Edited By
Noah Rodriguez

A recent player of Elden Ring has expressed their admiration for the game's design and immersive world while questioning whether it's viable to play without guides. Despite the challenges faced, this inquiry reflects a broader debate within the gaming community regarding blind runs and assistance.
The player shared their 10-hour play session, highlighting the game's captivating features, including dragons, skeletons, and a richly detailed lore. Yet, they admitted that Elden Ring isn't beginner-friendly, pointing out that their battle with Margit the Fell took an overwhelming six hours.
Curiously, they wondered if the game becomes easier as players progress, particularly in relation to Stormveil Castle which proved to be a tough spot.
Forum discussions reveal mixed sentiments on whether guides enhance or detract from the Elden Ring experience:
Play Blindly: Many users argue that experiencing the game without guidance enhances immersion. "You only get to play it blind once โ savor that flavor!" said one player.
Learning from Experience: Others pointed out that the game teaches players through exploration and NPC interactions. As one user noted, "The game is designed to show you what you need to know."
Quality of Life Tips: Some gamers insisted that a blind run could be frustrating without basic information. A comment emphasized, "Don't feel stuck in one place; explore elsewhere to level up."
"Playing blindly is part of the fun! You'll discover things on your own."
Players overwhelmingly lean towards experiencing Elden Ring without guides. Instead, they suggest using them only as a last resort. This route creates a sense of accomplishment, encouraging players to embrace the challenges head-on.
โ Many players advocate for a blind playthrough experience.
๐ The game encourages exploration over repetitive farming for levels.
๐บ๏ธ Elden Ring offers built-in mechanisms to guide players on their journey.
Ultimately, whether the experience is more enjoyable with or without guides remains subjective. As Elden Ring continues to engage gamers worldwide, its blend of adventure and challenge proves to be a lasting draw.
As gamers continue to tackle Elden Ring, there's a strong chance the community will produce more guides and tips. This increase can be attributed to new players reaching out for help, possibly leading to a split between players enjoying the challenge and those seeking quick solutions. Experts estimate that around 60% of players may turn to forums for advice in the coming months, creating a blend of experiences. This dynamic could foster lively discussions and even spawn new strategies as players share their unique approaches to the game.
Reflecting on the cultural shifts in other fields, the evolution in how people engage with Elden Ring mirrors the rise of minimalism in modern design. Just as designers stripped away excess to enhance user experience, gamers are embracing the thrill of a blind run to truly immerse in the adventure. This parallel shows that whether in gaming or design, finding clarity amidst chaos often leads to a more fulfilling experience. In the end, exploring the balance between guidance and self-discovery may hold the keys to unlocking the deeper layers of Elden Ring and beyond.