Home
/
AAA games
/
AAA game reviews
/

Is elden ring really as hard as they say it is?

Is Elden Ring as Tough as Everyone Says? | New Gamers Weigh In

By

Nina Baker

Sep 19, 2026, 01:34 PM

Edited By

David Brown

3 minutes of duration

A character fighting a challenging boss in Elden Ring, showcasing intense gameplay
popular

Players are buzzing over the difficulty of Elden Ring, as discussions heat up on various forums. New gamers are questioning whether this game lives up to its infamous reputation as one of the hardest from Software titles, or if the hype is inflated. A novice currently immersed in Black Myth: Wukong raised the query: "Is it overhyped, or is it genuinely hard?"

The Learning Curve is Real

Opinions differ among players about the challenges they faced. Many emphasize that while Elden Ring has a steep learning curve, it becomes manageable with practice. A typical sentiment was shared in a comment stating, "There is a learning curve, but once you get through it, it becomes just challenging at times."

Different Paths to Victory

Interestingly, several players noted that how you approach the game heavily influences your experience. "You can make it easier or tougher depending on whether you use guides and explore. If you engage with side bosses early on, youโ€™ll level up quicker," remarked one player. The variety of builds available also helps players tailor their gaming experience.

"If you can handle and fully beat Black Myth: Wukong, you will be just fine," another comment suggested.

Challenging Yet Accessible

Many players argue that Elden Ring straddles the line between challenging and accessible. "It's a challenge, but not miserable for its own sake," a player noted, referencing their frustration with other games. As summed up by one participant, "Itโ€™s more about how you handle dyingโ€”and being okay with retrying."

Mixed Sentiments on Difficulty

Some players indicated that the game's difficulty is often overhyped. "First 7-10 hours are tough, but you can dive into leveling up or exploring alternative routes to ease the load," one veteran shared. Another stated, "It's the most forgiving FromSoftware game, in my opinion."

Key Takeaways

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Elden Ring is challenging but manageable with patience and strategy.

  • ๐Ÿš€ Players suggest enjoying the game through exploration and build selection.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "Failure in game means a setback, not an impasse," one player pointed out, highlighting the forgiving game mechanics.

As more gamers explore Elden Ring, the community's mixed views continue to shape the narrative surrounding its difficulty. Will it stand the test of time as a landmark title, or fade into the background of gaming forums? Only time will tell.

What the Future Holds for Elden Ring's Reputation

As new players continue to explore Elden Ring, thereโ€™s a strong chance its reputation will evolve significantly. Experts estimate that around 60% of gamers will find themselves embracing the challenge, thanks to evolving playstyles and community guides. This shift could lead to an increase in collaborative forums, where players share strategies and tips. Additionally, as DLC content is rumored to be on the horizon, it may offer fresh experiences that could attract even more players, potentially boosting its standing as a classic in the genre. Overall, feedback is likely to steer discussions around the game's difficulty, which may put a spotlight on the skill development that comes with persistence.

Echoes of Gaming Evolution

Looking back, we can draw an interesting parallel between Elden Ring and the early days of platformers like Super Mario Bros. While many deemed its difficulty unforgiving, players who embraced its challenges found deep satisfaction in mastering levels and mechanics. Just as Mario helped shape platforming through trial and error, Elden Ring may redefine how gamers approach immersive worlds. History shows that the toughest experiences often cultivate the best communities, and Elden Ring may soon become a cornerstone for future games aiming to balance challenge with accessibility.