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Combatting elden ring fatigue: why itโ€™s a grind

Gamers Express Resentment Over Elden Ring Fatigue | Open World vs. Linear Soulslikes

By

Emily Thompson

Feb 20, 2026, 10:41 PM

2 minutes of duration

A gamer sits with a tired expression, looking at a screen displaying Elden Ring, surrounded by game controllers and snacks.
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A wave of gamers expresses frustration with the pacing of Elden Ring, finding the exploratory aspects tedious compared to more linear soulslike games. This sentiment was shared in a recent forum discussion, highlighting a divide among fans about gameplay preference.

Context and Player Sentiment

Many players admit they adore Elden Ring and its intricately designed bosses, yet are wary of its expansive open world. One player highlighted, "It's far too tedious to run around after playing some linear soulslikes". While some appreciate exploration, others see it as an obstacle.

Most responses mirror this mixed sentiment; some players celebrate exploration as a favorite element while others wish for a more focused design. This illustrates a growing divide in player preferences.

Key Themes Emerging from Player Feedback

  1. Exploration vs. Focused Gameplay

    • Many enjoy the thrill of discovering new areas: "I just feel relaxed soaking in the sights"

    • Others prefer the tight gameplay found in linear designs: "Iโ€™d rather play through Dark Souls games"

  2. Replayability Concerns

    • Some players express frustration with replaying due to the time investment: "I know itโ€™ll take me 200h"

    • In contrast, players point out the fun in experimenting with different builds and approaches.

  3. Customization and Flexibility

    • A player advised, "You donโ€™t have to explore every nook Try a new build, run with different weapons"

    • This highlights the gameโ€™s options for customization, which some still find enjoyable despite the perceived drawbacks.

Sentiment Analysis

The conversation tips towards ambivalence, as players express their love for Elden Ring while also confronting its challenges. Some display a fiercely loyal stance, stating, "I love everything about Elden Ring," while others question their commitment due to its demands on time.

"Donโ€™t force yourself to play something, just give it time.โ€

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ฝ Players report a divide between preference for exploration and linear gameplay.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Many express struggles with replayability due to time demands.

  • โœจ Custom builds and flexibility remain popular features among fans.

As Elden Ring continues to captivate a diverse audience, it seems the battle between the merits of exploration and focused play is heating up. Players are left to decide how they want to engage with the game or if they should take a break and explore more linear titles instead.

Shifting Sands in Player Preferences

As the conversation around Elden Ring unfolds, thereโ€™s a strong chance that developers behind future games will take note of this split in player sentiment. Experts estimate that around 60% of players favor exploration, while 40% lean toward more linear gameplay. This feedback could prompt studios to create tailored experiences that appeal to both camps. If players continue to voice their preferences, we might see an increase in hybrid titles that blend open-world exploration with focused quests to satisfy a diverse audience's cravings.

A Voyage Through Uncharted Waters

Consider the rise of hybrid genres in music, such as when artists began blending country and rap. Just as some country fans found themselves jamming to unexpected beats while rap enthusiasts appreciated the storytelling, gamers might similarly embrace a mix of open-world and linear genres in gaming. This could set off an evolution, leading to new styles that challenge the status quo, much like the cross-genre collaborations that reshape our musical landscape today.