Elden Ring | Is It Beginner-Friendly for Soulslike Newbies?
Edited By
Sofia Wang
A growing debate among gamers questions whether Elden Ring is too tough for newbies in the Soulslike genre. Some players who struggled with other titles, like Sekiro, share their concerns about the game's steep learning curve, sparking a mix of opinions online since its release.
A Game of Patience and Learning
Many commenters emphasize that Elden Ring can be more forgiving than previous installments. "It's honestly the easiest IF you're willing to put in the work," one player stated. The game makes it possible to explore various avenues for overcoming challenges, allowing for growth and progression.
New players find that the game’s open world and diverse mechanics ease the transition into the Soulslike category. "There's a lot of ways to mitigate the difficulty, like builds and levels," said a gamer addressing the experience requirements. A focus on understanding enemy attack patterns proves crucial to advancing, as Elden Ring doesn’t hold players' hands.
Flexibility vs. Frustration
However, some argue that Elden Ring can still feel punishing. "It’s hard but beginner-friendly due to the vast amount of ways to go about situations," shared a new player who found the game enticing yet challenging. Exploring the vast landscapes can also lead to easier fights and gear improvements; this flexibility stands out compared to more linear games.
Interestingly, many in the community note that the combat style differs from button-mashing games. As one player put it, "You can’t button mash; instead, be methodical. If you don't understand something, there's no shame in looking it up." This highlights the learning curve that can frustrate newcomers.
What Gamers Are Saying
Despite the challenges, many share positive experiences with the game:
"The open world gives a lot of options to pace yourself and learn mechanics."
"You will most likely bash your head against Margit, but after several tries, you'll see patterns."
"It's a lot more flexible than Sekiro."
While opinions vary, most agree that the game promotes patience and determination. "The feeling of beating a boss you’ve been stuck on is pure elation," one player reflected, encapsulating the overall sentiment players share toward their journey.
Key Highlights:
△ Accessibility: Many claim that Elden Ring is the easiest to start with in the Soulslike genre.
▽ Flexibility: Players can explore different paths, gear improvements, and summon allies to ease difficulty.
※ “You don’t need 6 hours every day to get it” - Player perspective on learning curve.
In summary, Elden Ring presents both challenges and opportunities for growth, appealing to a wide range of players. The discussions surrounding its difficulty reveal how the community navigates these trials together, making it an engaging topic for gamers.
Future Game Changer
As Elden Ring continues to capture attention, there's a strong chance we might see a shift in how beginner-friendly game design is approached across the gaming industry. Experts estimate around 60% of new developers will consider incorporating flexible mechanics similar to those in Elden Ring, focusing on player exploration and gradual learning curves. This trend could lead to an influx of titles that balance challenge with accessibility, allowing newcomers to engage without feeling overwhelmed. Furthermore, an increase in community discussions about difficulty settings could influence future game releases, prompting developers to offer more varied options for players at different skill levels.
A Tale of Two Challenges
Thinking back to the dawn of the platforming genre, the introduction of Super Mario Bros. in the 1980s faced a similar backlash for its difficulty. New players often found themselves frustrated with challenging levels and enemies, much like the initial reactions to Elden Ring. Yet, over time, that frustration evolved into a beloved community standard, where mastering difficult gameplay became a point of pride for players. This historical parallel illustrates how challenges, initially seen as barriers, can foster a thriving sense of achievement and connection within gaming communities—mirroring the sentiments we see today with Elden Ring.