Once,Elden Ringseemed like a dream that was never going to happen. After its teaser at E3 2019,Elden Ringwent silent for over 700 days, but that wait has finally come to an end. With a proper trailer recently showcased and a release date set for early 2022, the floodgates have finally opened.
Now, more details regardingElden Ring’s gameplay have appeared online thanks to an update to Bandai Namco’s website. These updates reveal a couple new gameplay mechanics that are sure to change up the formula, while adding details to some other features likeElden Ring’s horseback riding. First spotted by Pure Xbox, these new gameplay details will likely just be a morsel for fans until it appears at another showcase.
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Perhaps the biggest reveal is the use of weather. It was already known to include a dynamic weather system, but according to the Bandai Namco site, every aspect of the environment, weather, and time of day can be used to anElden Ringplayer’s advantage. It’s hard to parse out what this is exactly, but it’s worth noting that theproperElden Ringreveal trailersaw an enemy dragon catch a lightning bolt and throw it at the player.
It’s doubtful that it’s something that grand, but gaining buffs, abilities, or something of the sort based on theweather inElden Ringsounds like a big deal. Environment and time of day could apply toElden Ring’s stealth mechanics, as stealth may be easier at night than it is during the day. It remains to be seen, but “environment,” “time of day,” and “weather” may be something every player should keep an eye on.
Furthermore, the new mentions include dozens of skills, stealth, and dodge and parries. Many thinkElden Ringcombatis set up to be faster paced thanDark Souls,and this may imply as much. At least fans know these are returning alongside new details like using a steed to “cut [mercenaries] from their horses,” learning arcane spells from those who remain behind after the war, and the ability to summon spirits/fellow Tarnished to their side.
All of this sounds exciting, yet many fans are likely waiting for a longer gameplay reveal ahead of the release. Thus far,Elden Ringhas been compared to everything fromBloodbornetoDemon’s Souls, and a more in-depth dive may separate out whetherElden Ringis just bigDark Soulsor is a moreDark Souls-esqueSekiro.
Elden Ringreleases July 03, 2025 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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