Should I play Elden Ring as my first Soulslike?

Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware, is a highly acclaimed game that has garnered attention from both seasoned Soulslike players and newcomers to the genre. If you’re considering Elden Ring as your first Soulslike game, here are some factors to consider:

Accessibility and Difficulty

Elden Ring is considered more accessible and forgiving compared to other Soulslike games. While it still retains the challenging elements that the genre is known for, Elden Ring offers more freedom and flexibility. If you find yourself struggling with a particular boss or area, you have the option to explore other parts of the game’s vast open world, level up your character, and return when you’re stronger.

Gameplay Mechanics

Elden Ring introduces several new gameplay mechanics that make it stand out from other Soulslike games. For instance, it features a dynamic weather system and a day-night cycle, which can affect enemy behavior and exploration. The game also includes stealth mechanics, allowing players to avoid combat when necessary.

Open World Exploration

One of the defining features of Elden Ring is its open-world environment. This is a departure from the more linear level design seen in many other Soulslike games. The open world in Elden Ring offers numerous paths to explore, secrets to discover, and enemies to defeat. This sense of freedom and exploration can make the game more appealing to newcomers.

Community Support

Given the popularity of Elden Ring, there’s a large and active community of players who can provide tips, guides, and support. This can be particularly helpful for newcomers to the Soulslike genre.

However, it’s worth noting that if you start with Elden Ring and later decide to play earlier Soulslike games, you might find them to be more restrictive and less polished in comparison.

In conclusion, Elden Ring can be a good starting point if you’re new to Soulslike games. It offers a balance of challenge and accessibility, and its open-world design provides plenty of opportunities for exploration and progression at your own pace. However, like all Soulslike games, it requires patience, strategy, and perseverance. So, if you’re up for the challenge, Elden Ring could be a great introduction to the genre.