Why do game devs hate Elden Ring?

The perceived “hate” towards Elden Ring from some developers isn’t actually hate, but rather a critique of specific design choices. It stems from differing opinions on what constitutes a good gaming experience. For instance, Salama highlighted the disconnect between the game’s Metacritic score (a 97!) and its user experience (UX). He satirically attributed this disparity to antiquated development practices – perhaps suggesting a disconnect between the developers’ vision and modern UX standards. This isn’t uncommon; many older games, praised for their gameplay, suffered from clunky, unintuitive interfaces. Think about the obtuse UI in older RPGs; modern players often rely on online guides to navigate menus and systems. Salama’s comment points to a similar disconnect. The exceptional gameplay might overshadow a less-than-stellar UX for some players, creating a difference in perspective.

O’Shea’s criticism focuses on technical aspects: graphics and stability. While Elden Ring’s art style is praised for its evocative atmosphere, its underlying technology faced challenges, leading to performance issues on various platforms. These issues, often overlooked by reviewers captivated by the gameplay loop, are crucial for a truly immersive experience. Frame rate drops, texture pop-in, and crashes severely detract from enjoyment for many players, highlighting the importance of technical polish alongside creative vision. This isn’t unique to Elden Ring; many critically acclaimed games have similar issues, underscoring the difficulties of balancing artistic ambition with technical execution.

Rebouche’s critique (unspecified in the original text) likely falls under either UX or technical issues, or perhaps a broader concern about the game’s design philosophy. The very “Souls-like” difficulty, lauded by fans, can be a significant barrier to entry for some players. Many argue that this steep learning curve, while contributing to the game’s rewarding challenge, makes it less accessible and therefore, a less universally “good” game from a design perspective. The lesson here is that “good” is subjective, and what constitutes a quality game is multifaceted, encompassing not only gameplay but also UX, technical aspects, and accessibility.

Is Elden Ring losing popularity?

Now, let’s unpack this. It’s important to understand that this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Many games, especially those with challenging gameplay like Elden Ring, experience a significant player drop-off after the initial hype dies down. The initial wave of players, the ones eager to conquer the Lands Between on day one, have largely moved on. That’s natural.

What’s behind the drop?

Completion Rate: The game’s difficulty is legendary. Many players, even seasoned souls veterans, struggle. A significant portion simply quit before finishing.
Burnout: The sheer scale of the game, its open world, bosses, and optional content, can lead to significant burnout. It’s an incredibly demanding experience.
New Releases: The gaming landscape is constantly evolving. New titles inevitably draw players away from older games, however successful.

However…

Dedicated Community: Despite the player count drop, Elden Ring maintains a very active and dedicated community. This means ongoing discussions, help, and mod support will likely remain strong for a considerable time.
Long-term Appeal: The sheer depth of the game ensures replayability. Different builds, strategies, and exploration approaches mean the game’s longevity is far from over for those who stick with it. I’ve personally gone through multiple playthroughs, and I’m still finding new things.
Modding Potential: The modding community is flourishing, introducing new content and altering gameplay in exciting ways, which keeps the game fresh for many.

In conclusion, while the Steam concurrent player numbers tell a story of significant decline, it’s important to look beyond that single metric. Elden Ring‘s future depends on its loyal community and ongoing support, but its legacy as a landmark game is already secure.

What is the fastest someone has beaten Elden Ring?

The current world record for a blazing-fast Any% Elden Ring run sits at a mind-blowing 19 minutes and 49 seconds. This incredible feat was achieved by the legendary speedrunner “FirstTwoWeeks” (USA) on September 17th, 2025, showcasing masterful exploitation of glitches and a deep understanding of the game’s inner workings. This isn’t just button-mashing; it’s a carefully choreographed dance of precise inputs and game mechanics manipulation, utilizing skips and exploits that most players wouldn’t even dream of. Key elements often involve warping through specific areas, utilizing specific enemy behaviors to their advantage, and leveraging frame-perfect timing to bypass entire sections of the game. Achieving this requires not only exceptional dexterity but also extensive knowledge of the game’s map, enemy AI, and the intricate details of its underlying code. The run highlights the remarkable depth of Elden Ring’s hidden mechanics, proving there’s far more beneath the surface than most players ever encounter.

Interested in learning more about the techniques employed? Numerous videos break down specific strategies, showcasing the incredible precision and timing required for each skip. Studying these resources offers a fascinating insight into the complex world of Elden Ring speedrunning and reveals just how much can be manipulated beyond the intended gameplay.

Should a 15 year old play Elden Ring?

Elden Ring’s a masterpiece, no doubt, but its mature themes and brutal difficulty make it a questionable choice for a 15-year-old. While technically playable at that age, the game’s not for the faint of heart.

Content Concerns:

Graphic Violence: Expect frequent, visceral combat with grotesque enemies and considerable bloodshed. It’s not cartoonish; it’s realistically brutal.
Disturbing Imagery: The game’s art style is dark and unsettling. Creature designs are nightmarish, and certain areas are genuinely creepy. This isn’t just jump scares; it’s sustained atmospheric dread.
Mature Themes: Elden Ring delves into themes of death, decay, despair, and betrayal, which might be overwhelming for a younger audience.

Gameplay Considerations:

High Difficulty: Elden Ring is notoriously challenging. Expect numerous frustrating deaths and a steep learning curve. This can lead to significant frustration for younger players less experienced with Souls-like games.
Lengthy Playtime: Completing the game takes a substantial time commitment, potentially impacting other aspects of a teenager’s life, such as schoolwork and social activities.
Online Interactions: While optional, the online features expose players to other players, which can introduce unpredictable interactions.

Parental Guidance Strongly Recommended: Consider the player’s maturity level and tolerance for graphic content before allowing them to play. Discuss the potential issues beforehand and monitor their playtime.

What percentage of players actually beat Elden Ring?

Only a measly 38% of Elden Ring players have conquered the Lands Between, according to recent data. This shockingly low completion rate highlights the game’s brutal difficulty. Many fall before even reaching the final boss, let alone the requirements for the upcoming Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.

Factors contributing to this low completion rate include:

High Difficulty Curve: Elden Ring’s unforgiving combat and cryptic design deliberately challenge players.
Extensive Exploration: The vast open world encourages exploration, leading many players to get sidetracked and potentially lose motivation.
Complex Mechanics: Mastering the game’s nuanced combat system, including the intricate status effects and build variety, is a steep learning curve.

This low completion rate doesn’t diminish the game’s impact. The dedication needed to conquer Elden Ring fuels countless hours of gameplay, fostering a thriving community and inspiring countless legendary moments shared online. Many argue that the challenge is precisely what makes the achievement so rewarding for the dedicated few.

Considering the DLC requirement: The percentage of players eligible for Shadow of the Erdtree is even lower, suggesting that only the most dedicated and skilled players will experience the new content.

This further emphasizes the high skill ceiling of the game.
It also sets up a compelling narrative around those who succeed, framing them as elite members of the Elden Ring community.

Is Elden Ring really a masterpiece?

Elden Ring’s masterpiece status is a complex, nuanced argument. While undeniably flawed, its impact transcends typical genre conventions. The sheer scale of its open world, organically interwoven with compelling, though sometimes cryptic, narrative threads, is breathtaking. This isn’t just open world for the sake of it; the interconnectedness of its regions fosters a sense of discovery rarely achieved in other titles.

Its strengths lie in several key areas:

Level Design: The environments are not just visually stunning but meticulously crafted to encourage exploration and experimentation. The subtle hints, hidden paths, and rewarding secrets make traversing the Lands Between a consistently engaging experience. This surpasses the often linear level design of many contemporaries.
Combat System: The demanding, yet rewarding combat is both unforgiving and deeply satisfying. Mastering its intricacies unlocks a profound sense of accomplishment, unlike many action RPGs that prioritize spectacle over skill.
Worldbuilding: FromSoftware’s signature cryptic storytelling unfolds organically, allowing players to piece together the narrative at their own pace. This fosters a richer, more personal engagement than a heavily hand-held experience.

However, its flaws are equally significant:

Obscure Storytelling: The deliberate ambiguity can be frustrating for those seeking a more direct narrative. The lack of clear exposition can lead to a feeling of being lost, even for experienced players.
Performance Issues: While patched extensively, performance issues on certain platforms remain a concern. These technical hiccups detract from the overall immersion and can prove disruptive.
Repetitive Enemy Design: Despite the variety of bosses, some enemy types exhibit a certain sameness, particularly in the later game.

Despite these shortcomings, Elden Ring’s innovative open world design and challenging yet rewarding gameplay loop solidify its position as a significant milestone in action RPGs. It’s a masterpiece in the sense that it pushes creative boundaries, even if subsequent iterations will likely refine its rough edges. The enduring impact of its ambitious vision will continue to shape the genre, even as its specific flaws are addressed by future games.

Is Elden Ring performance intensive?

Elden Ring and its Shadow of the Erdtree DLC? Let’s be real, they’re in this weird performance sweet spot. Not terrible, but not amazing either. You won’t be seeing constant frame drops that make the game unplayable – occasional stutters, sure, but nothing game-breaking for most.

The issue? Upgrading your PC beyond a certain point won’t yield massive performance gains. Think of it like hitting a wall. You’ll get some improvements, maybe smoother textures or slightly higher framerates, but nothing transformative. Your investment in a top-tier rig won’t translate into a night-and-day difference like in other games.

Why is this? It boils down to the game’s engine and how it handles its massive open world. FromSoftware prioritized a certain aesthetic and gameplay feel over raw optimization. They’re not exactly known for their cutting-edge tech, you know?

Engine Limitations: The engine, while capable, isn’t designed for maximum performance on high-end hardware.
Open World Complexity: The sheer size and detail of the game world puts a strain on even powerful systems.
Draw Distance: The incredible draw distance, while visually stunning, is computationally expensive.

What this means for you: If you’re on a mid-range PC and can play without major issues, upgrading isn’t necessarily worth it for Elden Ring specifically. You might see minor improvements but nothing that justifies the cost. However, if you’re planning to upgrade anyway for other games, then Elden Ring will benefit, just not as much as you might expect.

Things to try for better performance:

Tweak in-game settings: Experiment with shadow quality, draw distance, and texture resolution.
Update drivers: Make sure you have the latest graphics drivers installed.
Close background apps: Free up system resources by closing unnecessary programs.

Why is Elden Ring stupidly hard?

Elden Ring’s difficulty isn’t “stupid,” it’s a deliberate design choice reflecting the core Soulslike philosophy: learn by dying. The jump in challenge entering the Land of Reeds (presumably what “Land of Shadow” refers to, a common player misunderstanding) isn’t arbitrary; it’s a brutal but effective teaching moment.

Before reaching this area, players have learned fundamental combat mechanics: stamina management, spacing, enemy attack patterns. The Land of Reeds forces a significant shift. It introduces:

New Enemy Types: Expect radically different combat styles demanding adaptation of previously learned strategies. Think significantly faster and more aggressive enemies, requiring precise timing and a deeper understanding of your chosen build’s strengths and weaknesses.
Environmental Hazards: The area itself becomes a deadly opponent, adding further layers of challenge. This necessitates a more holistic approach to gameplay, understanding not just enemy behavior but also map awareness and resource management.
Strategic Depth: The increased difficulty necessitates refined tactical thinking. Experimentation with different weapons, ashes of war, and spirit summons becomes crucial for survival. Mastery isn’t about brute force, but calculated risk and effective resource utilization. This area demands more than button-mashing; it needs true understanding of your character build.

This sudden increase isn’t sadistic; it’s a necessary evolution. Once players conquer the Land of Reeds, they’ve internalized core Soulslike principles. They’ve transitioned from reacting to enemies to actively strategizing against them. The reward? A much more rewarding and manageable experience throughout the rest of the game. The game’s difficulty curve, while steep, is ultimately purposeful and leads to mastery.

Mastering fundamental mechanics: Early game teaches basic combat, stamina, dodging.
Adapting to new challenges: Land of Reeds introduces advanced enemy types and environmental hazards.
Strategic mastery: Players must go beyond basic combat to develop sophisticated strategies, experimenting with diverse builds and tactics.
Rewarding progression: Overcoming the challenge unlocks a significantly more satisfying and rewarding gameplay experience in later areas.

Why do people hate Elden Ring bosses?

A common complaint about Elden Ring bosses centers around perceived unfair difficulty and a lack of discernible punish windows. Many players feel the challenge is artificially inflated, rather than stemming from skillful design. However, I’d argue that much of the frustration arises from a resistance to mastering the boss fights. Effective strategies often require meticulous observation of attack patterns, precise timing, and adapting to the boss’s unique movements. Understanding these patterns is crucial; learning to recognize tells, identifying openings for attacks, and exploiting enemy weaknesses are key to success. Ignoring this learning process and simply resorting to brute force or relying on cheesing strategies often leads to difficulty and a negative player experience. The game is designed to reward careful observation and methodical adaptation, and players who invest the time to truly understand the mechanics often find the battles rewarding and satisfying.

Furthermore, many bosses possess multiple phases, each demanding a fresh strategic approach. Learning to seamlessly transition between strategies, adapting to changes in attack patterns and arena layouts, forms a critical part of the challenge and the ultimate satisfaction of victory. The feeling of accomplishment that follows overcoming these difficult encounters is significantly diminished if the victory is achieved through means that circumvent the intended skill-based challenge.

Ultimately, while some legitimate criticisms exist regarding specific boss design choices, a significant portion of the negative feedback stems from a misconception about the nature of the challenge. Elden Ring demands patience, observation, and a willingness to adapt – skills often overlooked in favour of immediate gratification.

Do people still play Elden Ring in 2025?

While Elden Ring’s January 2025 peak concurrent player count sits at 83,919, declining from its launch numbers, this doesn’t tell the whole story. The game’s enduring popularity is evident in its consistent player base, fueled by a dedicated community and ongoing engagement. The vast open world, challenging combat, and rich lore continue to attract new players, even years after release. Remember, these numbers represent *peak* concurrent players; the average daily player count is likely significantly higher. Furthermore, the game’s robust modding community adds significant replayability, constantly introducing new challenges and content, extending its lifespan considerably beyond what raw concurrent player numbers suggest. Consider that many players now opt for more private, less publicly tracked gameplay experiences, such as co-op sessions with friends, further skewing raw data. The actual player count is arguably much higher than official peak numbers indicate. Therefore, while the numbers might seem low compared to launch figures, judging Elden Ring’s ongoing popularity solely on peak concurrent players paints an incomplete picture of its continued success and relevance in 2025.

Is Elden Ring CPU or GPU heavy?

Elden Ring’s performance is all about that CPU muscle. Forget chasing the highest FPS; a beastly CPU is your ticket to smooth, lag-free gameplay. The game’s intricate AI, demanding physics engine – think those crazy boss battles and environmental interactions – and complex game logic absolutely hammer the CPU. A top-tier CPU directly translates to better reaction times, crucial for competitive play and those clutch moments. A weaker CPU will lead to stutters, especially during intense moments with multiple enemies or complex environmental effects, significantly impacting your performance. While a good GPU is essential for visuals, a bottlenecked CPU will negate any graphical advantage a high-end GPU offers. Think of it this way: a Ferrari with a sputtering engine. Investing in a high-core-count, high-clock-speed CPU with ample cache is the key to dominating the Lands Between. Don’t underestimate the importance of efficient CPU cooling, too; thermal throttling is the enemy of consistent performance.

Consider CPU metrics like clock speed, core count and cache size over raw GPU power. Prioritize a CPU with high single-core performance as Elden Ring doesn’t fully utilize all cores equally. Although multi-core performance is important, a high single-core performance will offer smoother gameplay, particularly in moments where the CPU is under high load.

For optimal settings, balance graphical fidelity with CPU performance. Lowering settings like shadow quality or draw distance can free up CPU resources, resulting in a more stable framerate.

Does Elden Ring take too long to beat?

Elden Ring’s playtime is heavily dependent on your approach. A focused playthrough targeting only the main story can be completed in roughly 60 hours. This involves prioritizing the main bosses and minimal exploration. However, this approach sacrifices a significant portion of the game’s rich content. The Lands Between are brimming with optional bosses, dungeons, secrets, and lore, offering a wealth of challenging and rewarding experiences.

For players aiming for 100% completion, including discovering every item, location, and defeating all optional bosses, expect a significantly longer commitment—around 134 hours on average. This figure accounts for extensive exploration, multiple playthroughs potentially required for certain items or achievements, and the inherent difficulty of some optional content. Moreover, mastering the game’s complex combat system and learning the intricate enemy patterns will naturally add to the overall playtime.

It’s important to note that these are averages. Highly skilled players might shave off considerable time, while others could easily exceed these estimates depending on their playstyle and willingness to experiment. The true beauty of Elden Ring lies in its replayability. Each playthrough offers unique opportunities for discovery and a fresh perspective on the game’s sprawling world, making its extensive playtime a testament to its depth and richness rather than a drawback.

Is my PC strong enough for Elden Ring?

Elden Ring’s performance is heavily dependent on both CPU and GPU, but let’s address the CPU aspect first. The minimum recommended specs of an Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 3 3300X are indeed workable, offering a playable experience at lower settings and resolutions. However, these CPUs sit at the lower end of acceptable performance, and expect frequent dips in frame rate, especially during intense moments with numerous enemies or complex environments.

CPU Considerations:

Core Count and Clock Speed: More cores and higher clock speeds directly translate to improved performance. Elden Ring benefits significantly from higher core counts, allowing for better multitasking and smoother handling of the game’s complex physics and AI.
Generation Matters: While the i5-8400 and Ryzen 3 3300X are entry points, newer generation CPUs (like 10th/11th/12th gen Intel or 5000/7000 series Ryzen) will yield significantly better results, providing higher and more stable frame rates, and potentially enabling higher graphical settings.
Bottlenecking: A weak CPU can bottleneck a powerful GPU, preventing it from reaching its full potential. Ensure your CPU is sufficiently powerful to avoid this; a CPU significantly weaker than your GPU will limit your overall performance.

Recommendations based on experience:

Ideal: Aim for at least an Intel Core i7-10700K or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X or higher for a consistently smooth, high-resolution gaming experience at higher graphical settings.
Good: Intel Core i5-12400 or AMD Ryzen 5 5600 will provide a much better experience than the minimum specs, offering a solid balance of performance and affordability.
Minimum (with caveats): The i5-8400 or Ryzen 3 3300X will run the game, but expect compromises on graphical settings and frame rates, particularly in densely populated areas. Consider lowering resolution or graphic detail to maintain a playable experience.

Remember, this is just the CPU side of the equation; GPU performance also plays a crucial role. A strong CPU paired with a weak GPU will still result in poor performance. Always consider both components together for optimal Elden Ring gameplay.

Is Elden Ring the hardest game of all time?

Elden Ring’s difficulty is legendary, and rightfully so. While definitively crowning it the “hardest game ever” is subjective and depends on individual player skill and experience, it’s undeniably one of the most challenging. Its placement at the top of the Soulsborne genre’s difficulty curve, a genre already known for brutal encounters and unforgiving mechanics, speaks volumes. The game’s open world, while expansive and rewarding, presents relentless challenges from every angle; from massive boss battles demanding precise timing and strategic thinking, to the constant threat of environmental hazards and relentless enemy spawns. Mastering its intricate combat system, understanding enemy attack patterns, and learning to strategically utilize items and Spirit Ashes are key to survival. The sheer amount of content and difficulty spikes throughout the game further contribute to its reputation. It pushes players to their limits, forcing adaptation and mastery, ultimately rewarding perseverance with an unforgettable experience. It’s a game that demands patience, skill, and a healthy dose of stubbornness.

What is the least fought boss in Elden Ring?

Elden Ring’s least fought boss? That’s Dragonlord Placidusax, a hidden gem tucked away in Crumbling Farum Azula. This optional boss, residing in a surprisingly difficult-to-reach area, boasts the lowest defeat rate across all platforms, making his achievement/trophy the rarest among boss battles. As of December 13th, 2025, data showed him significantly less fought than other challenging bosses like Malenia, Blade of Miquella.

Why so few victories? It’s a combination of factors. The location itself requires a specific questline progression and knowledge of a hidden mechanism to even access the boss fight. Placidusax himself is a challenging fight, demanding a high skill level and strategic approach. Unlike other late-game bosses, his area lacks easily accessible grace sites, increasing the difficulty and discouraging repeated attempts.

What makes him unique? Beyond his low defeat rate, Placidusax offers a unique and memorable fight. His moveset is distinct and requires adapting your strategy mid-battle. He’s a true test of skill, rewarding players who persevere with a fantastic sense of accomplishment and a rare trophy to show for it.

So, are you ready to conquer the rarest achievement? It requires patience, preparation, and a willingness to explore the furthest reaches of the Lands Between. The journey to defeat Dragonlord Placidusax is a testament to dedication and mastery of Elden Ring.

Is cyberpunk CPU or GPU intensive?

Cyberpunk 2077? Yeah, it’s a beast. It hammers *both* your CPU and GPU. Think of it like this: the CPU’s the brains, managing all the NPCs, physics, and the crazy AI. The GPU’s the artist, rendering that gorgeous, detailed world. You’ll need a beefy system for both. Don’t skimp!

Minimum specs are just that – minimum. You’ll want to aim higher for a smooth, high-detail experience, especially with Ray Tracing turned on. That’s where the graphical fidelity really shines, but it’s a major GPU hog. We’re talking 4K, ray tracing, and maxed-out settings – prepare for your GPU to scream.

And don’t forget about RAM! This game is a memory glutton. 16GB is the bare minimum, but 32GB is highly recommended, especially if you’re running high resolutions and textures. A fast NVMe SSD is also crucial for lightning-fast load times – you don’t want to spend ages staring at loading screens in Night City.

DirectX 12 is mandatory. Make sure your drivers are up-to-date – seriously, this is a common performance killer that many overlook. These requirements apply to both the base game and Phantom Liberty, post-Update 2.0.

Bottom line: Invest in a powerful system. It’s worth it for the experience. Neglecting either your CPU or GPU will lead to frustrating performance issues.

Who is the most badass boss in Elden Ring?

Yo, what’s up, Elden Lord wannabes? So you’re asking about the baddest bosses in Elden Ring? Let’s break it down, veteran style. This ain’t your casual “top 10” list, this is based on pure, unadulterated *difficulty* and *design* – the things that really separate the wheat from the chaff.

Rank 8: Commander Niall. Solid challenge, tricky moveset. Good practice for later fights, especially the timing on his jump attacks.

Rank 7: Fire Giant. Huge health pool, obvious, but the real killer is the arena. Learning the terrain is half the battle here.

Rank 6: Astel, Naturalborn of the Void. This cosmic horror freak is all about unpredictable attacks and insane range. Learn those tells, or you’re dead.

Rank 5: Mohg, Lord of Blood. Blood loss build nightmare? Nah, even with a high resistance, his moves are brutal and his second phase is a massive DPS check.

Rank 4: Godskin Duo. The ultimate test of patience and coordination. One mistake against either, and you’re cooked. Seriously, summoning help here is completely legitimate.

Rank 3: Maliketh, the Black Blade. Insane damage output, incredible aggression. He’s a masterclass in boss design; perfectly balanced between punishing mistakes and rewarding skillful play.

Rank 2: Radagon of the Golden Order + Elden Beast. Two phases, two completely different styles. Radagon is all about quick, punishing combos, while the Elden Beast is a magical nightmare of range and projectiles. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Rank 1: Malenia, Blade of Miquella. Need I say more? Waterfowl Dance is the stuff of nightmares, and her relentless aggression is unmatched. This fight is less about skill and more about sheer perseverance and precise timing. She’s the queen of the difficulty curve, even after multiple playthroughs. Legend has it, she still haunts my dreams.