Dark Souls 3 vs Elden Ring
Dark Souls 3 and Elden Ring are both action RPGs from FromSoftware, but differ fundamentally in structure: Dark Souls 3 offers tightly designed linear levels and methodical combat, while Elden Ring delivers an open world with freedom to tackle challenges in any order. Elden Ring's collaboration with George R.R. Martin and expanded mobility options make it more accessible to newcomers.
Dark Souls 3
A linear action RPG with interconnected level design, emphasis on patience and pattern recognition, and punishing combat. Released in 2016, it refined FromSoftware's signature difficulty and became a benchmark for the souls-like genre.
Release Date
April 2016
Platform
PS4, Xbox One, PC
Playtime
~40–60 hours
Multiplayer
Co-op and PvP invasions
Pros
- Expertly designed level architecture with shortcuts and interconnections
- Tight, focused combat with clear enemy patterns and tells
- Substantial PvP community and invasion mechanics
Cons
- Linear progression limits exploration freedom
- Slower movement and fewer mobility options than Elden Ring
- Smaller world scope compared to open-world competitor
Elden Ring
An open-world action RPG developed with George R.R. Martin, featuring sprawling landscapes, freedom to explore and fight bosses in any order, and expanded combat mechanics including jumping and new weapon arts. Released in 2022, it became one of the highest-rated games of all time.
Release Date
February 2022
Platform
PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series X|S, PC
Playtime
~60–100+ hours
Expansion
Shadow of the Erdtree (2024)
Pros
- Vast open world with dozens of optional areas and secrets
- Freedom to tackle bosses in any order; adapt strategy to your level
- Enhanced mobility (jumping, sprinting, new weapon skills) and summon system
Cons
- Some late-game areas and enemies feel unfairly difficult
- Less densely crafted than Dark Souls 3's linear levels
- Open-world design can lead to overleveling and reduced challenge
Elden Ring wins
Elden Ring's combination of open-world freedom, modern mechanics, and accessibility for varied skill levels makes it the stronger overall experience for most players, though Dark Souls 3 remains superior for those seeking tightly crafted linear challenge.
Dark Souls 3
Best for players who love methodical, pattern-based combat and expertly designed dungeons; hardcore difficulty enthusiasts.
Elden Ring
Best for players seeking exploration freedom, multiple viable strategies, and a more welcoming difficulty curve; broader audience appeal.
Gameplay & Structure Comparison
Level Design
Dark Souls 3's interconnected dungeons are more intricately woven; Elden Ring prioritizes scale and variety over density.
Exploration Freedom
Elden Ring's open world allows tackling challenges in any order; Dark Souls 3 enforces a linear progression path.
Combat Responsiveness
Both excel at precise, challenging combat; Elden Ring adds jumping and more weapon variety, but Dark Souls 3 feels more deliberate and focused.
Boss Variety
Both feature memorable bosses; Elden Ring has more quantity and optional encounters, Dark Souls 3 has tighter encounter design.
Difficulty Curve
Dark Souls 3 maintains consistent tension; Elden Ring's scaling allows easy overleveling, reducing challenge in early/mid-game.
Key Differences & Features
| Aspect | Dark Souls 3 | Elden Ring |
|---|---|---|
| World Structure | Linear, interconnected dungeons | Open world with six regions |
| Boss Progression | Mandatory sequence; must defeat bosses in order | Optional and flexible; tackle most bosses in any order |
| Mobility | Walking, rolling, backstabs | Jumping, sprinting, horse riding (Torrent), enhanced dodges |
| Multiplayer | Co-op summons and invasions | Co-op summons, invasions, and group PvP (Coliseum) |
| Story | Fragmented environmental storytelling | George R.R. Martin co-writing; more defined lore |
| Replayability | Tight, curated experience each run | Massive content; many playstyles and routes viable |
Which Is Better for Your Playstyle?
Choose Dark Souls 3 if you value refined, densely packed level design with consistent difficulty and a focused experience—ideal for players who want every area to feel important. Pick Elden Ring if you prefer exploration freedom, multiple viable paths, and the ability to return to harder bosses after leveling up—better for players who want to set their own pace and discover secrets organically.
When to choose each
Choose Dark Souls 3 if…
Best for players who love methodical, pattern-based combat and expertly designed dungeons; hardcore difficulty enthusiasts.
Choose Elden Ring if…
Best for players seeking exploration freedom, multiple viable strategies, and a more welcoming difficulty curve; broader audience appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with Elden Ring if you're new to souls-like games; its flexible difficulty and exploration freedom are more forgiving. Play Dark Souls 3 after to appreciate its tightly designed linear dungeons and more deliberate pacing.
Dark Souls 3 uses linear, interconnected dungeons with mandatory boss progression, while Elden Ring is an open world where you can tackle most challenges in any order. Elden Ring also adds jumping, horse riding, and greater character mobility.
Elden Ring allows you to overpower enemies by leveling elsewhere, making it potentially easier; however, its optional late-game bosses can be extremely difficult. Dark Souls 3's linear structure creates a more consistent, intentional difficulty curve.
Sources & references
Suggested sources to verify product details, pricing, reviews, and specifications.
- OfficialElden Ring – Official Product Page
Game features, open-world design, and latest expansion details.
- ReviewIGN: Elden Ring Review
Comprehensive critical assessment and comparison to Dark Souls.