Towards?
The game’s marketing materials hint at a broad target audience, with an emphasis on fans of Dark Souls, action RPGs, and those seeking a deep, atmospheric gaming experience. While dedicated fans of the Souls series may still enjoy the game at a higher difficulty level, Elden Ring’s increased accessibility makes it a good fit for players looking to explore a vast open world, master new skills, and enjoy a rewarding journey.
Statistics on Who Plays Elden Ring
To provide further context on the game’s appeal and accessibility, we can turn to statistics on the players who have already explored the world of Elden Ring. According to HowLongToBeat.com, around 6,000 users have completed the game. This is an impressive percentage, considering the game’s vast open world and long playtime.
Here is a breakdown of the percentages of players who have progressed through the game:
- 261 players retired (around 4%): These players stopped playing the game at some point, possibly due to its challenging nature.
- 6,000 players completed the game (around 10%): An impressive number of players managed to finish the game, showcasing the game’s high replay value and the developers’ efforts to create a rewarding experience.
Top 13 Video Game Worlds Bigger Than Elden Ring
Elden Ring’s open world measures around 63.28 square miles. For reference, here are 13 video game worlds that surpass this size:
| Ranking | Game | World Size (Square Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | True Crime: Streets Of LA | 240 |
| 2 | Xenoblade Chronicles X | 154 |
| 3 | Arma 3 | 104 |
| 4 | Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | 90 |
| 5 | DayZ | 86 |
| 6 | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | 84 |
| 7 | Grand Theft Auto 5 | 49 |
| 8 | The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind | 45 |
| 9 | Fallout 3 | 43 |
| 10 | Grand Theft Auto IV | 37 |
| 11 | Saint’s Row IV | 36 |
| 12 | Borderlands 3 | 34 |
| 13 | Fallout New Vegas | 32 |
Conclusion
Elden Ring is an exceptionally well-crafted game with a rich, immersive world and engaging combat mechanics. While it can be challenging, the game’s approachability and inclusive design ensure that average players can navigate its complexities. From context-sensitive learning to cooperative play, Elden Ring presents a welcoming environment for a broad audience. So, whether you’re a Souls veteran or new to FromSoftware’s universe, grab your sword, don your armor, and join the world of Elden Ring.