Overview
Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware in collaboration with author George R.R. Martin, redefined what an open-world action RPG could be. Since its release, it has continued to draw in both veteran Soulsborne fans and brand-new players. But does it hold up, and is it worth playing in 2025? This review breaks it all down.
What Is Elden Ring?
Elden Ring is a third-person action RPG set in the Lands Between — a vast, haunted world filled with demigods, ruins, and mysteries. You play as a Tarnished, an exile returning to claim the power of the Elden Ring and become an Elden Lord. The story is cryptic and told through item descriptions, environmental details, and sparse dialogue — classic FromSoftware storytelling.
Gameplay: The Good
Combat
Combat is the heart of the game and it's phenomenal. Every encounter demands patience, timing, and adaptability. The addition of Ashes of War (special weapon abilities) gives players far more build variety than any previous Soulsborne game. Whether you prefer heavy greatswings, nimble dagger flurries, or devastating sorcery, Elden Ring accommodates your playstyle.
Open World Design
Unlike most open-world games, Elden Ring's map isn't padded with pointless collectibles. Every location, cave, and dungeon contains something meaningful — a new weapon, a boss, lore, or a shortcut. Exploration feels genuinely rewarding in a way that few games achieve.
Build Diversity
The character build system is among the deepest in any RPG. Here's a taste of the major archetypes:
- Strength builds: Slow, heavy-hitting weapons with massive poise
- Dexterity builds: Fast, fluid attacks with critical hit bonuses
- Intelligence/Faith builds: Sorcery and incantations for ranged magical damage
- Arcane builds: Status effects and bleed damage via scaling
Gameplay: The Challenging
Difficulty
Elden Ring is hard. Some bosses will kill you dozens of times before you figure out their patterns. This is by design — the sense of accomplishment when you finally succeed is the game's greatest reward. However, it's worth noting that the open world now allows players to overlevel against optional content, making the experience more approachable than past titles.
Performance
On PC, the game launched with frame rate issues that have since been improved through patches. Console versions run smoother, though performance mode is recommended over quality mode for competitive play.
Verdict: Scores at a Glance
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Combat | 9.5 / 10 |
| World Design | 10 / 10 |
| Story & Lore | 9 / 10 |
| Build Variety | 9.5 / 10 |
| Performance (PC) | 7.5 / 10 |
| Overall | 9.5 / 10 |
Who Should Play It?
Elden Ring is for players who enjoy:
- Deep, rewarding combat that punishes carelessness
- Exploration without hand-holding
- Rich lore delivered through environment and inference
- High replayability through different build paths
If you want a story told in cutscenes or a relaxed difficulty curve, Elden Ring may frustrate you. But if you're willing to invest, it is genuinely one of the most remarkable games ever made.
Final Thoughts
Elden Ring remains a landmark achievement in game design. It respects the player's intelligence, rewards curiosity, and delivers combat that never gets old. It's the benchmark other open-world RPGs are measured against — and most still fall short.