Considering the quality of games that FromSoftware has consistently put out over the past decade, it stands to reason why a lot of people are excited about the studio’s next big title, Elden Ring. Unfortunately, details about Elden Ring are scarce. But, if you dig deep enough, there is info out there for those who are interested. Here’s everything we know of Elden Ring so far this 2021, including but not limited to, the latest news, leaks, rumors, trailer, and more.
What Is Elden Ring?
Elden Ring is FromSoftware’s next title. Considering the common ground between all of FromSoftware’s games, Elden Ring looks like it won’t stray from the studio’s proven formula. This means that we can expect gameplay staples like constant dodging and blocking as you take your time whittling down opponents using properly timed and well-aimed melee, as well as magic attacks. While we can expect Elden Ring to share a lot of similarities with other Soulslike games, what makes it different is its non-linear open-world. Another thing that will be different in Elden Ring is that it will be set in a fantasy universe with a plot that reportedly will revolve around the titular concept, the Elden Ring, which supposedly encompassed the entire in-game world. FromSoftware also brought in George R.R Martin, the author of A Song of Ice and Fire, a series of epic fantasy novels that served as the source material for HBO’s hit TV series, Game of Thrones, as its story’s author.
When is the Elden Ring Release Date?
FromSoftware has yet to reveal a release date for Elden Ring. Audiences expect this to change at E3 2021, where it will be part of the showcase of its publisher, Bandai Namco Entertainment, on June 15. Just don’t take this as a guarantee. We don’t know if Elden Ring will definitely be a part of E3 2021, so it’s not a sure thing yet. Even so, Elden Ring is already available for preorder right now. Interestingly enough, most storefronts gave Elden Ring a December 31, 2021 release date, but this is more likely just a placeholder date and not indicative of the actual launch of Elden Ring.
Is Elden Ring Going to be a Next-Gen Title?
Elden Ring was first announced back at E3 2019 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. However, considering that the ninth generation of consoles has been released since then, we can expect FromSoftware to make Elden Ring a cross-generational title with enhancements for the PS5 and Xbox Series S/X implemented either at launch or at a later date.
Is Elden Ring Going To Be Part of a Bigger Series?
Having mentioned multiple times in the past that Miyazaki intends to move on from the Souls games, Elden Ring is looking like it could be the start of FromSoftware’s newest series of titles. Of course, Elden Ring is not the only FromSoftware game with franchise potential. Both Bloodborne and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice were received well commercially, as well as critically, which means that making a sequel to both games isn’t a bad idea. Having said that, if Elden Ring sells better than both games combined, it could become the next Dark Souls.
What Else Do We Know About Elden Ring?
Multiple sources, including Hidetaka Miyazaki himself in an interview with Xbox Wire, and the official FromSoftware Twitter account, have gone on to describe Elden Ring as an action RPG title. However, unlike FromSoftware’s previous games, Elden Ring looks like it will lean more towards its RPG element as opposed to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice’s more action-oriented gameplay.
Leaked Elden Ring Trailer
So far, we’ve seen multiple Elden Ring trailers leak and release over the past few months. Most of them have since been debunked and outed as fake, but some are true. Case in point, the video compilation that you can watch above. The group of clips is a series of low-quality videos showcasing Elden Ring as being no different from other FromSoftware titles. The trailer includes everything from large bosses, an intensified emphasis on dodging and rolling, as well as stabbing enemies from behind and casting spells. One thing that’s interesting though, is that Elden Ring looks like it will let you fight while riding on the back of a horse. Still, there’s no telling if the leaked Elden Ring trailer is fake or if it’s an early version of the game. If it’s the latter, then Elden Ring might already look and play differently by the time an official trailer is launched.
Omnipotent Leak on Resetera
An anonymous Resetera user going by the handle Omnipotent, claimed back in March 2021 that the upcoming FromSoftware title will feature a weather system. The same user also details in his post that Elden Ring will use FromSoftware’s character creation and class system, but will let players “do whatever” beyond choosing the starting classes. Another thing that Omnipotent also claims that Elden Ring will feature is a similar PvP and online multiplayer component to that of the Souls games and Bloodborne.
A New Elden Ring Trailer Might Release in 2021
After its appearance at E3 2019, fans were hoping that FromSoftware would have a new Elden Ring trailer ready for The Game Awards in December 2020. Unfortunately, no demo or trailer was to be seen then despite Elden Ring winning an award for “Most Anticipated Game.” If it’s any consolation, FromSoftware did acknowledge this win on Twitter, thanking fans and hinting at a possible reveal in 2021.
Industry Insiders Have Played Elden Ring
Back in November 2020, Phil Spencer claimed that he was able to get a chance to sit down and play Elden Ring. Ever the professional, Spencer was careful not to give away anything substantial about Elden Ring. However, the mere confirmation that Elden Ring is in a playable state is definitely good news. It’s been nearly a year since, so the development on Elden Ring could be much further along now.
