Should I Play Anything Before Elden Ring?
Elden Ring, the highly-anticipated action role-playing game from FromSoftware, has finally arrived. As the next installment in the beloved Soulsborne series, fans and newcomers alike are eager to dive into the world of Lands Between. But for those who are new to the series, the question remains: should I play anything before Elden Ring?
The Answer: No, You Don’t Need to Play Anything Before Elden Ring
To be blunt, the answer is no. Elden Ring is designed to be a standalone game, with its own unique story and world. You don’t need to have played Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, Dark Souls 2, Bloodborne, or Sekiro to understand or enjoy Elden Ring. The game’s narrative is self-contained, and the developers have gone to great lengths to make it accessible to new players.
Why Play Before Elden Ring?
If you’re new to the Soulsborne series, you might be wondering what you’re missing out on by not playing the earlier games. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider playing one of the earlier games:
- Context and backstory: While Elden Ring is designed to be standalone, playing the earlier games will give you a deeper understanding of the world and its lore. You’ll get to experience the evolution of the series and see how the story has developed over time.
- Challenge and difficulty: The Soulsborne series is known for its challenging gameplay, and playing the earlier games will help you develop the skills and strategies you need to tackle Elden Ring’s tough enemies and bosses.
- Atmosphere and setting: The Soulsborne games are known for their atmospheric settings and sense of place. Playing the earlier games will give you a better sense of what to expect from Elden Ring’s world and environment.
But Do You Really Need to Play the Earlier Games?
In short, no. Elden Ring is designed to be a standalone game, and you can jump in without playing the earlier games. The game’s world and story are self-contained, and you won’t be missing out on anything crucial by not playing the earlier games.
Here’s What You Can Do Instead
If you’re new to the Soulsborne series, here are a few things you can do instead of playing the earlier games:
- Start with Elden Ring: Begin your journey with Elden Ring and experience the game’s unique world and story for yourself.
- Read up on the lore: Check out online resources, wikis, and fan sites to learn more about the world and its lore.
- Watch gameplay videos: Watch videos and streams of the game to get a sense of the gameplay and mechanics.
- Join the community: Join online forums, Discord servers, and Reddit communities to connect with other players and get tips and advice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while playing the earlier Soulsborne games might give you a deeper understanding of the world and its lore, it’s not necessary to play them before Elden Ring. The game is designed to be a standalone experience, and you can jump in without any prior knowledge or experience. So, whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran, you can start your journey with Elden Ring and experience the game’s unique world and story for yourself.
Table: Why Play the Earlier Games?
| Reason | What You’ll Gain |
|---|---|
| Context and backstory | A deeper understanding of the world and its lore |
| Challenge and difficulty | Skills and strategies to tackle tough enemies and bosses |
| Atmosphere and setting | A better sense of what to expect from Elden Ring’s world and environment |
Bolded Points:
- No prior knowledge necessary: You don’t need to have played the earlier Soulsborne games to understand or enjoy Elden Ring.
- Standalone experience: Elden Ring is designed to be a self-contained game, with its own unique world and story.
- Accessible to new players: The game’s narrative is designed to be accessible to new players, with no prior knowledge or experience required.