The Soulslike genre is known for its challenging gameplay, and FromSoftware’s games are no exception. From Demon’s Souls to the Dark Souls trilogy, these titles have tested players with difficult enemies and complex mechanics. Elden Ring, the latest installment, draws heavily from its predecessors but introduces its own unique elements. This raises the question: just how hard is Elden Ring compared to the Dark Souls games?
Elden Ring’s Crucible Knights provide a stern challenge.
Elden Ring’s Difficulty: A Deeper Dive
Elden Ring borrows the fast-paced combat and complex enemy AI from Dark Souls 3 and Sekiro. While Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls might seem simpler in retrospect, their obtuse level design and challenging encounters can still surprise even veteran players. However, FromSoftware has refined its boss design over the years, eliminating some of the more frustrating elements found in earlier games. Elden Ring lacks the outright unfair bosses like Bed of Chaos from Dark Souls, even if some fights remain lengthy and demanding.
While earlier Souls games might have a slight edge in environmental hazards and enemy group encounters, Elden Ring compensates with increased player power and more sophisticated enemy AI. This creates a balanced experience where both new and veteran players can feel the challenge.
Spirit Ashes: A Game Changer for Difficulty
Spirit Ashes can significantly alter the difficulty in Elden Ring.
Dark Souls 2, while often considered easier than other Souls games, features challenging DLC areas that rival Elden Ring in difficulty. Elden Ring’s optional areas and legacy dungeons are equally demanding, drawing inspiration from the co-op gauntlets introduced in Dark Souls 2’s DLC. However, the introduction of Spirit Ashes in Elden Ring significantly impacts the difficulty debate. These summonable allies provide invaluable support, making the game more accessible for less experienced players, but also potentially trivializing some encounters for veterans. Even with Spirit Ashes, Elden Ring’s most challenging fights can still test the skills of seasoned Souls players.
Build Variety and Player Skill
Diverse builds in Elden Ring allow players to tailor their experience.
Bloodborne and Dark Souls 3 introduced faster combat and more complex player builds, setting the stage for Elden Ring. Elden Ring’s vast open world and diverse build options allow players to tailor their experience, potentially making the game easier or harder depending on their choices. A well-optimized build can trivialize much of the content, but achieving this requires significant knowledge and investment. Compared to other Soulslike titles like Sekiro, Hollow Knight, and Nioh, Elden Ring offers a unique blend of challenge and accessibility.
Conclusion: A Challenging but Rewarding Experience
Ultimately, the difficulty of Elden Ring is subjective and depends on player skill, build choices, and utilization of in-game mechanics like Spirit Ashes. While it may not be as consistently punishing as some of its predecessors, Elden Ring still provides a significant challenge, especially in its late-game and optional content. It offers a rewarding experience for players willing to invest time and effort in mastering its intricate systems. Compared to Dark Souls, Elden Ring provides a more nuanced and customizable difficulty, allowing players to forge their own path through the Lands Between.
