It's a good day for those anticipating FromSoftware's next big title, as a massive amount of details on Elden Ring have just recently been unloaded. Everything from new screenshots to fresh gameplay details have been released, so audiences now have a much better idea of how Elden Ring will play. While originally hailed as a spiritual successor to Dark Souls, it's now clear they have many important differences.
FromSoftware recently previewed a 15-minute gameplay demo at Gamescom 2021, providing a significantly better look at this highly-anticipated title. Of everything that was seen, the most notable aspect of the game that differentiates it from its predecessor is its incredible amount of freedom. Players will be able to fast travel from anywhere, allowing them to traverse the open world map much easier. Along their travels, there will be optional encounters to stumble upon, Legacy Dungeons to complete, and multiple paths to explore.
Due to the flexibility the game offers players, their choices will also affect both the story and ending, of which it has been confirmed there will be many. In the past, FromSoftware titles were relatively straightforward, with a few branches paths and optional bosses, but Elden Ring is pushing players to forge their own paths. This could potentially be good news for Elden Ring speedrunners.
Additionally, it was confirmed that archers and magicians will be able to fight from horseback, there will be a new mechanic called "Guard Counter," enemies will have stances that can be broken, and there will be a hub with NPCs. When it comes to Legacy Dungeons, players will have choices here as well. They can barge through the front gates or choose a more stealthy approach using mechanics similar to those found in Sekiro. Hopefully, FromSoftware can improve stealth based on what its learned from past games.
With no new Dark Souls titles planned, Elden Ring will be scratching an bothersome itch for fans of the series. After its original reveal at E3 2019, it was two long years before Elden Ring's first gameplay trailer dropped at Summer Game Fest earlier this year. It was enough to excite the gaming community, but there was still a lot that wasn't clear about the game.
Now, there are an immense amount of details available and they are all very encouraging. FromSoftware appears to be taking everything that was great about its past titles and is improving upon them, while also adding in a heaping helping of player freedom. With the title seemingly bound for success, it's no wonder Elden Ring is nominated in several categories at Gamescom 2021.
Elden Ring is set to release January 21, 2022 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.