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Elden ring: the best introductory souls game for beginners

Elden Ring | The Best Introductory Souls Game for Beginners or Overwhelming for New Players?

By

Tina Li

Jun 26, 2025, 02:53 AM

Edited By

Samir Patel

Updated

Jun 27, 2025, 03:00 PM

2 minutes of duration

A character exploring the vast open world of Elden Ring, surrounded by diverse landscapes and various weapons.
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A growing debate in the gaming community questions whether Elden Ring is the ideal starting point for newcomers to the Souls genre. With diverse opinions emerging from various forums, players are weighing its accessibility against the potential hurdles it presents for inexperienced gamers.

The Appeal of Elden Ring

Many players are drawn to Elden Ring for its expansive and richly developed world. One user argued that its variety allows newcomers to explore without being stuck on a single boss. They said,

"Elden Ring also has many quality-of-life changes that are just more player-friendly."

This perspective highlights how game design can influence accessibility for beginners.

Complicated Challenges Facing Newcomers

However, several players raised concerns about the overwhelming nature of Elden Ring's world. Some insist that inexperienced players might struggle with the game's vastness and difficulty. A player noted,

"Elden Ring can be overwhelming. New players have to figure out stats, combat, and navigate a massive open world."

The sentiment echoes that of other community members who recommended starting with more linear games like Dark Souls III, which features a simpler narrative structure.

Contrasting Choices Among the Community

As opinions clash, some advocate for Dark Souls II for its forgiving nature and calming environment compared to Elden Ring. A player remarked,

"Dark Souls II has nice music and is much more approachable."

Others expressed a fondness for older titles like Demon's Souls, arguing that they effectively teach the fundamentals while maintaining a well-crafted story. One user passionately defended Dark Souls, stating,

"Nothing beats DS1 as a souls introduction. It popularized the genre and defined those that followed."

Meanwhile, a separate viewpoint emerged suggesting that Lies of P offers an accessible intro with a linear format and effective teaching methods. It showcases the nuanced approach many community members take when recommending entry points into the genre

Key Insights

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Elden Ring, praised for its engaging world and player freedom, still presents challenges for beginners.

  • ๐Ÿšช Many advocate starting with Dark Souls III or Demon's Souls for a more straightforward experience.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Community sentiment reveals mixed feelings about which entry point attracts new players while also emphasizing personal preference.

In Perspective

As more gamers discover the Souls series, discussions around accessibility and personal experience will continue. With differing opinions on Elden Ring's role as a starting point, players are requesting guides and advice tailored to their experiences with Elden Ring and other titles. The path for newcomers isn't clear-cut, but forums remain awash with insights, solidifying Elden Ring's place in the conversation of where to start in a challenging genre.