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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Entertainment • Video Game

Elden Ring

Elden Ring is a 2022 action role-playing video game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Elden Ring is a 2022 action role-playing video game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. It is set in the dark fantasy world of the Lands Between and features open-world exploration, combat, and online multiplayer modes. The game was directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, with worldbuilding collaboration from George R. R. Martin.

Gameplay

Elden Ring combines open-world exploration with action-RPG combat and boss fights. Players freely roam the Lands Between, using weapons, magic, and character builds to progress through the game. The game supports single-player play and online co-op and PvP multiplayer.

Development and release

The game was developed by FromSoftware under Hidetaka Miyazaki and released in 2022 by Bandai Namco Entertainment. George R. R. Martin contributed to the worldbuilding and background lore. It was released in February 2022 for PC and major PlayStation and Xbox consoles. It is widely available to Canadian players on those platforms through Canadian retailers and digital storefronts.

Setting and story

The story is set in the Lands Between after the Elden Ring is shattered, leading to conflict among demigods. Players control a Tarnished character seeking to restore the ring and become Elden Lord.

Reception and difficulty

Elden Ring is widely described as demanding and challenging, in line with FromSoftware’s earlier action RPGs. Its difficulty is often offset by flexible builds, exploration, and optional summons or multiplayer assistance.

Key facts

  • Elden Ring is an open-world action RPG played from a third-person perspective.
  • The game takes place in the Lands Between, a fictional dark fantasy setting.
  • It was developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment.
  • The game supports single-player play and online co-op and PvP multiplayer.
  • It was released in February 2022 for PC and major PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
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Canadian context

Elden Ring is widely available to Canadian players on PC and major PlayStation and Xbox platforms through Canadian retailers and digital storefronts.

Frequently asked questions

What is Elden Ring?
Elden Ring is a 2022 open-world action role-playing video game set in the Lands Between.
Who made Elden Ring?
It was developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, with Hidetaka Miyazaki directing and George R. R. Martin contributing to worldbuilding.
Is Elden Ring hard?
Yes. It is generally considered a difficult game, though players can reduce the challenge through leveling, build choices, summons, and online help.
How long to beat Elden Ring?
Play time varies widely by playstyle. A main-story run is typically around 50–60 hours, while completionist play can take well over 100 hours.
What platform is Elden Ring on?
It is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Is Elden Ring multiplayer?
Yes. It includes online multiplayer, including cooperative play and player-versus-player combat, alongside single-player mode.

References

  1. Steamhttps://store.steampowered.com/app/1245620/ELDEN_RING/
    Supports: Developer, publisher, release date, genre, and multiplayer modes
  2. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elden_Ring
    Supports: Third-person action RPG description, setting, and online multiplayer
  3. IGNhttps://www.ign.com/games/elden-ring
    Supports: Developer, director, collaboration with George R. R. Martin, release date, and platforms
  4. Xboxhttps://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/elden-ring
    Supports: Developer, publisher, genre, and Xbox platform availability
  5. The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/mar/02/elden-ring-beginners-guide-open-world-adventure
    Supports: General description and difficulty characterization
  6. Fandomhttps://eldenring.fandom.com/wiki/Elden_Ring_(game)
    Supports: Open-world structure and multiplayer player-count details