What Is Elden Ring About?

A world built by FromSoftware and George R.R. Martin

The legend of ELDEN RING is a dark fantasy epic born from a collaboration between two masters of the genre.

Using the seed of a story about bloodline, heritage and betrayal written by George R.R. Martin, Hidetaka Miyazaki and FromSoftware have crafted a vast and beautiful wilderness out of the ruins of a kingdom fractured by war between demigods.

After the assassination of Godwyn the Golden, her oldest son, god queen Marika shattered the Elden Ring that was the source of her power. Her remaining children took up these pieces for themselves. Using the might these runes gave them, the Demigods fought to become her successor, each driven by their own motives.

However, this maddening war was a stalemate with no clear victor. The Demigods retreated to their respective realms as the world fell further and further into stagnation, the Golden Order sundered.

But now, a group of banished warriors known as the Tarnished are returning to the Lands Between. You are one of those Tarnished, the dead who yet live, drawn by the guidance of what grace remains to seek the throne and become the next Elden Lord.

Read more about the story of ELDEN RING’s Age of the Gods, the history crafted by George R.R. Martin and Hidetaka Miyazaki.

What kind of game is Elden Ring?

A game about exploration and discovery

The world of ELDEN RING is dangerous and majestic. Pale grasslands lead to flooded plains where dragons roost. A crimson battlefield now seethes under scarlet swamps of rot. You’ll climb frozen mountains, search through mystical forests, conquer golden kingdoms, and that’s only the beginning.

All of these rich landscapes are host to deadly enemies and wonderous secrets. There are caves and deep crypts guarded by traps, forts that have fallen to rebellions, and ruins of past civilizations that are now home to monsters and madmen.

Most intricate of all are the vast legacy dungeons like Stormveil castle, whose ramparts crown the high hills of Limgrave. Many of these sprawling dungeons host the remaining Demigods who guard their Great Runes within.

As you travel, you may also find the few souls who remain in the land still possessed of their wits and intellect. Most still retain their ambitions as well and may ask for your help. Aid or hinder them as you see fit, either way could benefit you in some manner if you are wise.

Prepare to explore the Lands Between with our ELDEN RING Starter Guide. 

A game about challenge and mastery

For over a decade FromSoftware have created an iconic system of gameplay that influenced countless other games.  The broader gaming culture has defined titles that take their inspiration from the Souls series as being part of a “Soulslike” genre.

The Souls series has many unique features, but the genre is defined by three main features. All Souls series games have combat focused on precise timing and evasion that is simple to learn but challenging to master.

They also include a system that requires the player to survive between checkpoints at the risk of losing the currency they receive from defeating enemies that is used to purchase stat upgrades. And of course, the Souls series feature intense, memorable boss fights that test the player’s skills to progress through the story.

It’s a combination of danger and reward that turns the player into a true warrior. People have flocked to these games for years to experience the sense of exhilaration and expertise they feel as they defeat some of the most challenging boss battles in video game history. 

Learn more about how ELDEN RING has perfected the soulslike genre by reading our dedicated article.

A game you can approach your own way

For over a decade FromSoftware have created an iconic system of gameplay that influenced countless other games.  

The Souls series has many unique features, but the eponymous genre created by players has been defined by three main features from these games. To start, all Souls series games have combat focused on precise timing and evasion that is simple to learn but challenging to master.

They also include a system that requires the player to survive between checkpoints or risk losing the currency they receive from defeating enemies that is used to purchase stat upgrades.

And of course, the Souls series games all feature intense, memorable boss fights that test the player’s skills and who must be defeated to progress through the story.

Put all three together and you have a combination of danger and reward that many find irresistible. ELDEN RING is no exception.

The Lands Between are a crucible that can shape you into a warrior capable of defeating some of the most difficult boss battles in video game history.

Learn more about how ELDEN RING has become the best of the Souls series by reading our dedicated article.

A game you can approach your own way

“Make of thyselves that which ye desire.” This is the command of Queen Marika.

There is no one path through ELDEN RING. No one character build, either. Your character and your path are yours to choose. The guidance of grace will direct you, should you seek a defined path to glory, however you are the master of your course.

If you stumble into danger that is too great, you can avoid it. If a gate is closed to you, seek another. Many legacy dungeons have multiple entrances. Many hidden paths are waiting for the curious seeker.

Each Tarnished can build their own customized character using hundreds of pieces of equipment, countless weapons, and a massive array of spells and special skills.

The starting classes can give you some ideas about where to begin. You may wish to start your journey as a wandering samurai with a longbow and katana, as a faithful prophet armed with incantations of gold, a mighty hero with a battle axe and a shield, a mystic astrologer versed in the use of glintstone sorceries, and many others.  

Is Elden Ring hard? What new players actually need to know

If you have never tried a game from the Souls series before, then there may be a lot to learn when you first begin to play ELDEN RING. It is a game that will offer many tools that can assist you, they simply will not be in the form of a difficulty setting in the options menu. 

The world is your enemy and your ally

The first tool that can come to your aid is the world itself. In nearly every case, you can escape or avoid enemies that are too strong for you, especially with the help of Torrent, your spectral steed. You are not required to defeat enemies in any particular order, so use Torrent, your stealth, and the environment to your advantage.

Also, the more you explore, the deeper your knowledge and skill will become. You may find items that can increase the strength of your healing or restore your magic. You can learn recipes to craft protective items or consumables. There are also stones that can empower weapons or shields if given to a master smith. 

These precious resources can be found throughout the Lands Between. Seek them out and grow as a future Elden Lord.

Call forth the spirits to help

Seek out Renna the Witch or the Twin Maiden Husks of the Roundtable Hold and you will gain the ability to summon Spirit Ashes with the Spirit Calling Bell. These spirits will attack on your behalf when you are near a Rebirth Monument, which can be found at most points of interest and nearly every boss arena.

Different ashes can be found all throughout the world and different spirits can play different roles in combat. Some are heavy defenders, others can use spells, they can be distractions or backup depending on your needs. The deeper your exploration and the more enemies you face, the more varied your options will be.

And for certain battles you can also summon other fighters who may have connections to the place or enemy to fight at your side. Look for a golden sign on the ground near where the fight begins. Some of these souls can only be summoned if you have spoken to them, it may benefit you to at least make the acquaintance of those whose paths you cross.  

Trust in your friends

If this vast world feels too large at times, call upon your friends to join you. Two other players can explore by your side as you rise to seek your destiny. Together, you can face legendary bosses, delve through darkest dungeons, and brave the dangers of the open field as one.

Need a bit more guidance? Our Early Game Tips for ELDEN RING can help.

What is a Tarnished?

In Marika’s land, those who live in harmony with the Golden Order are blessed by the light of Grace, which shines through their eyes. Should anyone fall into disfavor, that light dies and they are shunned by all who remain in its golden embrace. Anyone cursed to this fate is known as Tarnished. 

Before the Shattering, Marika’s first Elden Lord, Godfrey himself was deprived of grace and left the Lands Between with all his kin and warriors. Now that the Elden Ring has been broken, the Tarnished have returned and seek to become the next Elden Lord.

The tale of the Tarnished has only begun, learn more about your first steps in Limgrave with our Story Summary Explained.

Is ELDEN RING worth it in 2026?

Over 30 million players worldwide have embarked on the quest for the Elden Ring. In the year of its release, it became the most awarded Game of the Year at the time, with 300+ recognitions across the industry.

Critics and players alike have heaped praise on ELDEN RING as a landmark title for this generation of gaming. When you play ELDEN RING, you are experiencing a touchstone of imagination and storytelling that has yet to be surpassed. 

Most players report spending over 100 hours exploring the universe of ELDEN RING, especially with the Shadow of the Erdtree Expansion. 

The Tarnished Edition on Nintendo Switch 2: the perfect starting point

With its improved graphics and gaming power, the Switch 2 is an ideal platform to bring the magnificent scope of ELDEN RING to your home. The adventure can follow you anywhere, and you’ll have plenty to do no matter how long your journey. 

With both the base game and Shadow of the Erdtree expansion in one single package, you’ll have what most players describe as over 100 rich and rewarding hours of unique dark fantasy to enjoy. 

Don’t forget that the Tarnished Edition also includes two new starting classes, the Knight of Ides and the Heavy Armored Knight, new skins for your faithful steed, Torrent.

If that’s not convincing enough, we have 7 more reasons that you should be excited to start playing ELDEN RING today.

Pre-order the Tarnished Edition for Switch 2 now and be among the first to play the most complete ELDEN RING experience of all.