Is Elden Ring inspired by Dark Souls?

While Elden Ring shares undeniable DNA with the Dark Souls trilogy – the challenging combat, the cryptic lore, the emphasis on exploration and player agency – it’s crucial to understand the relationship isn’t one of direct inspiration, but rather a natural progression. Hidetaka Miyazaki himself explicitly stated in a 2019 article that the narratives are unconnected. Think of it less as a sequel and more as a spiritual successor. Elden Ring expands on the core gameplay loop established in Dark Souls, refining mechanics like combat timing and stamina management, while significantly broadening the scope of the open world and the freedom it offers the player. The interconnectedness of its map, although vast, cleverly mirrors the interconnected levels of the Dark Souls games in its own unique way. This iterative development is evident in the evolution of its level design, which shifts from the more linear structure of Dark Souls to the branching paths and non-linear progression Elden Ring provides. The lore, while still obtuse and rewarding investigation, unfolds in a different manner, relying less on item descriptions and more on environmental storytelling and NPC interactions. Essentially, Elden Ring builds upon the foundation laid by Dark Souls, but it isn’t a rehash; it’s a significant leap forward, showcasing Miyazaki’s evolving design philosophy within a similar but drastically expanded framework.

What is Elden Ring influenced by?

Elden Ring’s design draws heavily from several key sources, as acknowledged by Hidetaka Miyazaki. Direct influences include the impactful boss encounters and sense of scale present in Shadow of the Colossus, the open-world exploration and expansive quest design of The Elder Scrolls series, the narrative depth and character development seen in The Witcher 3, and the freedom and environmental storytelling of Breath of the Wild. These are not simply superficial similarities; Elden Ring synthesizes elements from each, resulting in a unique blend.

Beyond gameplay mechanics, the game’s narrative foundation is rooted in tabletop RPGs, specifically RuneQuest, which is evident in the emphasis on player agency, emergent storytelling, and the weight of player choices. Literary influences are equally significant, with The Lord of the Rings contributing to the overarching epic fantasy setting and themes of power, corruption, and fate, while the less-known The Eternal Champion (a series of novels) arguably provides inspiration for the game’s fragmented narrative and exploration of multiple perspectives on a shared history. The result is a rich tapestry woven from various threads, creating a unique experience which avoids being a mere pastiche of its influences.

It’s crucial to note that while these titles serve as clear inspirations, Elden Ring transcends mere imitation. Miyazaki masterfully incorporates and reinterprets these influences, forging a distinct identity characterized by its challenging yet rewarding gameplay, cryptic yet deeply rewarding narrative, and an unforgettable sense of atmosphere. The amalgamation of these influences isn’t additive; it’s synergistic, resulting in something far greater than the sum of its parts.

Why were Dark Souls so influential?

Dark Souls’ influence on game design stems from its radical departure from traditional difficulty settings. Instead of offering selectable difficulty levels, it presented a consistently challenging experience for all players, fostering a unique sense of accomplishment and community engagement. This “one difficulty for all” approach, while seemingly punishing, ironically broadened the game’s appeal. It fostered a culture of player-driven assistance and knowledge sharing, manifested in the proliferation of online guides, let’s plays, and community forums dedicated to overcoming its challenges. The difficulty wasn’t merely a hurdle; it was a core mechanic that shaped the social experience and fostered a sense of shared struggle and eventual triumph. This innovative approach influenced countless subsequent titles, particularly in the Souls-like genre, where difficulty is now frequently designed not as an obstacle, but as a key element in world-building and player interaction. The game’s intricate level design, emphasizing exploration and environmental storytelling, further enhanced this experience, rewarding patience and careful observation rather than brute force. The ripple effects are clearly visible in the rise of games emphasizing deliberate and strategic gameplay over simplistic button-mashing, effectively changing the landscape of action RPGs and beyond.

Did Elden Ring take inspiration from Skyrim?

Miyazaki’s “no single inspiration” claim is PR fluff. While Elden Ring boasts its own unique identity, the influence of Bethesda’s open-world design philosophy, specifically the emergent gameplay stemming from Skyrim’s systems, is undeniable. The sprawling map, the verticality encouraging exploration, the emphasis on player agency in tackling challenges – it’s all there. Don’t get me wrong, Elden Ring refines and expands upon it; the interconnectedness is far superior to Skyrim’s often-segmented world. Skyrim’s radiant quests, however, pale in comparison to Elden Ring’s incredibly dense and rewarding exploration and discovery. The sheer density of secrets, hidden bosses, and environmental storytelling surpasses anything Bethesda has ever managed. The Elder Scrolls series provided the skeletal framework; FromSoftware fleshed it out with masterful level design and brutally satisfying combat. Breath of the Wild’s influence is also apparent in the freedom of approach, but Elden Ring surpasses even that in its commitment to rewarding patient exploration and intricate systems interweaving challenge and discovery. It’s more than inspiration; it’s evolution.

What makes Elden Ring different from Dark Souls?

Dark Souls is a tight, curated experience; a linear progression through interconnected levels. Think of it like a meticulously crafted single-player campaign – a highly optimized, high-difficulty run. Elden Ring, however, throws that structure out the window. It’s an open world, a massive sandbox. The freedom to explore is unparalleled. You’re not railroaded; you can tackle areas significantly above your level if you’re feeling ballsy, potentially finding powerful early-game loot to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This non-linearity fundamentally alters the gameplay loop. Exploration is rewarded, not just by item discovery, but by uncovering optional bosses, hidden areas, and lore. The sense of discovery and player agency is drastically increased. This “choose your own adventure” approach drastically changes the meta compared to Dark Souls’ more rigid progression. Think of it as a difference between a highly tuned esports map versus a vast, uncharted battlefield.

The scale is simply breathtaking. The sheer size of the map and the density of content within creates exponentially more replayability. In Dark Souls, you’re optimizing a singular path; in Elden Ring, you’re strategizing across multiple interconnected paths, constantly discovering new routes and approaches. That alone changes the entire strategic landscape.

What inspired Dark Souls?

Berserk’s influence on Dark Souls is undeniable; the grotesque imagery, the oppressive atmosphere, the sheer, brutal weight of the world – it’s all there. Miyazaki himself confirmed it, but it goes beyond just aesthetics. The relentless, hopeless struggle against overwhelming odds, the morally grey characters, the cyclical nature of violence and despair… it’s the core thematic DNA. Think Guts’ struggle against Griffith, the cascading consequences of his choices, the sheer, unrelenting grimness – that’s practically the Dark Souls player experience distilled. Beyond Berserk, though, the game also draws heavily from the gothic horror sensibilities of Lovecraft, the labyrinthine level design found in older Castlevania games, and even the unforgiving challenge of classic RPGs like King’s Field – Miyazaki’s own previous work, which was effectively a brutal, atmospheric proof of concept for what Dark Souls would become. Don’t underestimate the impact of that lineage. The difficulty isn’t just sadistic; it’s designed to amplify the feeling of vulnerability and force players into mastering its systems, mirroring the grim, persistent struggle for survival that’s at the heart of Berserk and, by extension, Dark Souls.

Who helped make Elden Ring?

FromSoftware, the undisputed kings of punishingly awesome RPGs, spearheaded Elden Ring’s development. Think of them as the legendary esports team that just keeps dropping insane titles. Bandai Namco, their publisher and equally crucial support staff, brought the game to market. This power duo has a legacy stretching back to Bloodborne, Demon’s Souls, and the iconic Dark Souls trilogy—all titles that have cultivated massive, dedicated communities and inspired countless speedruns and competitive challenges. Elden Ring’s open world and intricate combat systems have only further solidified their place as top-tier developers in the souls-like genre, essentially setting a new standard for what’s possible in the RPG esports arena.

What made Elden Ring so successful?

Elden Ring’s success stems from its unparalleled build diversity. Forget the twitch reflexes demanded by some soulslikes; Elden Ring offers viable strategic depth across multiple archetypes. The meta isn’t locked down to a single optimal build; mages, bleed-focused builds, faith-based incantations – each boasts a competitive edge in different scenarios. This allows for high-level strategic play beyond simple reaction time, rewarding strategic planning and adaptation. Think of it as a MOBA with incredibly nuanced character builds, where the “best” class constantly shifts depending on the boss fight or PvP encounter. The game’s open world fosters experimentation, letting players discover synergies and build their own unique strategies, constantly driving community discussion and content creation around optimal builds and strategies for various situations.

This adaptability transcends the typical “git gud” mantra of other challenging games. Mastering Elden Ring isn’t solely about mechanical skill; it’s about strategic mastery of diverse playstyles and understanding enemy weaknesses. This accessibility, combined with a deep and rewarding combat system, fuels its long-lasting appeal within the gaming community and the competitive scene, creating a constantly evolving meta-game.

What did Miyazaki say about Elden Ring?

Hayao Miyazaki, renowned for his breathtaking worlds in Studio Ghibli films, surprisingly weighed in on Elden Ring’s massive scale. He praised the game’s core appeal: the exhilarating sense of exploration and adventure coupled with unparalleled player freedom. Miyazaki highlighted that this emphasis on freedom and discovery directly led to the game’s expansive size, ensuring the experience lived up to its ambitious vision.

This perspective is fascinating, considering Miyazaki’s own masterful creation of immersive and detailed environments. His comment underscores a shared philosophy between seemingly disparate game developers: a commitment to fostering a strong sense of wonder and player agency within richly crafted worlds, even if that means a sprawling open-world design like Elden Ring’s.

The connection between Miyazaki’s celebrated works and FromSoftware’s masterpiece extends beyond this quote. Both emphasize challenging gameplay, intricate lore revealed through environmental storytelling, and a focus on atmosphere and mood. While the art styles differ dramatically, the core principle of captivating players through environmental storytelling and a sense of rewarding exploration remains consistent.

The sheer scale of Elden Ring, a point Miyazaki directly addresses, is a testament to the developers’ commitment to delivering on that promise of freedom and discovery. The Lands Between, with its myriad interconnected regions, hidden paths, and challenging bosses, is a direct result of this core design philosophy.

Why is Elden Ring so hard compared to Dark Souls?

Elden Ring’s brutal difficulty isn’t simply “harder” than Dark Souls; it’s a fundamentally different beast. While both games demand mastery of combat, Elden Ring injects a frantic, aggressive pace unseen in its predecessors. This isn’t just about faster enemies; it’s a shift in core gameplay philosophy.

The Pace: A Key Difference

Dark Souls, with its deliberate pacing, allowed for methodical observation and strategic planning. You could meticulously study enemy attack patterns, exploit openings, and punish mistakes with precision. Elden Ring throws that careful dance out the window. Its faster combat demands immediate reactions, intuitive dodging, and an aggressive, often offensive, playstyle. You’ll need to learn enemy tells almost instantly or face swift punishment.

Unrelenting Pressure: The Significance of Aggressiveness

Enemy Variety and Aggressiveness: Elden Ring boasts a greater density and variety of enemies, many exhibiting significantly more aggressive attack patterns and higher damage output than their Dark Souls counterparts.
Open World Impact: The open world’s constant threat of ambushes and unpredictable encounters exacerbates this relentless pressure. You’re rarely afforded a moment of respite.
Gank Squads: Prepare for frequent encounters with multiple enemies simultaneously. Mastering crowd control and prioritizing targets becomes crucial for survival.

Mastering the Combat: Practical Tips

Learn to Dodge Responsibly: Perfecting your dodge timing and understanding i-frames is paramount. Don’t rely on shields solely; learn to evade attacks strategically.
Aggression is Key: While methodical play works sometimes, embracing offensive maneuvers and using openings to your advantage will often be more effective than playing defensively.
Spirit Ashes and Summons: Utilize summons and Spirit Ashes strategically, not as crutches, but as tools to mitigate the intensity of overwhelming encounters.
Build Diversity: Experiment with various builds and playstyles to find one that suits your preferred combat approach. There are many paths to victory.

The Underlying Philosophy: Adaptability and Reaction

Ultimately, Elden Ring’s increased difficulty stems from its demand for adaptability and immediate reaction. While Dark Souls rewarded patience and careful observation, Elden Ring pushes you to master improvisation and aggressive counterplay. It’s a challenging but ultimately rewarding shift in design philosophy.

Did Elden Ring take inspiration from berserk?

Let’s be real, the Berserk influence on Elden Ring is undeniable, but it’s not a direct rip-off. Think of it more as a masterclass in taking inspiration and cleverly adapting it. They didn’t just copy-paste Guts’s story; they absorbed the *essence* of Berserk’s grim, brutal aesthetic and its themes of relentless struggle against overwhelming odds. It’s in the bone-deep feeling of despair, the monstrous designs, the oppressive atmosphere.

Here’s where the parallels really shine:

World Design and Tone: The desolate, decaying landscapes of Elden Ring scream Berserk. That oppressive sense of dread? That’s straight out of the manga’s darkest chapters. The sheer scale of the world, the feeling of hopeless struggle against seemingly insurmountable foes… it all evokes that same sense of existential dread.
Boss Design: Many bosses, especially the colossal, monstrous ones, have a distinctly Berserk-esque design. Think about Malenia, for example – her relentless aggression, her almost supernatural resilience, even her design elements, echo the kind of terrifying, powerful apostles you encounter in Berserk. It’s not a direct clone, but the lineage is clear.
Character Archetypes: While not direct copies, several character archetypes strongly resemble Berserk counterparts. The relentless, driven protagonist archetype, for example, even with vastly different motivations, shares a core spirit with Guts’ relentless pursuit of vengeance. The tragic heroes, the monstrous foes, the supporting cast who become tragically lost along the way: all present in both works.
Gameplay Mechanics: The difficulty curve mirrors Berserk’s relentless challenge. You face death repeatedly; you learn from your mistakes and push forward despite overwhelming odds. The unforgiving nature of the game really nails that feeling of fighting against insurmountable odds, which is central to Berserk’s narrative.

It’s not about individual elements; it’s about the overall feeling. FromSoftware took the core components of what makes Berserk so compelling – the brutality, the despair, the relentless struggle – and infused them into Elden Ring. They built upon it, adding their unique style and mechanics, creating something new and yet undeniably influenced by the masterpiece that is Berserk.

Is Elden Ring the same universe as Dark Souls?

While the Elden Ring trailer doesn’t explicitly name-drop Dark Souls, the lore implications are HUGE for any seasoned Soulsborne veteran. Think of it like a major esports franchise expanding its universe – a new title, but clearly part of the same overarching lore.

Key connections hinting at a shared universe:

Architectural similarities: The gothic architecture and level design echo Dark Souls’ signature style. It’s like seeing the same team’s logo subtly incorporated into a new arena design – immediately recognizable.
Enemy types: Certain enemy types strongly resemble those found in Dark Souls, suggesting a similar mythological lineage. It’s akin to a returning pro player showcasing signature moves, instantly recognizable to fans.
Item descriptions and lore snippets: While not directly stated, subtle hints in descriptions and environmental storytelling strongly suggest connections. Think of it as hidden easter eggs only the hardcore fans would notice and analyze – and boy, have they done that.

The theory gaining traction points to Nightreign as a possible overlapping area, a shared location acting as a bridge between the two games’ narratives. This would be a massive crossover event, the equivalent of two top esports teams facing off in a dream match.

Further investigation needed: The full extent of the connection remains to be seen. Deep dives into item descriptions, enemy lore, and environmental details are crucial. This is like studying the gameplay replays and strategy guides after a major tournament. The more we dig, the clearer the picture becomes.

Did Elden Ring take inspiration from Zelda?

Yeah, so Elden Ring, right? Massive influence from Zelda: Breath of the Wild, no doubt. The open world design, the sense of exploration and discovery – straight up borrowed, but in a good way. They took the core concepts and made them their own, you know? It’s not a clone, but the inspiration is undeniable.

But it’s not just BotW. Elder Scrolls – the sheer scale of the world, the freedom to approach quests and challenges in your own way, that’s massive. Miyazaki’s team clearly studied how Bethesda handled player agency and implemented similar mechanics, albeit with a FromSoftware twist. The interconnectedness of the world is key here. Think about it – you never feel truly isolated.

And then you’ve got Witcher 3. The narrative structure, the compelling characters, the emphasis on world-building through environmental storytelling – that’s all there. It’s not as overt as the BotW influence, but it’s definitely there in the richer, more detailed lore and quest design.

Let’s break it down further:

Open World Design: BotW’s influence is most visible here. The interconnectedness and freedom of exploration is a key feature of both games.
Player Agency: Elder Scrolls’ focus on player choice and freedom to tackle challenges in various ways is present in Elden Ring’s multiple approaches to bosses and quests.
Narrative and World-building: Witcher 3’s strength in storytelling and environmental detail inspired Elden Ring’s rich lore and detailed world.

In short, Elden Ring is a masterful blend of these three giants. It didn’t just copy; it evolved these elements, creating something truly unique and groundbreaking. It’s a testament to good game design – knowing what works and building upon it.

What architecture is Dark Souls inspired by?

Dark Souls’ architecture draws heavily from various sources. Anor Londo, for instance, is significantly influenced by the Cathedral of Milan, evident in its soaring spires and overall Gothic aesthetic. But the inspiration goes beyond the grand scale; subtle details like the statues flanking the fog gate before Ornstein and Smough are directly based on those of Antoninus of Florence and Benvenuto Cellini found in Florence’s Piazzale degli Uffizi. This meticulous attention to detail extends throughout the game, creating a world that feels both fantastical and grounded in real-world architectural influences. Consider also the use of Romanesque and Byzantine elements in other locations, showcasing a masterful blend of styles that adds to the game’s unique atmosphere. The designers weren’t just copying; they skillfully adapted and reinterpreted these styles, weaving them into a cohesive and believable dark fantasy world.

Are Sekiro and Elden Ring the same developer?

No, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Elden Ring, while both developed by FromSoftware, are distinct games with different gameplay mechanics and design philosophies.

FromSoftware, the acclaimed studio behind Elden Ring, Bloodborne, and the Dark Souls series, also developed Sekiro. However, Sekiro features a heavily emphasis on precise, fast-paced combat centered around a prosthetic arm with various tools and a unique posture system. It’s a much more focused and linear experience than the open-world exploration found in Elden Ring.

Elden Ring, in contrast, is a sprawling open-world action RPG that prioritizes exploration, build customization, and a more traditional RPG experience with multiple character builds and playstyles.

While both games share FromSoftware’s trademark challenging combat and atmospheric world design, their core gameplay loops are drastically different. Choosing between them depends heavily on your preferred playstyle. Do you prefer a meticulously crafted, high-skill combat system (Sekiro), or the freedom of open-world exploration and diverse builds (Elden Ring)?

Why do people say Elden Ring is so good?

It’s not subtle; it’s masterful environmental storytelling. The lack of hand-holding forces genuine exploration and discovery, rewarding meticulous observation. That “nightmarish dancing game” you mention? That’s the core combat loop refined to perfection. Each enemy, each boss, is a meticulously choreographed battle demanding precise timing, spatial awareness, and an understanding of attack patterns far beyond simple button mashing.

The brilliance lies in the emergent gameplay:

Open World Mastery: Unlike linear games, Elden Ring’s world organically presents challenges. You can tackle areas in any order, leading to vastly different experiences based on player build and skill.
Build Diversity: The intricate build crafting system allows for countless playstyles. A dextrous rogue? A colossal, strength-based juggernaut? A faith-based miracle worker? The choices are limitless, and each choice dramatically alters your approach to the game.
Strategic Depth: Combat isn’t just about reflexes; it’s about understanding enemy weaknesses, exploiting openings, and utilizing the environment to your advantage. Mastering parries, counters, and utilizing Ashes of War adds a tactical layer rarely seen in other titles.

Beyond combat, the interconnectedness of lore is compelling:

Environmental Storytelling: The game rarely explicitly tells you anything. The story unfolds through item descriptions, cryptic NPC interactions, and subtle environmental cues, rewarding those who delve into the intricate world.
Multiple Interpretations: The lack of clear narrative allows for multiple interpretations of events, fostering discussion and community engagement around lore speculation.
Legacy of Souls: Elden Ring builds upon the established Souls formula, taking the best aspects and expanding upon them, creating something truly unique yet instantly recognizable to fans of the series.

It’s not just a game; it’s an experience. A brutally challenging, deeply rewarding, and unforgettable journey demanding both skill and patience. It’s the culmination of FromSoftware’s design philosophy, perfected.