Is Elden Ring bad for kids?

Elden Ring, the latest action RPG from FromSoftware, has been a topic of discussion among parents and guardians. The question often arises: “Is Elden Ring bad for kids?” Let’s delve into this.

Elden Ring is rated M for mature by the Entertainment Software Rating Board, and it’s recommended for players aged 17 and up1. This rating is primarily due to the game’s violent scenes and mature themes. The game’s art direction portrays a spooky, disquieting world with disturbing character designs for monsters.

The combat in Elden Ring involves blood/bloodstains, but it’s worth noting that not all enemies emit blood, and there is an option in the game to turn off blood and gore. However, the environment can be violent, with corpses and body parts littered throughout.

In terms of content, there is one boss where the only thing covering their body is scales. There are no drugs or alcohol in the game. According to the ESRB, there are two instances throughout the span of the game where a swear word is said.

Elden Ring is a challenging game, and its difficulty level could potentially lead to frustration for younger players. The game doesn’t provide explicit guidance, which might be challenging for younger players who are used to more structured gameplay.

In conclusion, while Elden Ring can be an amazing game for mature audiences, its content and difficulty level may not be suitable for younger players. It’s always recommended for parents and guardians to review the game themselves to determine if it’s appropriate for their child. As with any media, what’s suitable can vary greatly depending on the child’s maturity level and the parent’s discretion.