Should I play Elden Ring if I don’t like Dark Souls?

Should I Play Elden Ring if I Don’t Like Dark Souls?

Are you considering playing Elden Ring, but you’ve never been a fan of the Dark Souls series? You’re not alone! While Elden Ring shares some similarities with the Soulsborne games, it has its own unique charm and gameplay mechanics. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons why you might still enjoy playing Elden Ring even if you’re not a fan of Dark Souls.

Different gameplay mechanics

While Dark Souls is known for its intense difficulty and focus on swordplay, Elden Ring offers a more fluid combat experience. Elden Ring’s combat system is more forgiving and less punishing than Dark Souls’. The game features a variety of magical abilities and a more extensive exploration mechanic, which sets it apart from its Soulsborne cousins.

Influence of other FromSoftware games

Elden Ring has been influenced by other games in the FromSoftware franchise, such as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Bloodborne. Elden Ring combines elements from these games, including the exploration and vertical combat of Sekiro and the fast-paced combat of Bloodborne. This hybrid approach makes Elden Ring a unique gaming experience.

Accessible story

If you’ve been deterred by the Dark Souls series’ notoriously difficult story and lore, Elden Ring offers a more accessible narrative. While the game’s world is still rich in lore, the story is presented in a more linear and concise manner. Elden Ring’s world is also more varied, with different environments and climates, which adds to the sense of exploration and discovery.

Less punishing exploration

Exploration is a major part of Elden Ring, and the game does not punish you as heavily for mistakes. There are no deadly traps or insta-kill hazards like in Dark Souls, allowing you to focus on finding hidden secrets and paths. Elden Ring’s world is also less linear than Dark Souls’, giving you more freedom to explore and find your own path.

Six endings to pursue

Elden Ring offers six different endings to pursue, each of which is dependent on the choices you make throughout the game. These endings are the result of complex variables, including the locations you’ve visited, the quests you’ve completed, and the creatures you’ve defeated.

Should I play Elden Ring if I don’t like Dark Souls?

In conclusion, if you don’t like Dark Souls, it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t enjoy Elden Ring. The game offers a unique gameplay experience, influenced by other FromSoftware titles, a more accessible narrative, less punishing exploration, and six different endings to pursue.

Here are some points to consider:

• If you liked the exploration and combat mechanics of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice or Bloodborne, you’ll likely enjoy Elden Ring’s combination of these elements.
• If you’re put off by the punishing difficulty of Dark Souls, you might find Elden Ring’s more forgiving combat system and less punishing exploration to your liking.
• If you’re interested in a more linear and concise story, Elden Ring’s narrative might be more accessible than Dark Souls’.
• With six different endings to pursue, Elden Ring offers a high level of replayability, which is often a key factor in game enjoyment.

Ultimately, if you’re on the fence about playing Elden Ring, we encourage you to give it a try. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy the game, even if you’re not a fan of Dark Souls.