Very Positive(94%)
open world
combat mechanics
replay value
rich lore
boss battles
storytelling
difficulty
multiplayer
reused content
$5 DLC
cash grab
microtransactions
reused content
keyboard controls
Elden Ring has garnered a reputation as a masterpiece, celebrated for its vast open world, engaging combat mechanics, and rich lore. However, the recent $5 DLC, perceived as a cash grab, has sparked significant backlash among players concerned about the potential for future microtransactions. While some aspects like reused content and cryptic storytelling have drawn mixed reactions, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive. The game's ability to challenge players while offering replay value and boss battles that deliver high satisfaction is continually praised.
Positive Points
The game offers breathtaking landscapes and an expansive open world that provides a sense of discovery and endless exploration.Elden Ring's combat mechanics are praised for their depth and satisfyingly crunch dynamic, allowing for various playstyles and character builds.The lore, story, and world-building are often described as rich and captivating, adding to the game's immersive experience.Boss battles are regarded as challenging yet rewarding, with many players appreciating the thrill of defeating them after numerous attempts.Players appreciate the game's replay value, citing the variety of weapons, spells, and different endings as reasons to return.Negative Points
The recent introduction of a $5 cosmetic DLC, likened to Bethesda's 'horse armor', is criticized for being a cash grab and foreshadowing potential microtransactions.Some reviewers express dissatisfaction with the game's difficulty, claiming it feels unnecessarily forced or unbalanced.Keyboard controls are described as clunky, and some technical issues, such as stuttering and lack of DLSS support, are noted as points of frustration.There is concern about the game's shift towards practices reminiscent of other mainstream developers, leading to fears about future monetization strategies.Reused content, such as repeating enemies and bosses, somewhat detracts from the overall experience for some players.Mixed Points
While the exploration of the vast open world is mostly praised, some find the journey between meaningful encounters to be tedious or lacking in content.The story is appreciated for its depth but can be cryptic or difficult to follow without external guides.Multiplayer features receive mixed feedback, with some players enjoying the PvP elements while others find the system cumbersome.Common Themes
The game is often compared to Dark Souls and previous FromSoftware titles, with many players finding similarities in the combat style and difficulty.The introduction of microtransactions has sparked a significant backlash among players, who fear it might signal a shift in company practices.Despite the criticism of the DLC, the base game's quality and the experience it offers are often highlighted as unparalleled.Updated 8/30/2026, 12:02:23 AM UTC