Looking for a new challenge? Try the new game “Elden Ring” released in 2022 by FromSoftware. This company has been in the gaming industry since 1986. This is an open-world action role-playing game (RPG) that challenges the players with distinct mechanics to overcome the Lands Between, where the game takes place. Players can customize their character on a quest to repair the Elden Ring and become the new Elden Lord.

The cost is $60 for the base game, which was standard for games in 2024. However, players are not here for the base game, they are here for its newest and only downloadable content, or DLC called the “Shadow of the Erdtree.” This is an extra $40 and is worth the investment if you enjoyed the base game. Although it may be appetizing for gamers, the base game should be completed first before attempting the more challenging “Shadow of the Erdtree.”

The game’s open world and interactable surroundings play a big role. Its open role aspects come into play when players are struggling. In the DLC, the impact of this huge open world shrinks to a smaller impact due to the map being substantially smaller. There is less for the player to explore and fewer items, armor and weapons to obtain. The shortage of obtainable equipment is an issue, however there is a solution. Players can always go back to the base game areas to explore anything the player may have missed previously. Once the player enters the DLC they are not locked to those areas. They can always go back to the base game to reassess their loadout with items or weapons that were missed.

Overall the game is worth the experience for both new and veteran players. It may be a struggle for new players, but with time and a little help from allies in the game, players will overcome the world of the Lands Between. In the end, FromSoftware has made a great game and players hope that they will continue developing more in the future.