Why was Elden Ring so hyped up?

Elden Ring’s hype wasn’t solely organic; it benefited significantly from post-pandemic circumstances. The COVID-19 lockdowns dramatically increased PC gaming’s popularity, expanding the potential player base considerably. This surge in players coincided with a rise in game streaming, creating a powerful advertising channel. Streamers, already influential within gaming communities, reached a much broader casual audience, amplifying Elden Ring’s visibility exponentially. The game capitalized on this by offering a challenging yet rewarding experience appealing to both hardcore and casual gamers, a crucial factor in its widespread appeal. This synergistic effect of a larger player base, increased streaming influence, and the game’s inherent quality created a perfect storm of hype.

Furthermore, Elden Ring benefited from the pedigree of its creators, FromSoftware, already known for their challenging yet highly rewarding Souls-like games. This pre-existing fanbase provided an initial, enthusiastic audience eager for a new title. The anticipation built steadily through carefully managed marketing, emphasizing the vast open world and the unique gameplay mechanics, further fueling the hype train.

In short, Elden Ring’s massive success wasn’t simply down to the game itself, but a confluence of factors: a broadened gaming audience, the amplification of streaming, the developer’s reputation, and shrewd marketing. Each element contributed significantly to the unprecedented level of hype surrounding the game’s release.

Did Elden Ring lose popularity?

Elden Ring’s Steam concurrent player count plummeting by nearly 90% post-launch isn’t surprising. It’s a common trend for open-world RPGs, especially those with a high difficulty curve. The initial hype drives massive concurrent numbers, but the long playtime commitment filters out casual players. The hardcore remaining players, however, are dedicated and represent a core audience actively engaging in the intricate lore, PvP, and challenging boss encounters. This drop doesn’t necessarily equate to a loss of overall popularity; instead, it reflects the natural player churn following a game’s initial release. Consider that the remaining players are highly engaged, contributing to a vibrant community and sustained online activity, even in comparison to games that maintain artificially high concurrent counts via continuous content updates and microtransactions. The long tail of Elden Ring’s success lies in its dedicated community and replayability, not necessarily its peak concurrent players. We see similar patterns in other FromSoftware titles, and this should be seen as a sign of a well-crafted, difficult and rewarding game rather than a failure.

Did Miyazaki say Elden Ring would be 30 hours?

Director Hidetaka Miyazaki’s pre-release estimate of 30 hours for Elden Ring’s completion time quickly became infamous among FromSoftware fans. While intended as a general guideline, the reality proved far more expansive. The actual playtime varies wildly, depending on player skill, exploration habits, and chosen difficulty. Many players easily surpass 50 hours, with completionists frequently exceeding 100. This discrepancy highlights the sheer scale of the Lands Between, overflowing with optional areas, bosses, and hidden secrets meticulously designed to reward dedicated exploration. The 30-hour estimate arguably underestimated the game’s density and the depth of its systems. It’s important to note that Miyazaki’s comment likely focused on a singular, direct path to the ending, neglecting the massive amounts of optional content and side quests that make Elden Ring’s world so captivating.

The vastness and depth of Elden Ring are precisely what contributed to its success. It’s not just about beating the game; it’s about the journey. The impressive replayability stems from numerous build options, diverse combat strategies, and a staggering number of hidden items and storylines. Therefore, viewing Miyazaki’s original estimate as anything other than a very rough pre-launch speculation is crucial for understanding the true nature of Elden Ring’s experience. It’s less a flaw and more a testament to its ambition and ultimately its triumph.

Why did Elden Ring become so popular?

Elden Ring’s popularity stems from its masterful world-building. It’s not just a visually stunning landscape; it’s a tapestry woven from diverse mythological threads – Celtic, Norse, Greek, Slavic, and Japanese influences are all readily apparent, creating a deeply immersive and believable setting. This isn’t just surface-level inspiration; the game meticulously integrates these disparate mythologies into its lore, character design, and enemy encounters, resulting in a richly detailed world teeming with secrets and hidden narratives. The open world design, while initially daunting, allows for unparalleled freedom of exploration and discovery, encouraging players to uncover its mysteries at their own pace. This sense of freedom, combined with the challenging yet rewarding combat system, fosters a unique replayability unmatched by many other open-world titles. It’s a game that truly rewards patience and exploration, ultimately delivering a deeply satisfying and memorable experience.

Why are game developers mad at Elden Ring?

Elden Ring? Yeah, the dev community’s reaction wasn’t just grumbling; it was a full-blown revolt. The difficulty wasn’t the issue for seasoned players – we *love* a challenge. The problem? It’s a poorly implemented, frustrating challenge. The combat’s touted “depth” hides clunky mechanics. The hitboxes are… generously interpreted, let’s say. And the stagger system? A lottery. Then there’s the UI, a medieval relic masquerading as a modern interface. No quest log? Seriously? In a game this sprawling, it’s not just an oversight, it’s borderline sadistic. It forces meticulous note-taking, which is fine for some, but it alienates many who prefer a streamlined experience. The devs weren’t mad about the difficulty itself; they were furious about the *unpolished execution* of core mechanics that could have elevated the game to legendary status instead of merely “difficult but messy.” ENDYMIONtv’s hyperbole about an “entire continent” is a bit much, but the sentiment is valid. The game showcases breathtaking world design, yes, but its core systems are riddled with frustrating inconsistencies. The sheer volume of players who managed to overcome the game’s limitations only highlights how poorly designed the core UX is.

Was Elden Ring a success?

Yeah, Elden Ring absolutely smashed it. It’s not just FromSoftware’s best-selling game, blowing past Dark Souls, Demon’s Souls, Sekiro, and Bloodborne (forget the remakes, we’re talking originals here) – it’s a cultural phenomenon. The open world was a massive risk that totally paid off, bringing in a huge influx of new players while still satisfying the hardcore fans. We’re talking record-breaking sales figures, Game of the Year awards everywhere, and a community that’s still incredibly active, constantly discovering new builds, secrets, and exploits. The PvP is also insane, some of the best I’ve ever experienced in a Souls-like. Seriously, the sheer scale of the game’s impact is unprecedented for a FromSoftware title. The level design alone is genius; it’s dense with secrets and interconnected in a way that makes exploration genuinely rewarding. And let’s not forget the soundtrack – it’s epic.

Beyond the sales, the critical reception was universally positive. It’s rare to see a game achieve that level of success across both commercial and critical spheres. The accessibility improvements, while controversial amongst some purists, undeniably helped broaden the game’s appeal without compromising the core challenge. People are still debating the best builds, the hardest bosses, and the most effective strategies months, even years later. It’s a testament to the game’s enduring quality and replayability.

Is killing NPCs in Elden Ring bad?

Aggressively eliminating NPCs in Elden Ring presents a multifaceted strategic dilemma. While the potential rewards, such as unique armor sets and weaponry, are undeniably alluring and can provide a significant power boost, particularly for aggressive, min-max builds, the associated risks and consequences must be carefully weighed.

Reward vs. Risk Analysis:

High Reward Potential: Killing certain NPCs unlocks access to exceptionally powerful equipment, significantly enhancing combat capabilities and potentially shortening playthrough times.
Questline Interruption: This action irrevocably terminates associated questlines, preventing acquisition of unique rewards and potentially beneficial buffs tied to those narratives. Consider the loss of valuable items and upgrades before initiating lethal encounters.
NPC Aggression: Some NPCs, upon detecting hostile actions, will actively engage in combat, requiring strategic planning and possibly increased resource consumption to overcome.

Strategic Considerations:

Prioritize Intelligence Gathering: Thoroughly investigate each NPC’s role and potential storyline before engaging in any violent encounters. Utilize item descriptions and dialogue options to understand potential ramifications.
Resource Management: Be prepared for potential protracted engagements with NPCs who retaliate. Sufficient healing items and optimal equipment loadouts are crucial.
Moral Implications: Though seemingly inconsequential within the game’s mechanics, the narrative impact of murdering NPCs significantly affects the player’s engagement with the lore and overall experience. A ruthless playthrough might yield powerful equipment, but at the cost of experiencing richer character interactions and story arcs.
Specific NPC Examples: While many NPCs offer considerable rewards upon their demise, some like Edgar and Millicent present compelling narrative arcs that make the decision to kill them ethically challenging. Others, like D and Freyja, will actively become hostile if their questlines are disrupted.

Conclusion (implied): The decision to kill NPCs is a strategic choice with significant consequences, demanding a careful evaluation of reward potential versus narrative richness and risk of increased combat difficulty. Informed decision-making based on thorough information gathering will optimize both gameplay efficiency and narrative engagement.

How many people actually finish Elden Ring?

6000 completions? Amateur numbers. That’s barely a scratch on the surface of the Lands Between. I’ve seen more players give up at Margit than that number represents finished runs. The true completion rate is far, far lower if you factor in those who actually beat Malenia without resorting to cheesy tactics. Let’s be realistic: the vast majority quit at the first truly challenging boss. That’s not counting those who get stuck in the late game, lost and directionless, their spirits crushed under the weight of a truly brutal difficulty curve. 6000 represents only the hardcore, the relentlessly persistent, the masochistic few who possess the skill and sheer stubbornness to see it through. That’s a testament to the game’s design, sure, but also a testament to the enduring power of self-flagellation among a dedicated minority. And the lack of substantial post-launch updates? Irrelevant. True difficulty doesn’t need hand-holding; it thrives on relentless challenge. A testament to FromSoft’s masterful design indeed, but hardly surprising given their history.

Think of the countless hours sunk into grinding runes, optimizing builds, and repeatedly dying to absurdly powerful enemies. That’s the true measure of Elden Ring’s success – not the completion count, but the sheer amount of time people willingly squander to conquer its unforgiving world. Those 6000 players? They’re veterans, warriors among mere mortals.

Why do people say Elden Ring is so good?

Elden Ring’s acclaimed quality stems from a subtle yet powerful element: its immersive, almost nightmarish dance-like gameplay. This isn’t immediately apparent, but understanding it unlocks a deeper appreciation of the game’s design.

The “Dance” of Combat: Souls games, including Elden Ring, aren’t about button-mashing. Success hinges on precise timing, reading enemy animations, and strategically employing your moveset. This rhythmic interplay between attack and defense creates a unique, almost balletic combat experience.

Pattern Recognition: Learning enemy attack patterns is crucial. Observe their tells, anticipate their movements, and react accordingly. This isn’t just memorization; it’s about developing a feel for the rhythm of each encounter.
Spacing and Positioning: Maintaining optimal distance is key to avoiding damage. Master the art of kiting, circling, and using the environment to your advantage.
Strategic Weapon Arts & Spells: Experiment with different weapons and spells. Find combinations that complement your playstyle and create devastating combos.

Beyond Combat: This “dance” extends beyond combat. Exploration itself is a rhythmic process of cautious discovery, punctuated by intense moments of combat and reward.

Environmental Storytelling: The game’s world is rich in subtle details. Take your time to explore; examine the architecture, read item descriptions, and piece together the narrative.
Trial and Error: Death is a teacher in Elden Ring. Each failure provides valuable information, refining your understanding of enemy patterns and your own capabilities. Embrace the iterative learning process.
Building Your Character: Experiment with different builds, weapons, and playstyles. Find what resonates with you and develop a unique approach to overcoming challenges.

Mastering the Dance: By understanding and embracing this inherent rhythm, you unlock a deeper level of engagement and appreciation for Elden Ring’s masterful design. It’s a challenging, rewarding experience that demands patience, skill, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. The payoff is unparalleled immersion and a sense of accomplishment that few games can match.

How long did it take you to 100% Elden Ring?

Completing Elden Ring to 100% involves significantly more than just beating the final boss. The time investment varies wildly based on your playstyle and goals.

Main Story Completion (Roughly 60 Hours): This focuses solely on progressing through the main story beats, minimal exploration beyond what’s directly required, and skipping many optional bosses and areas. Expect a fast-paced, linear experience. This is ideal for players primarily interested in the main narrative.

100% Completion (Approximately 134 Hours): Achieving 100% completion requires a dedicated commitment. This encompasses:

Completing all Main Storylines: This includes all major bosses and significant narrative events.
Discovering all Locations: Explore every nook and cranny of the Lands Between to uncover hidden areas, dungeons, and secrets.
Finding all Items: This includes weapons, armor, spells, talismans, and consumables. Many are hidden, requiring thorough exploration and often solving environmental puzzles.
Defeating all Bosses: This goes beyond the main story bosses, including optional bosses, mini-bosses, and even some cleverly hidden encounters.
Gathering all Achievements/Trophies: This varies based on the platform, but typically includes completing specific challenges and uncovering all secrets within the game.

Tips for Efficient 100% Completion:

Utilize a Completion Checklist: Numerous online resources provide comprehensive checklists to track your progress, ensuring you don’t miss anything.
Explore Methodically: Don’t rush. Take your time exploring each area thoroughly, paying attention to detail and using your map effectively.
Level Strategically: Focus on building a character that caters to your preferred playstyle while maintaining a balance of stats to handle various challenges.
Use Summoning Effectively: Summoning spirits or players can significantly aid you in challenging boss fights, allowing you to manage difficult encounters efficiently.
Experiment with Builds: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different builds and playstyles to discover what works best for you. This helps in overcoming various obstacles with different approaches.

Important Note: These times are estimates, and individual playthroughs may vary greatly depending on skill level, exploration habits, and the chosen build.

What happens when you reach 999 hours in Elden Ring?

999:59:59. That’s the hard cap on Elden Ring’s playtime counter. Shalhadra’s discovery confirmed what many suspected: FromSoft’s engine, while beautiful, isn’t built for tracking playtime beyond a certain point. It’s a 32-bit integer limitation, a common problem in game development. Think of it as a digital odometer rolling over; it hits the max, resets conceptually, and keeps running internally, but the display freezes. This doesn’t affect your save file, achievements, or anything else crucial. Your actual playtime continues to accumulate, but the in-game counter just stops updating. It’s a purely cosmetic limitation. So, yeah, past that point you’re playing for the love of the game, not the badge on your profile.

Pro-tip: For those aiming for that absurd 999+ hour mark, consider external time tracking software. It’s the only accurate way to log your actual playtime beyond the in-game counter’s arbitrary limit. This data’s useful for personal bragging rights—or maybe for that future “I beat Elden Ring a thousand times” video you’ve got planned.

How many hours is 100% Elden Ring?

So, you wanna know how long it takes to 100% Elden Ring? The short answer is: a *lot* of time. We’re talking a serious commitment here.

Main story? Expect around 60 hours. That’s if you’re laser-focused and ignoring almost everything except the main questline. Think of it as a speedrun, but slower.

But let’s be real, you’re probably not a speedrunner. You want to experience everything – the breathtaking bosses, the hidden lore, every single weapon and armor upgrade, all those optional areas… That’s where the number jumps drastically. To truly complete the game, including finding every item, exploring every nook and cranny, and mastering every aspect, realistically you’re looking at 134 hours or more. I’ve seen some hardcore players clock in even higher than that!

Consider this: Those extra 74 hours are where the real magic happens. You’ll discover those incredibly rewarding hidden areas, you’ll uncover the full story, and you’ll become a true Elden Lord. It’s the difference between a quick playthrough and a *legendary* journey.

Pro Tip: Don’t burn yourself out! Take breaks. Explore at your own pace. The Lands Between are vast, and there’s no rush to conquer it all at once. The most important thing is to have fun.

Why did Elden Ring sell more than Dark Souls?

Elden Ring’s superior sales compared to the entire Dark Souls franchise are primarily attributed to several key factors:

Open World Design: Unlike the linear level design of Dark Souls, Elden Ring’s expansive open world offered unprecedented freedom and exploration, attracting a broader player base beyond the niche Dark Souls audience.
Accessibility (relative): While still challenging, Elden Ring introduced quality-of-life improvements such as Spirit Ashes and a more forgiving approach to some mechanics, making it more accessible to newcomers compared to the notoriously difficult Dark Souls games.
Marketing and Hype: FromSoftware effectively leveraged the pre-existing hype surrounding their previous titles and masterfully marketed Elden Ring’s unique blend of open world exploration and challenging combat.
Strong Word-of-Mouth: The game’s exceptional quality and unique gameplay loop fueled significant positive word-of-mouth marketing, leading to increased sales.
Post-Launch Support: The recently announced Shadow of the Erdtree expansion further boosted sales, generating renewed interest and reminding players of the game’s popularity.

While the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign spin-off is anticipated, it’s important to note that its success won’t directly affect Elden Ring’s current sales dominance over the Dark Souls series.

Dark Souls’ Legacy: The Dark Souls series undeniably built a strong foundation and fanbase, paving the way for Elden Ring’s success. However, Elden Ring’s broader appeal allowed it to surpass the cumulative sales of the entire franchise.
Sales Figures: While precise sales figures vary, Elden Ring’s consistent strong performance across platforms solidified its position as a best-seller.
Future Implications: Elden Ring’s success demonstrates the potential of evolving FromSoftware’s established formula while retaining its core gameplay elements.

Why was Elden Ring destroyed?

So, the Elden Ring? Why’d it get smashed to bits? Well, the prevailing theory, and it’s a big theory, is that Queen Marika, the big boss lady herself, shattered it out of grief. Grief over her son, Godwyn, the Golden Lineage. Yeah, a pretty devastating loss. It’s not explicitly stated in the game, mind you. FromSoft loves their ambiguity, right? But it’s the most widely accepted explanation.

The fallout? Absolute chaos. The Shattering. Years of brutal war. Marika’s Golden Order, the whole system of power, crumbles. Her kids, all these demigods, they’re all vying for control, fighting over the shards of the Elden Ring. Think of it like a massive, inter-god family feud, but with way more magic and giant monsters. It’s basically a power vacuum, and everyone wants to be the one to fill it.

Key takeaway: Marika’s grief is the catalyst, but the real story is the ensuing power struggle. The Shattering isn’t just about a broken ring; it’s about a broken world, a broken order, and a whole lot of broken demigods.

Is Elden Ring hard for new players?

Elden Ring’s difficulty is legendary, and rightfully so. The hype is real. Don’t let anyone fool you – this isn’t a game you’ll breeze through. Expect to die. A lot. The game throws colossal bosses at you practically from the get-go. Think gigantic, ridiculously powerful foes that will dismantle you in seconds if you aren’t prepared.

But here’s the thing: that’s part of the charm. The challenge is woven into the very fabric of the experience. It’s not just about raw difficulty; it’s about learning, adapting, and mastering the systems.

Key things to know for new players:

Exploration is key: Don’t rush. Explore thoroughly. You’ll find powerful weapons, useful items, and spirit ashes (summons) that can drastically change the difficulty curve.
Level up strategically: Focus on attributes that suit your build. Don’t spread yourself too thin. Experiment to find what works for you.
Master the combat: Learn enemy attack patterns. Pay attention to tells. Dodge, parry, and counter effectively. This game rewards skillful play.
Experiment with builds: There are so many different weapons, spells, and ashes of war that you can use. Don’t be afraid to try different things and build a character that suits your playstyle.

Helpful early game tips:

Explore the starting area, Limgrave, thoroughly before venturing too far. You’ll find several useful resources and level up your character.
Don’t be afraid to summon spirit ashes for boss fights – they can significantly reduce the difficulty.
Use Torrent, your spectral steed, to traverse the open world and escape dangerous situations.
Upgrade your weapons regularly. Weapon upgrades drastically improve your damage output.

Death is a learning tool in Elden Ring. Embrace it. Learn from your mistakes and refine your strategy. The feeling of overcoming a challenging boss after countless attempts is incredibly rewarding. It’s a brutal but beautiful world, and the journey is worth the struggle.

Is Elden Ring the perfect game?

Elden Ring? A masterpiece, sure, but “perfect”? Not quite. While it showcases Miyazaki’s genius – his relentless pursuit of challenging yet rewarding gameplay is evident in its open world and brutal yet beautiful combat – even he admits it’s not his *ideal* game.

Why? Several factors contribute. Consider this:

Balancing Act: The sheer scale of Elden Ring presented unique challenges. Balancing difficulty across such a vast landscape, with diverse playstyles and builds, is nearly impossible. Some areas felt under-tuned, others brutally overtuned, relative to player experience and build choices.
Open World Design: The open world, a departure from his previous linear narratives, is both a strength and a weakness. While offering unparalleled freedom, it also led to some areas feeling less impactful or narratively cohesive than intended. The game’s non-linearity creates a level of player agency unparalleled in its genre, but sacrifices some coherence for it.
Narrative Delivery: Miyazaki’s storytelling is famously subtle. While Elden Ring’s lore is rich, its delivery through item descriptions and environmental storytelling left many players wanting clearer narrative cues and direction. This cryptic nature, while adding intrigue, also alienated some.

However, this doesn’t diminish Elden Ring’s achievement. It pushes the boundaries of the open-world RPG genre, successfully blending challenging combat with rich world-building. It’s a testament to Miyazaki’s ambition. His pursuit of perfection, even with a game as acclaimed as Elden Ring, is what drives him, and that’s admirable. It’s a game demanding multiple playthroughs with diverse approaches to truly appreciate its complexity.

Consider different builds: Experiment with Strength, Faith, Intelligence, Dexterity builds to experience the game’s combat systems differently.
Explore thoroughly: Don’t rush. Hidden areas and optional bosses offer unique challenges and lore.
Embrace the challenge: Difficulty is inherent to the game’s design. Dying and learning are key aspects of the Elden Ring experience.

Is Elden Ring still a popular game?

Elden Ring’s popularity is undeniable. Its sales figures speak volumes: 13 million copies by March 2025, exploding to 20 million by March 2025. That’s Bandai Namco’s fastest-selling game ever and a record-breaker for FromSoftware.

Beyond the numbers, its enduring appeal stems from several key factors:

Challenging but Rewarding Gameplay: The difficulty is legendary, but mastering its intricate combat system and overcoming its brutal bosses provides an unparalleled sense of accomplishment. Don’t be afraid to experiment with builds and strategies; persistence is key.
Vast and Immersive Open World: The Lands Between is a truly breathtaking landscape, full of secrets, hidden paths, and challenging optional content. Explore thoroughly – you’ll discover countless hidden items and areas.
Deep Lore and Worldbuilding: Elden Ring’s story is cryptic but rewarding. Pay close attention to item descriptions, environmental storytelling, and NPC interactions to piece together the rich narrative.
High Replayability: With multiple builds, endings, and secrets to uncover, Elden Ring offers incredible replay value. Experiment with different weapon types, magic schools, and playstyles.

Pro-tip: Don’t be afraid to summon help (both NPC and online players) for particularly tough bosses. And remember to explore every nook and cranny – you never know what treasures await.

Build Diversity: The game offers a wide range of viable builds, from strength-based melee powerhouses to agile magic users and cunning faith-based builds. Experimentation is vital.

Early Game Focus: Prioritize upgrading your primary weapon and stats relevant to your chosen build in the early game.
Spirit Ashes: Utilize Spirit Ashes effectively to overcome challenging encounters. Experiment to find those that synergize with your build.
Exploration is Key: Don’t rush through the game. Explore thoroughly, discover hidden areas and secrets, and collect powerful items.

Is Elden Ring based on Christianity?

Nah, man, Elden Ring ain’t *directly* based on Christianity, but it’s a goddamn tapestry woven from religious threads. Think of it less as a one-to-one correspondence and more of a chaotic, beautiful mess inspired by a bunch of different belief systems.

The Divine Comedy influence is HUGE. The whole “journey through a hellscape” thing? Total Dante. The Marika/Radagon schism mirrors some of the theological conflicts within Christianity. You’re battling not just monsters, but allegorical representations of sin and despair. The emphasis on suffering, redemption (kinda), and the cyclical nature of death and rebirth are all major themes.

But it’s not just Dante. It pulls from a million other places. Think Gnosticism, Norse mythology, even a hint of Buddhism in the emphasis on cycles and suffering. It’s a blender of religious ideas, mashed up and remixed into something wholly unique. The bosses aren’t just tough; they represent different aspects of this complex, intertwined mythology.

Malenia, Blade of Miquella: Think corrupted grace, a fallen angel, almost a twisted depiction of a saintly figure gone wrong.
Radagon/Marika: The duality of good and evil, the fractured godhead, echoes various religious concepts of divine conflict.
The Greater Will: A mysterious, possibly malevolent higher power, mirroring the ambiguous nature of many theological concepts.

Forget simple labels. Elden Ring’s religious influences are layered, subtle, and often deliberately ambiguous. It’s not about giving you easy answers; it’s about making you *think* about the nature of faith, power, and suffering—all while kicking ass.

Pro-tip: Pay attention to item descriptions. A lot of the lore is hidden in the item flavor text. You’ll find clues to the deeper religious undercurrents there. It’s a deep dive, but worth it.