High difficulty is a staple of the Soulslike genre. From the originalDemon’s Souls, and arguably even further back in FromSoftware’sKing’s Fieldseries, Souls titles have been challenging players with difficult enemies and obtuse mechanics. It’s not a stretch to call this a feature at this point, as the averageAAA game tends not to be very challengingon its critical path. With a focus on exploration and experimentation, as well as learning and overcoming any obstacle, Souls games have built up a large following that celebrates major Soulslike releases. These games are more surmountable than some would claim, but it’s often the investment of time and effort that makes them so satisfying.
EnterElden Ring, FromSoftware’s latest Souls game and the spiritual sequel to the developer’s famousDark Soulstrilogy. It draws elements from all of FromSoftware’s modern titles, and has drawn just as many comparisons because of it. As with any time a popular Souls game launches, the topic of difficulty often comes up aroundElden Ring. This is partially a holdover from the same debates surroundingDark Souls, but also stems from the unique wayElden Ringhandles its difficulty. Comparing it to other Soulslike titles reveals a lot of design intricacies that would otherwise not come into focus, makingElden Ringall the more fascinating.
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Elden Ring is a More Advanced Form of Soulslike
The difficulty discussion pertaining toElden Ringis as complex as the game’s many mechanics. The game takes after the enemy speed and complexity present inDark Souls 3andSekiro, so one would assume it is more difficult than the oldest Souls titles. It is true thatDemon’s SoulsandDark Soulsboth come off as much more straightforward thanElden Ring, withDemon’s Souls’ gimmick bossesandDark Souls’ low speed presenting an easy time for returning players. The two titles are about as obtuse as any other FromSoftware title, and while their level design can be just as treacherous, they just don’t have the same sting that they once did.
With that said, neither doesElden Ring. FromSoftware’s boss design has improved significantly over the years, and the teams there are not as likely to make the same design mistakes that they once did. Unfairbosses like the Maneaters and Bed of Chaoshave been ironed out ofElden Ring, even if some remaining fights can take just as long. Setting bosses aside, the classic Souls games may have a slight edge in their environmental treachery and the effectiveness of enemy groups, though some ofElden Ring’s dungeons are no slouch either. On a whole, both the player and their opponents are stronger inElden Ring, which allows even veterans to have a similar first run to their initial playthroughs of the Soulslikes that started it all.
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Spirits Make Elden Ring’s Difficulty Tough to Nail Down
Dark Souls 2runs into an exaggerated form ofDark Souls 1’s difficulty issues, with a lot of the game being quite easy for methodical newcomers and hasty but informed veterans. Certain dungeons can be especially mean, but even with the smarter invaders and massive mobs ofScholar of the First Sin,DS2still isn’t that hard in a modern context. Where it begins contending withElden Ringis its DLC, which some fans maintain isDark Soulsat its hardest.
Elden Ringdoes not have its DLC yet, but while fans wait for its presumed announcement, its optional areas suffice for comparison. Both are quite tough, andElden Ringeven takes some cues from the infamous co-op gauntletsDS2’s DLC introduced. Not every boss inElden Ringcan measure up to the Fume Knight, but then again, neither can any otherDS2boss besides Sir Alonne.
The question of superior difficulty becomes easier to answer when one begins to consider which of the games makes things smoother for the player, but that’s where one ofElden Ring’s controversial aspects rears its head. Spirit Ashes are beloved by inexperiencedElden Ringplayers for the chance to fight alongside an NPC ally that does not decrease the damage dealt to bosses, and are sometimes frowned upon for the same reason. The game becomes a lot easier for the player if they make good use of Spirits, but that doesn’t quite drop it beneathDS2’s difficulty.Dark Souls 2’s overall difficulty is still lower thanElden Ring’s thanks to its simple, slow enemies, andElden Ring’s toughest fightstake cues from the Fume Knight.Elden Ringremains at the front of the pack, but more modern Souls games are catching up.
Elden Ring’s Build Diversity Allows Difficulty to be Different for Each Player
Bloodbornemarks a turning point in the speed and AI strength present in FromSoftware’s Soulslikes, with capability increasing on both sides. The player’s toolset also begins to grow with new movement options andDark Souls 3’s introduction of weapon arts.Elden Ring’s difficulty when using all the toolsit provides may actually dip a bit lower than these games and their DLC, but that’s with some assumptions in mind. No two Tarnished are likely to have the same journey, build, or strategy, even if both are committed to thoroughly exploring the Lands Between. An optimized Mimic Tear with a Bleed/Frost build and assorted buffs can tear through almost everything inElden Ring, but that takes time and knowledge to set up.Elden Ringis potentially easier thanDark Souls 3andBloodborne, but it isn’t a surefire thing anymore.
What remains is the various other Soulslikes, most of which are designed to be more forgiving.Elden Ring’s prolonged difficulty spike in its late-game and optional areas places it well over the likes ofEnder Lilies,Code Vein, orJedi: Fallen Order, but a few Soulslikes rise above the rest. FromSoftware’s ownSekirodemands mastery of its parrying system, making it handily more difficult than its defensively-diverse successor. Similarly,Hollow Knight’s campaign may be easier, but its DLC bosses require excellent execution with few breaks and fewer shortcuts.Niohmay be the closest toElden Ringout of any Soulslikes, curbing occasionally abrasive difficulty with a lot of powerful options and a high skill ceiling. It’s arguable which game’s challenges give it the edge in difficulty, but that means they both have lots of features to keep players coming back for one more try.
Elden Ringis available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
