From Software / Bandai Namco (YouTube)

According to translations by Frontline Gaming Japan, Miyazaki puts Elden Ring’s difficulty on par with Dark Souls III due to its open-world nature as well as mechanics like stealth and the customizable spirit summons that should make combat less overwhelming.

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Since Elden Ring is less linear than previous games, bosses—a historically important part of the Souls-like experience—can be avoided in favor of exploring a new area. From Software hopes this leads to fewer instances of players getting stuck on a boss battle and not being able to advance the story. The game can even be completed without defeating some bosses, Miyazaki said, a side effect of the freedom of choice for which the developers are striving.

Multiplayer is also a factor, and while details are scarce, Miyazaki mentioned that the online system makes it easier to call in backup this time around. And if all else fails, Elden Ring players can still leave messages scattered around the world, providing tips and words of encouragement or simply commiserating at tough points in the game. Don’t give up, skeleton!

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I don’t expect Elden Ring to end the difficulty arguments, but it’s nice to hear what From Software is doing to make its wonderful, epic adventures more accessible. Its long-awaited game finally launches on January 21, 2022 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam.