What ELDEN RING is
ELDEN RING is a fantasy action RPG set in the Lands Between, a vast continent where open fields and large, multi-layered dungeons connect without loading screens. You play as one of the Tarnished, guided by grace toward the goal of becoming an Elden Lord. The founding mythology behind the setting was written by George R. R. Martin and adapted into a story where the goals and desires of the characters cross each other, and where events can unfold differently depending on what you do. Exploration matters as much as fighting: learning the terrain, finding its secrets, and using the ground you stand on can help you beat tough enemies and bosses, or lure invading players into traps.
Combat and character building
Combat is simple to pick up but has real depth once you start chasing mastery. You are constantly weighing when to attack against when to avoid damage, and timing is what opens up an opponent's weaknesses. The toolset is wide: many weapons, spells, and summons to choose from, plus usable items and armor. Character customization covers both appearance and build, so you can lean into direct physical confrontation, spellcasting, or stealth and still find gear that supports it. Expect a difficult game that rewards patience and repetition rather than rushing.
Playing with friends
You can play alongside up to two other Tarnished as cooperative teammates. Either invite them directly with a shared password or summon from the pool of nearby community members, which is useful when your group is spread across different areas. For the other side of multiplayer, there are co-op invasions, invited duels, and dedicated player battle options in three Colosseums, so a group that wants to fight each other has a place to do it. Note that the world itself is built around singleplayer exploration, and the co-op sessions are how you bring your friends into it rather than a separate group mode.
Before you start
Go in expecting a challenging game where deaths are frequent and learning comes from them. The Lands Between reward curiosity, so wandering off the obvious path is usually worth it, but the threats you find there are often overwhelming at first. Decide early how you want to play, since the range of weapons, spells, and armor means your build shapes the whole run. If you are joining friends, agree on a password before anyone sets out, and be ready to help each other through areas rather than assume you can summon anywhere at any moment.