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Is elden ring the right starting game for beginners?

Exploring the Best Starting Point for New Players | Is Elden Ring the One?

By

Kota Yamamoto

Aug 19, 2026, 07:01 PM

Edited By

Tanya Melton

3 minutes of duration

A screenshot from Elden Ring showing a fantasy landscape with a knight character holding a sword.
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A growing number of players are discussing the ideal entry point for novices into the Souls genre, especially focusing on Elden Ring. With debates surrounding difficulty and accessibility, many gamers wonder if this latest title is suitable for beginners.

Who Is Taking the Plunge?

Console players particularly seem keen to explore this world, with many admitting their lack of experience with prior titles. One player mentioned, "I've never touched a Darksouls or Bloodborne before, so is Elden Ring a good start?" Others echo this curiosity, asking what seasoned players wish they knew when they first began.

Key Themes from Player Insights

Accessibility and Difficulty

Many seasoned players affirm that Elden Ring is the easiest and most approachable game in the series. One comment stands out: "Itโ€™s incredible build variety; bosses range from simple to complex. Perfect for getting used to the gameplay of others." The game's open world allows new players to explore at their own pace, easing them into the challenging aspects of the genre.

Exploration is Essential

Exploration is a recurring theme among players. One noted, "Enjoy it and if youโ€™re stuck on a boss, just go collect some runes and level up." Players reinforce that taking time to explore can significantly enhance the gaming experience, providing vital resources for tougher challenges.

Sharing Experiences for Better Gameplay

Several shared personal anecdotes, stating that after playing Elden Ring, they felt more equipped to handle other titles in the genre. "This was my first FromSoft game, and I did every ending at this point. Itโ€™s overwhelming at first, but you get used to it," remarked one enthusiastic gamer. This backs the theory that starting with Elden Ring can lay a solid foundation for tackling more challenging games later on.

Tips from the Community

Players' Valuable Advice

  • Level up your health: Prioritize Vigor to withstand early mistakes.

  • Work on your dodging: Mastering evade mechanics can change your gameplay.

  • Explore thoroughly: Open-world elements mean you can revisit hard spots later.

Interestingly, some warn that moving to older games after Elden Ring may feel cumbersome due to modern quality-of-life improvements. Yet, they still consider it a viable starting point.

"The problem with starting off on Elden Ring is that it has so many QoL improvements that going to Dark Souls 1 after feels way worse."

Whatโ€™s the Consensus?

Generally, feedback leans positive regarding Elden Ring as a starting point. Players are enthusiastic about its open-world mechanics and variety, believing it can ease newcomers into more complex gameplay mechanics found in older titles. Newbies express anticipation, stating, "Donโ€™t worry man, give it a shot; you might love it."

Key Points to Remember

  • ๐Ÿ—ธ Elden Ring is viewed as beginner-friendly.

  • ๐Ÿš€ Exploration leads to success and enjoyment.

  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Effective combat mechanics are a must to master.

The discourse surrounding Elden Ring continues to spark interest among new players, suggesting that it could be the ideal entry point for those eager to jump into the challenging yet rewarding realm of Souls games.

What's Next for New Souls Players?

Experts estimate there's a strong chance that as more players find success in Elden Ring, interest in the entire Souls genre will increase. This could lead to developers refreshing older titles with modern mechanics, particularly as newcomers express interest in previously daunting games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne. Furthermore, communities on various forums may see a boom in shared experiences and tips, enhancing the learning journey. As accessibility becomes a buzzword in game design, we might even see new games emerge that blend the intense challenge of previous iterations with usability that welcomes a broader audience.

The Journey Echoes Time

In the past, think of how Star Wars, initially met with mixed reviews, slowly gathered a devoted fanbase as more people discovered its expansive universe, much like Elden Ring is doing now. Just as early fans paved the way for future generations to appreciate its underlying themes, today's players navigating the complexities of the Souls genre are building a bridge to ensure that future releases are even more welcoming and enjoyable. This reflection on past phenomena shows that sometimes, a challenging start fuels a passionate community and a vibrant legacy.