Path 02 · Open-world action RPG · FromSoftware, 2022
Elden Ring
A vast, broken kingdom full of secrets and some of the toughest bosses in games. Hard, fair and endlessly rewarding to explore.
Edition reviewed: Elden Ring (2022), base game.
Official artwork © FromSoftwareWhat you do
Explore an open world on horseback, fight demanding real-time battles, build a character from hundreds of weapons and spells, and dig into hidden dungeons.
Who it suits
Players who enjoy a challenge and like discovering things for themselves. Not for anyone who hates dying and retrying.
01The first hours
You wake, are beaten by a giant knight if you go the wrong way, and then the land opens. The first hours are about learning that you can go almost anywhere, and that it is fine to leave a fight for later.
02Settling in
As you settle in, the game becomes a rhythm of exploring, finding a new Site of Grace and testing yourself against something big. It is hard, but generous with alternative routes and summonable help.
03The long road
The world is huge and the late game is very demanding. Sites of Grace are frequent, which makes it easy to stop: rest, check the map and plan tomorrow's route.
Why it works
- Breathtaking world to explore
- Combat that rewards learning
- Frequent resting points
Watch out for
- Very hard bosses
- Story is told in fragments
The score
Overall 4.7 out of 5 · Legendary · how we score
Our verdict
A landmark adventure. Hard, but never unfair, and full of wonder.
Written by the Quest Lantern desk. Updated 22 October 2026. Facts were checked against the publisher and store pages at that date; prices and platforms can change.