Elden Ring is one of the most hotly anticipated games of 2022, so we break down everything we know about it.

Looking forward to Elden Ring? You’re not certainly not alone and it’s bound to become one of the biggest video games of 2022, so here’s what you can expect once you have it in your hot little hands.

George R. R. Martin is behind some of the Elden Ring lore

Despite still not having bloody finished The Winds of Winter, George R. R. Martin collaborated with the developers of Elden Ring early on in the project’s life to help craft it’s setting and story. Having spent some time traipsing through the The Lands Between there’s a certain familiarity at play – a sense of devastation and danger around every corner. You’d expect nothing less from the man behind Game of Thrones which has us intrigued as to where the story will take us.

That said, there’s also a lot we still don’t know. Like what the hell is going on with this old armoured dude and positively giant lion, as spotted by Siliconera?

We’re not entirely sure we want to know, but if you’re keen to dive into some Elden Ring lore, check out the recently released story trailer which explains some of the events that led to the titular ring being broken. There’s a lot to unpack, so maybe have a notepad handy.

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Exploration is key

Elden Ring is perhaps the most ambitious Soulsborne game so far – offering up a huge open environment to explore with your valiant steed. However knowing where to go won’t always be so obvious. While the press of a button will give you a general sense of direction for progress, many of Elden Ring’s secrets are devilishly hidden.

In our hands-on experience, it was always beneficial to investigate every nook and cranny. Peek over every ledge. Occasionally it led to a laughable death, while other times it eventuated in new items and gear that we put to great use.

Combat is challenging yet addictive

Coming from the team behind Dark Souls, you’d be a fool to expect Elden Ring to be anything less than a challenge beast. But while the game will not hesitate in beating you down, it’s not all doom and gloom. In fact, during our time with the game’s recent Network Test, we were impressed with how balanced the combat is.

Rush through encounters and even the most basic foe will inflict major damage. But approach fights with patience and strategy and you’ll likely make more progress than you first thought. That said, Elden Ring’s bosses are a whole other matter and it’s always worth remembering that running away is a perfectly viable option.

It’s coming out in just a few months

It’s hard to believe, but Elden Ring is currently scheduled for release on February 25, 2022. With the pandemic still in full swing, we wouldn’t be surprised if it were to get a slight delay, however Elden Ring’s Network Test was an incredibly large and polished experience so we’re quietly confident it’ll arrive on our shores in time.

You’ll be able to grab it on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, XBO and PC.

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Adam Guetti

Adam Guetti