What makes Elden Ring the best game?

Elden Ring’s brilliance lies in FromSoftware’s masterful world-building. The Lands Between aren’t just a pretty backdrop; they’re a meticulously crafted tapestry of interconnected regions, each brimming with lore, secrets, and challenging encounters. The level design encourages exploration and rewards curiosity with hidden dungeons, powerful equipment, and breathtaking vistas. You’ll spend hours just getting lost, discovering things you never expected. This isn’t just open world; it’s meaningful open world.

Beyond the setting, the combat is a masterpiece of rewarding difficulty. It’s challenging, yes, incredibly so at times, but that challenge is fair and, more importantly, satisfying to overcome. Mastering the timing, learning enemy attack patterns, and understanding your character’s build—it’s all crucial. There’s a real sense of accomplishment when you finally defeat a particularly tough boss. No cheap tactics, no pay-to-win mechanics, just pure skill-based gameplay.

And let’s not forget the absence of predatory monetization. This is a complete game, a sprawling adventure offered at a single price. No microtransactions, no loot boxes, no season passes. It’s refreshing in today’s gaming landscape, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience without constant interruptions or the pressure to spend more money. That’s a rare and highly valued quality.

Is Elden Ring the most popular game?

While Elden Ring’s critical acclaim is undeniable – numerous “Game of the Year” awards and widespread recognition as one of the greatest games ever made, fueled by praise for its open world, gameplay systems, and setting – declaring it the *most* popular game requires nuance. Its 20+ million sales are undeniably impressive, placing it among the best-selling titles ever. However, “popularity” is multifaceted. Peak concurrent player counts on Steam, for instance, don’t always correlate with lifetime sales. Furthermore, comparing its success to massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) with far larger and longer-lasting player bases is inherently difficult. Elden Ring’s success rests on its critical darling status and strong sales figures, but ultimately, pinpointing the single “most popular” game is a subjective, data-dependent exercise.

The game’s FromSoftware pedigree undoubtedly contributed to its success, building on a loyal fanbase established through the Souls series. However, Elden Ring’s accessibility improvements, compared to its predecessors, broadened its appeal to a wider audience, a factor crucial to its massive sales figures. The impact of its open-world design, allowing for non-linear progression and player agency, cannot be overstated; this was a significant departure for the studio, and one that proved incredibly successful. Considering these factors paints a richer picture than simply citing sales figures alone.

Is Elden Ring the best game of the year?

Elden Ring’s Game Developers Choice Awards sweep wasn’t a fluke. It’s a masterpiece of open-world action RPG design, expertly blending Miyazaki’s signature brutal yet rewarding combat with Martin’s epic world-building. This isn’t just another “Game of the Year” win; it’s a testament to a truly exceptional title.

Key factors contributing to its success include:

Innovative open world design: The Lands Between offers unparalleled freedom and exploration, rewarding methodical exploration with hidden lore and challenging bosses. Forget hand-holding; this is a game that demands you learn its systems.
Challenging but fair combat: Miyazaki’s signature difficulty is present, but the game provides ample tools and strategies to overcome any obstacle. Mastering the combat system is immensely satisfying.
Compelling lore and narrative: While not explicitly spelled out, the world’s rich history and interconnected story unfold organically through item descriptions, environmental storytelling, and NPC interactions. It’s a masterclass in environmental storytelling.
High replayability: Multiple builds, hidden areas, and challenging optional bosses ensure countless hours of gameplay. The sheer amount of content justifies multiple playthroughs.

Beyond the GDCA win, Elden Ring also secured numerous other accolades, solidifying its position as a generational title. Consider this:

It’s the culmination of FromSoftware’s years of refining their Souls-like formula.
It broke sales records for the studio.
Its impact on the gaming landscape is undeniable, inspiring countless imitators and discussions about game design.

So, yeah, best game of the year? Absolutely.

Is Elden Ring the largest open-world game?

Elden Ring’s size is often debated, but at roughly 30.5 square miles (79 square kilometers), it’s significantly larger than many consider. While dwarfing the likes of Skyrim, it’s not the undisputed champion. The real triumph of Elden Ring isn’t just its scale, but its density. Many open-world games suffer from vast, empty spaces. Elden Ring cleverly avoids this “empty world syndrome” by strategically placing points of interest – from hidden caves teeming with challenging enemies and lucrative loot to majestic Legacy Dungeons brimming with lore and unique boss fights. This meticulous design ensures almost every corner of the Lands Between holds something valuable, whether it’s a powerful weapon, a cryptic item to further your understanding of the lore, or simply a breathtaking view of the broken world.

Consider the impact of this density: shorter travel times between meaningful encounters, a more rewarding exploration experience, and less time wasted traversing barren landscapes. While the sheer size is impressive, it’s the thoughtful placement of content that elevates Elden Ring’s open world beyond simple scale. This density allows for emergent gameplay – uncovering secrets organically and experiencing truly unique moments as you explore, often leading to unexpected, satisfying discoveries. The game rewards dedicated players with a deep, intricate world that’s as fascinating to uncover as it is to conquer.

In short: Size matters, but it’s the quality of that size that truly defines Elden Ring’s open-world mastery. The strategic placement of content, encouraging organic discovery and rewarding exploration, creates a far more impactful experience than simply boasting sheer numbers.

How successful was Elden Ring?

Elden Ring’s success is undeniable. 20 million copies sold before its first anniversary? That’s not just a win; it’s a goddamn landslide victory. FromSoftware finally tapped into a mainstream audience while retaining its signature brutal challenge. The game’s still charting highly – currently eighth on Steam’s top games list, beating out countless established and new titles – a testament to its enduring appeal.

But beyond sales figures, the PvP scene is where the true testament to Elden Ring’s success lies. The sheer depth and variety of builds, the intricate strategies, and the constant evolution of the meta—it’s a PvP landscape as rich and unforgiving as the Lands Between themselves. The community is constantly innovating, with new exploits and techniques discovered daily. From the infamous Rivers of Blood spam to the intricate dance of bleed builds, Elden Ring’s PvP is a testament to its design, fostering a competitive environment that rewards skill, adaptability, and an almost sadistic understanding of your enemy’s weaknesses. Even veteran PvP players from Dark Souls games had to completely re-evaluate their strategies. This level of engagement and ongoing evolution in the player base years after release solidifies it as FromSoftware’s most successful title, not only in sales but in long-term player retention and engagement.

Which weapon in Elden Ring has the highest critical hit damage?

Miséricorde is the undisputed king of crit builds in Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree. Its unmatched critical hit damage reigns supreme over all weapons, even outclassing other daggers. We’re talking a ludicrously high crit multiplier; the highest in the entire game. This isn’t just some minor advantage; we’re talking a massive 4.0x damage multiplier on a critical hit, potentially one-shotting even the toughest bosses. The combination of its innate high critical hit damage and this multiplier makes it an absolute meta-defining choice for any player aiming for maximum critical damage output. Prepare to obliterate opponents with this beastly dagger.

Is Elden Ring a full-fledged game?

Elden Ring’s playtime is a serious commitment, easily eclipsing most other titles. A speedrunner focused solely on beating the main boss might clock in around 60 hours. However, that’s just scratching the surface.

For the completionist, prepare for a marathon. We’re talking a hefty 133 hours to achieve 100% completion. This includes:

Discovering all locations: The Lands Between are vast, brimming with hidden caves, dungeons, and secrets.
Collecting every item: From weapons and armor to spells and crafting materials, the loot grind is legendary.
Conquering every boss: The bosses are notoriously challenging, requiring multiple attempts and strategic builds. This includes optional bosses, adding significant playtime.
Mastering every build: Experimenting with different weapon classes, spells, and stats drastically changes the gameplay and adds replayability. Many dedicated players aim to conquer the game with each distinct build.

Think of it like this: 60 hours is a single tournament run. 133 hours is a whole season of intense grinding and strategic development. The real challenge lies in optimizing your gameplay loop for maximum efficiency, much like in professional esports. Mastering the game’s intricacies and exploiting its mechanics to reduce playtime is a meta in itself.

Why did Elden Ring achieve success?

Elden Ring’s success? It’s not about a checklist; it’s about the untamed freedom. FromSoft ditched the hand-holding, tossing players into the Lands Between like gladiators into a coliseum. That open world wasn’t just a map; it was a battlefield, a proving ground. The lack of forced linearity fostered organic discovery, rewarding exploration with breathtaking vistas, hidden bosses – juicy PvP encounters waiting to be stumbled upon. This freedom is crucial. It allows for emergent gameplay, leading to unexpected duels, strategic ambushes, and the development of truly unique builds perfectly suited to exploiting the terrain and the unsuspecting.

Think about it: the sheer number of invasion opportunities alone. Every corner, every crumbling ruin, a potential arena. You could be casually farming runes, suddenly finding yourself facing a skilled duelist who’s mastered a weapon art you’ve never seen before. That’s the beauty of Elden Ring’s design – it embraces chaos, rewarding adaptable players who can leverage their skill and knowledge to conquer any situation, be it PvE or PvP. This unpredictable environment elevates the core PvP loop to something exhilarating and truly memorable, a far cry from the structured arena fights of many other games.

The open world directly impacts PvP meta. Different locations offer unique advantages depending on your build and fighting style. Knowing these spots, exploiting their quirks for an advantage, that’s mastery. That’s what separates a casual player from a seasoned veteran.

Why is “Ring” so popular?

Ring’s dominance in the smart home security market isn’t accidental; it’s a strategic masterclass in product diversification and user-friendly design. Their success hinges on several key factors:

Extensive Product Portfolio: Ring offers a remarkably broad range of video doorbells and security cameras catering to diverse needs and price points. This allows them to capture a large market share by addressing the varying budgets and technical proficiencies of consumers.

Accessibility: The emphasis on DIY-friendly installation significantly lowers the barrier to entry. This smart move expands their potential customer base beyond tech-savvy individuals, making smart home security accessible to the average homeowner.
Scalability: The robust design allows for seamless integration into a comprehensive home security ecosystem. This scalability encourages users to invest in multiple Ring devices, creating a sticky, recurring revenue stream for the company.

Strategic Marketing and Branding: Ring effectively leverages the fear of home intrusion to position their products as essential security solutions. Their marketing successfully portrays a sense of security and peace of mind, tapping into a fundamental human need.

Network Effects: The larger the Ring network becomes, the more valuable it is to individual users. This network effect fosters a virtuous cycle of growth, attracting more users and reinforcing the platform’s overall security and reliability.
Data Monetization (Implied): While not explicitly stated, the vast amount of data collected by Ring’s devices represents a significant potential revenue stream through analytics and potentially other services, although the privacy implications of this data collection are a subject of ongoing debate.

Weaknesses (Indirectly Addressed): While Ring’s popularity is undeniable, concerns surrounding data privacy and reliance on cloud services represent potential long-term vulnerabilities that could impact their market share. Addressing these concerns effectively will be crucial for maintaining their leading position.

What game has the biggest open world?

Yo, what’s up gamers? Biggest open world? That’s a tough one, but let’s break down some contenders. Size isn’t everything, though. While The Lord of the Rings Online and Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising boast massive maps, they’re kinda outdated now, the content can feel a little thin. Xenoblade Chronicles X? Huge planet, but exploration can feel a bit repetitive after a while. It’s stunning visually, though!

Ghost Recon Wildlands is a solid choice – massive Bolivian landscape perfect for vehicular mayhem and tactical squad play. But it’s not as packed with things to *do* as some others. Burnout Paradise? A classic, tons of fun, but it’s not really about sprawling exploration; it’s all about the driving. Death Stranding? Yeah, the open world is HUGE, but the gameplay loop is unique and might not be for everyone.

True Crime: Streets of LA is a forgotten gem for some, a HUGE city, incredibly detailed for its time. But… it shows its age significantly. Finally, Tears of the Kingdom; it’s not the *biggest* map in sheer square kilometers, but the verticality and sheer density of things to discover and do makes it a contender for best open world experience. Seriously, it’s incredible!

So, there’s no single “best.” It depends what you value. Raw size? Xenoblade Chronicles X or LOTRO maybe. Action and freedom? Ghost Recon Wildlands or Burnout Paradise (though in different ways). A cohesive and consistently engaging world? Tears of the Kingdom might take the cake. Ultimately, it’s all about your preferences!

Did Elden Ring sell better than Dark Souls?

Elden Ring vs. Dark Souls Sales: A Definitive Comparison

Elden Ring’s commercial success is undeniable. With nearly 29 million copies sold, it significantly surpasses the cumulative sales of the entire Dark Souls franchise prior to its release. This achievement places it among gaming’s elite.

Key Sales Figures and Context:

Elden Ring: Approximately 29 million units sold.
Dark Souls Franchise (pre-Elden Ring): Significantly lower than Elden Ring’s sales figures. Exact numbers for the entire franchise are not consistently reported across all platforms and regions, adding to the scale of Elden Ring’s success.
Notable Sales Surpassed: Elden Ring’s sales have eclipsed major titles including Super Mario Odyssey, Grand Theft Auto IV, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and Pokémon Sword and Shield. This highlights its broad appeal across different gaming demographics.

Factors Contributing to Elden Ring’s Success:

Open World Design: The shift from the linear level design of Dark Souls to the expansive open world of Elden Ring broadened the game’s appeal to a wider audience.
Accessibility Improvements (Relative): While still challenging, Elden Ring introduced elements that made the game more approachable for players unfamiliar with FromSoftware’s notoriously difficult titles. This includes features like Spirit Ashes (summonable allies) and a more diverse range of build options.
Marketing and Hype: The anticipation surrounding Elden Ring, fuelled by FromSoftware’s reputation and extensive marketing campaign, contributed greatly to its impressive launch sales and lasting popularity.
Critical Acclaim: Widespread critical praise cemented Elden Ring’s status as a must-have title for many gamers.

In short: Elden Ring’s sales figures demonstrate its immense popularity and significant impact on the gaming landscape, significantly outperforming its predecessors in the Souls-like genre and surpassing the sales figures of numerous AAA titles across various genres.

Did Miyazaki finish working on Elden Ring?

Forget Elden Ring 2, that’s Miyazaki-speak for “maybe someday, but not anytime soon.” He’s basically saying they’re not actively developing a direct sequel. The quote’s carefully worded; they’re leaving the door open for an expansion, DLC, or maybe some spin-off – think a “Bloodborne”-style side story set in the Lands Between, focusing on a different shard of the Elden Ring, or maybe even exploring a previously unknown region. That’s a far cry from a full-fledged sequel, though. Expect something different, more of an expansion, not a true successor.

The important takeaway is this: Miyazaki’s involved in other projects right now. FromSoft is notoriously tight-lipped, but the “different genres” hint at the possibility of something bold and unexpected. Considering their track record, whatever they’re cooking up will likely be challenging, demanding mastery of mechanics, and full of lore-heavy mysteries.

My gut feeling? Don’t hold your breath for Elden Ring 2. Instead, brace yourselves for something completely new that’ll push FromSoftware’s design philosophy even further. Think outside the box – a shift in tone, mechanics, or even setting. They might surprise us with something phenomenal.

Should I use the Misericorde in Elden Ring?

Miséricorde, while seemingly underwhelming at first glance, presents a compelling case study in Elden Ring’s diverse weapon meta. Its scaling with Strength and Dexterity, often overlooked, provides a surprisingly robust foundation for a short-range, high-mobility build.

Key Strengths:

Exceptional Quickstep Synergy: The Miséricorde’s lightweight nature pairs exceptionally well with Quickstep, facilitating aggressive repositioning and hit-and-run tactics. This allows players to exploit enemy attack animations, creating consistent openings for devastating critical hits.
High Critical Hit Potential: The dagger’s inherent bleed build-up, coupled with its exceptional critical hit damage scaling, makes it particularly effective against bosses and enemies vulnerable to bleed. Mastering timing and positioning to capitalize on critical hits is paramount to maximizing its DPS.
Flexibility in Build Customization: The weapon’s stat requirements allow for considerable build diversity. It can be integrated into Strength builds focused on raw damage output or Dexterity builds prioritizing speed and critical hit rate. A hybrid approach, leveraging both stats, allows for a well-rounded and highly effective build.

Strategic Considerations:

Weapon Art Optimization: While Quickstep is highly effective, understanding enemy attack patterns and utilizing the weapon art strategically, rather than reactively, is crucial for survival and maximizing damage output. The small window for activation requires precise timing and prediction.
Build Synergy: Optimizing stats and equipment is crucial. Focus on increasing Dexterity for higher attack speed and critical hit chance, and consider incorporating talismans that enhance critical hits or bleed build-up.
Enemy Type Awareness: The Miséricorde excels against enemies vulnerable to bleed, but it’s less effective against those resistant to it. Adaptability and weapon switching are key in dynamic combat scenarios.

Conclusion (implied): The Miséricorde, far from being a simple weapon, is a versatile tool requiring skillful execution and strategic understanding to unlock its full potential in competitive Elden Ring gameplay. Mastering its mechanics and synergizing it with appropriate build choices results in a powerful and surprisingly effective arsenal.

How long does it take to complete Elden Ring?

Elden Ring Completion Time: A Guide for All Playstyles

How long does it take to beat Elden Ring? It depends entirely on your approach. The answer isn’t simply a number of hours.

Main Story Focus (Approximately 60 hours):

This path prioritizes the main questline. You’ll defeat major bosses, progress through key areas, and ultimately become the Elden Lord.
Expect minimal exploration beyond what’s necessary for the main path.
Side quests will likely be ignored, or completed only if they directly impact main progression.
This is the fastest way to experience the core narrative.

100% Completion (Approximately 134 hours):

Explore Every Corner: Thorough exploration is key. Discover hidden dungeons, caves, and areas not directly on the critical path. This will significantly increase playtime.
Complete All Side Quests: Uncover the rich lore and diverse character stories by completing every side quest and optional boss encounter. Many offer valuable rewards.
Find All Collectibles: This includes Talismans, Weapons, Spells, Ashes of War, and other items scattered throughout the Lands Between. Many are well-hidden!
Master All Build Types: Experiment with various weapon types, spells, and incantations. Optimizing your character for different playstyles adds considerable replay value.
Conquer Every Boss: This goes beyond mandatory bosses. It includes optional bosses, mini-bosses, and even the notoriously difficult Legacy Dungeons.

Factors Affecting Playtime:

Your Skill Level: Experienced players might complete the main story faster. Difficult bosses will naturally increase playtime for all.
Playstyle: A cautious, methodical approach will take longer than aggressive, risk-taking play.
Exploration Habits: Meticulous explorers will naturally spend more time.

Ultimately, the “best” completion time is the one you enjoy most. Don’t rush; savor the journey.

What builds are there in Elden Ring?

Elden Ring boasts a diverse range of viable builds, catering to various playstyles. Here’s a breakdown of popular and effective options, beyond the basics:

Strength Builds: These builds focus on high Strength stats, utilizing colossal weapons for devastating damage. Expect slow attack speeds but immense power. Consider utilizing Ashes of War that enhance strength scaling or add elemental damage for better versatility. Popular choices include the Greatsword and various colossal weapons.
Faith Builds: These builds leverage incantations, focusing on Miracles for both offensive and supportive capabilities. High Faith paired with decent Mind allows for varied spellcasting, including powerful offensive spells and healing options. Consider using talismans that boost Faith scaling or spell effectiveness.
Intelligence Builds: High Intelligence enables powerful sorceries, offering ranged attacks and area-of-effect damage. This build necessitates careful positioning and resource management (FP). Invest in staff upgrades for enhanced damage output and consider using sorceries with scaling in other stats like Faith or Arcane for added versatility.
Dexterity Builds: Fast-paced and agile, Dexterity builds excel with rapid attacks and critical hits. Katana builds are a common choice, offering high DPS and impressive combos. Prioritize weapons with high Dexterity scaling and consider Ashes of War focusing on bleed or frost effects.
Arcane Builds: Arcane builds are unique, focusing on effects like critical hits, status effects (bleed, frost, madness, sleep) and discovery rate. This allows for creative approaches to enemy management and exploration, with a focus on weapons that capitalize on status effects. Talismans that enhance discovery are invaluable here.
Hybrid Builds: Elden Ring encourages experimentation. Hybrid builds combine two or more stats (e.g., Strength/Faith for faith-infused weapons, Intelligence/Faith for certain incantations). This requires careful stat allocation but opens numerous build possibilities.

Specific Build Examples (requiring further research for detailed stat allocation and equipment choices):

Flame of Frenzy Build: Centers around the Flame of Frenzy incantation for devastating area-of-effect madness damage.
“Milady” Build: Typically a Faith-based build focused on using incantations and perhaps a supportive role. (Specific details needed for a complete guide).
“Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear” Build: Centers around Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear and its unique abilities, often incorporating Arcane for high bleed buildup.
“Rivers of Blood” Build: Exploits the Rivers of Blood katana’s high bleed buildup and quick attacks. Frequently incorporates Arcane to further enhance bleed damage.
“Twinblade” Build: Leveraging twinblades or dual wielding to maximize damage output, typically incorporating Dexterity and possibly Arcane.
“Dancing Stars” Build: Typically a Dexterity/Intelligence build focused on fast attacks and powerful sorceries. (Requires specific item details).

Note: These are just examples. The best build for you depends on your playstyle and preferred combat approach. Experimentation and adaptation are key to success in Elden Ring.