The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →If you want the freedom to explore and choose where to go when you hit a frustrating encounter, start with Elden Ring. If you would rather begin with the earlier Dark Souls experience, choose Dark Souls Remastered, which includes the Artorias of the Abyss expansion. Neither is an objectively better starting point; the right choice depends on what you want from your first game.
Choose based on how you want to approach the game
Start with Elden Ring if you want an open world
Bandai Namco describes Elden Ring as an open-world action RPG. That makes it the clearest fit if you value having room to explore and decide where to go. The description alone does not mean every encounter has an alternate route or that the game is easy; it is a useful distinction in how the publisher presents the game.
Bandai Namco’s Elden Ring page also lists the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. The expansion requires the base game, so check whether a listing is for the base game, the expansion, or a bundle before buying. The page describes a Tarnished Edition with the base game, expansion, additional armor, and a Torrent appearance customization feature; check the current listing for your platform and region to confirm availability.
Start with Dark Souls Remastered if you want the earlier Dark Souls game
Dark Souls Remastered is the straightforward choice if your priority is beginning with Dark Souls itself. Bandai Namco says the remaster includes the main game and Artorias of the Abyss DLC, so you get that additional content as part of the package.
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#1 Best Overall
- ELDEN RING, developed by FromSoftware Inc. and produced by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., is a fantasy action-RPG and FromSoftware's largest game to date, set within a world full of mystery and peril
- Journey through the Lands Between, a new fantasy world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki, creator of the influential DARK SOULS video game series, and George R. R. Martin, author of The New York Times best-selling fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire
- Traverse the breathtaking world on foot or on horseback, alone or online with other players, and fully immerse yourself in the grassy plains, suffocating swamps, spiraling mountains, and foreboding castles
- Create your character in FromSoftware’s refi ned action-RPG and defi ne your playstyle by experimenting with a wide variety of weapons, magical abilities, and skills found throughout the world
- Charge into battle, pick off enemies one-by-one using stealth, or even call upon allies for aid - many options are at your disposal as you decide how to approach exploration and combat
Bandai Namco’s Dark Souls Remastered page is the relevant starting point for checking the game and its included content.
What the official information does—and doesn’t—settle
The publishers’ descriptions establish a meaningful framing difference: Elden Ring is presented as open world, while Dark Souls Remastered is presented as the remastered original with its DLC included. They do not establish which game is harder, which has faster combat, or which is universally more beginner-friendly. Those are not reliable grounds for a blanket recommendation here.
Rank #2
- Collaborating with George R.R. Martin to create the ELDEN RING mythos has been a genuinely delightful experience and a source of wonderful inspiration. The team is working hard to ensure that the world of ELDEN RING will be a fascinating place for players to explore, filled with peril and wonder from its furthest reaches to its lowest depths. This is a FromSoftware title through and through, rich in fantasy and RPG action. We sincerely hope you look forward to it.
- Building the world of ELDEN RING with Miyazaki-san and his team was a treat! The graphics, mythos, and action-RPG gameplay will deliver an unforgettable experience. I can’t wait for people to see what ELDEN RING has in store for them.” Said George R.R. Martin.
If difficulty or combat style is your deciding factor, treat the choice as a matter of personal preference rather than assuming one is the easier option. This comparison does not establish a precise side-by-side ranking of those qualities.
Check your platform and edition before choosing
Match the game to the hardware you actually own, then confirm that the edition is currently listed for your platform and region. FromSoftware’s January 12, 2018 announcement named PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Windows for Dark Souls Remastered; that announcement is historical and does not confirm present-day availability in every region or store.
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- Tabletop board game expansion for Elden Ring: Realm of the Grafted King, adding new campaign content, tactical encounters, enemy types, and exploration-focused gameplay elements
- Includes eight new scenarios and more than 10 hours of additional quest-driven gameplay, expanding the campaign with new objectives, locations, and combat encounters
- Features five new enemy types, including advanced adversaries and large-scale creatures that introduce new tactical challenges and encounter mechanics during gameplay
- Adds two new Tarnished player characters, the Warrior and Wretch, offering different progression styles and expanded strategic options for campaign sessions
- Includes new items, equipment, and NPC content, enhancing character customization and integrating seamlessly into existing Elden Ring tabletop board game campaigns
For Elden Ring, verify whether you are buying the base game alone or a bundle that includes Shadow of the Erdtree. For Dark Souls Remastered, the publisher says Artorias of the Abyss is included. If multiplayer is a deciding factor, PlayStation’s product page states that Dark Souls Remastered supports up to six players with dedicated servers; check current online service details for your platform before relying on that feature.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A quick decision
- Pick Elden Ring if the open-world framing and freedom to choose where to explore matter most to you.
- Pick Dark Souls Remastered if you specifically want to begin with the earlier Dark Souls game and have Artorias of the Abyss included.
- Let your platform and edition decide if one game is not currently available to you in the version or region you want.
Bandai Namco reported that more than 30 million copies had shipped worldwide by 2025, counting the Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Edition, Deluxe Edition, Premium Bundle, and Collector’s Edition. That sales figure is context, not evidence that Elden Ring is the better first game.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- Ideal Size & Safety: Designed based on Game Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree Dark Moon Greatsword, this 11.8-inch replica is eye-catching in any setting. Its smooth surface and absence of sharp edges ensure it's safe to handle and easy to carry, so you can enjoy it without worry
- Realistic Details Reproduction: The detailed carving and texture design of the Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree Dark Moon Greatsword is exquisite, with the blade shimmering under the moonlight. This stunningly crafted sword brings you a visually immersive experience, which makes it a collector's item
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- Best Gift Choice: Whether it's for game fans, collectors, or as a birthday or holiday gift, this Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree Dark Moon Greatsword model is a personalized choice that will be warmly welcomed
Rank #4
- Elden Ring board game campaign featuring tactical combat, exploration, treasure hunting, and cinematic boss encounters for 1–4 players
- 20+ hour replayable campaign that can be played as a standalone adventure or combined with other Elden Ring: The Board Game content
- Card-driven, diceless combat system rewards strategic positioning, timing, resource management, and tactical decision-making
- New playable Tarnished classes including the Confessor and Prisoner, adding fresh character options and strategic play styles
- Detailed tabletop miniatures include 22 figures and a massive Godrick the Grafted miniature on a 120mm base, with components varying by selected edition
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
