The difficulty level of Souls games has been a topic of discussion for years, but with Elden Ring, these discussions have intensified due to the hype. While many Souls fans appreciate the game’s toughness, others see it as a barrier that excludes some gamers. What do you think?
What is the problem with Elden Ring? The bosses in Elden Ring are tough, sometimes even really tough. Even one of the best Souls players struggled for 14 hours against just one boss.
This has led to discussions in the community, as not everyone believes Elden Ring should be that difficult. Some gamers feel excluded by a game that many reviewers describe as a “masterpiece”.
Some players are therefore calling for an Easy Mode for greater accessibility. However, not all fans of the Souls games like this idea.
High Difficulty Level Prevents Inclusion
What do players who demand an easier difficulty say? Elden Ring has received a score of 94 on PC and even a 96 on PS5 from reviewers on Metacritic. It is thus one of the highest-rated games ever.
However, many players have no chance to get into the game because they struggle with the high difficulty. Some can’t even defeat the first bosses due to physical disabilities.
One of the advocates for an easier difficulty is the Austrian Pia “Shurjoka” Stolz. She states on Twitter that she is a huge fan of difficult games, but believes Elden Ring and other games should still offer an easier difficulty to bring all gamers together.
According to Shurjoka, there are already enough barriers in the world, so there shouldn’t be such barriers in gaming as well. Everyone should be able to enjoy a game, regardless of difficulty level.
Souls Games Have a Reputation and Flair That Would Otherwise Be Lost
What do players who are against an easier mode say? Souls games have always been difficult and should remain so. This is one of the main arguments from Elden Ring fans who oppose an Easy Mode.
For them, the high difficulty is a feature that differentiates the series from other role-playing games in the world.
Our colleague Julius Busch from GameStar mentions that it is a special feeling to complete a game that is difficult. However, that feeling would be absent if it were merely about finishing a higher difficulty level.
He is not against inclusion in gaming but sees the unique phenomenon of Souls games also in their high difficulty level. Players had to adapt to the game, not the other way around. This is something that many modern games have lost.
He sees inclusion more in other areas of the game, such as alternative display and input options, and not in an adjustment of the difficulty level.
How Do You See the Difficulty of Elden Ring?
We have created a survey with six options for you to choose from. The selection cannot be reversed, so think carefully about how you want to vote:
We also invite you to discuss this subject with us in the comments. How do you perceive the difficulty of Elden Ring? And would an Easy Mode help or take away the uniqueness of the game?
We have noticed that many players of Elden Ring present themselves as skilled players, but in reality, only 54% have even managed to defeat the first boss:
Everyone claims to be very good at Elden Ring – But Steam reveals how poor many really are
