Which Version of Elden Ring Should You Download?

Hey friend! If you‘re wondering which version of Elden Ring to get, I‘ve got you covered. I‘ll compare the Standard vs. Deluxe Editions, dive deep into the differences between PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and provide gameplay tips for new players. Let‘s figure out the best version for you.

My Recommendation

I recommend getting the Standard Edition on PC assuming your system meets the recommended specs (more on that below). Here‘s why:

• Superior Performance – Elden Ring looks and runs best on a well-equipped gaming PC with settings maxed out. You get 4K resolution, 60 fps, ultra ray tracing – an optimal experience.

• Access to Mods – The vibrant Elden Ring modding community lets you customize and expand the game in ways not possible on consoles.

• Cheaper Price – Standard Edition saves you $20 compared to Deluxe. The digital extras aren‘t essential.

For console gamers, PS5 or Xbox Series X are great options if you prefer playing from the couch. Their next-gen hardware delivers performance nearly on par with PC.

Now let‘s get into the details so you can make the best decision for your needs.

Elden Ring Editions: Standard vs. Deluxe

First, what‘s actually included in each version of Elden Ring?

Standard Edition (Base Game)

Cost: $59.99

Includes:

• Full Elden Ring game
• All gameplay content, story, maps, bosses, etc.

Deluxe Edition

Cost: $79.99

Includes:

• Full Elden Ring game
• Digital Artbook
• Digital Soundtrack
• Exclusive Gesture ("The Ring")

As you can see, the Standard Edition gets you the complete Elden Ring experience at base cost. The Deluxe Edition bundles in some supplemental digital content for series fans.

Are the Deluxe Extras Worth it?

Here‘s my take:

The Digital Artbook is a cool bonus for hardcore fans who want to see behind the scenes concept art. But it‘s not essential.

The Digital Soundtrack is nice if you love the music and want to listen on the go. But you can probably find the OST online.

The exclusive in-game gesture is a cute novelty but won‘t change your gameplay experience.

For most gamers, I don‘t think the Deluxe extras are worth the $20 premium. You won‘t miss out on anything critical by getting the Standard Edition.

However, if you love collecting art books and soundtracks for your favorite games, the Deluxe treats might be worthwhile to you.

Elden Ring PlayStation vs. Xbox vs. PC

Next let‘s compare the core gameplay experience across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms.

Graphics and Performance

In terms of technical capabilities, PC and newest consoles will deliver the best Elden Ring performance. Here‘s how they stack up:

PC allows you to fine tune graphics settings for your rig. When maxed out, Elden Ring looks incredible in 4K resolution at a smooth 60 fps.

PS5 and Xbox Series X come close to the visual benchmark set by PC. Their power delivers up to 4K/60 fps too.

Last gen consoles drop down to 1080p resolution and 30 fps. Still very playable but not ideal.

My advice: For the best graphics and performance, play on a high end PC, PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.

Exclusive Content

The good news is that FromSoftware isn‘t locking any gameplay content exclusively to one platform. You get the full Elden Ring experience no matter what system you play on.

Multiplayer Community

Elden Ring sold over 12 million copies globally as of March 2022. It has a huge community across all platforms. You‘ll have no trouble finding co-op partners or PvP opponents online with cross-platform multiplayer.

Mods (PC Only)

One advantage PC has over consoles is mods. The Elden Ring modding scene is thriving. PC players can install mods for things like:

• Cheat mods (easy mode, instant kills, etc.)
• Graphical enhancement mods
• Fun novelty mods (play as Shrek!)
• Quality of life tweaks

Console platforms do not support mods. So modding potential gives PC another edge.

Prices and Deals

The base price is $59.99 for Standard Edition across all platforms. However, PC and Xbox tend to get more frequent discounts and sales earlier.

For example, Elden Ring was 10% off for pre-orders on Xbox. Keep an eye out for any deals on your platform of choice.

Which Version Should You Get?

Let‘s summarize the key factors:

• PC – Best performance and graphics when optimized. Access to mods.

• PlayStation 5 – Excellent graphics and loading. DualSense controller integration.

• Xbox Series X – Nearly equivalent to PS5. Game Pass option.

• PlayStation 4 / Xbox One – Still great but not optimal.

For most players, I recommend PC or newest console you own for best experience. But you ultimately can‘t go wrong!

Gameplay Tips for Elden Ring Beginners

I want to make sure you‘re prepared when diving into the Lands Between as a new player. Here are some Elden Ring tips to get you started:

Choose Your Starting Class Wisely

Your initial class determines starting stats, weapons, spells, and armor.

Popular beginner-friendly classes include:

• Vagabond – Balanced melee class with good armor.
• Samurai – Strong katana wielder with decent dexterity.
• Astrologer – Range caster class for magic newcomers.

Try out different weapons and spells early to see what playstyle suits you.

Take it Slow, Learn Enemy Patterns

Exercise patience and carefully study enemy movements during combat. Learn to recognize telegraphs for dodges and parry timings. Rushing in blindly will only get you killed.

Level Vigor First for More Health

When you level up, put some early points into Vigor. This quickly raises your maximum HP so you can survive more hits. You can boost damage stats later once you have a health buffer.

Utilize Stealth and Luring

Stealth is viable in Elden Ring. You can sneak up for backstabs or lure enemies out one by one. Separating groups this way makes combat more manageable.

Summon Spirits and Other Players

Summoning spirits offers AI allies that can tank enemies for you. And co-op summoning lets you bring in other players against bosses. Use these tools!

Explore the Open World First

If you‘re bashing your head against a boss or area, go explore elsewhere first. Return later when your character is stronger. Elden Ring rewards open world progress.

Let me know if you need any other beginner tips!

Is Elden Ring Too Hard for Newcomers?

Elden Ring follows in the footsteps of notoriously challenging FromSoftware games like Dark Souls. Many wonder if it‘s too punishing for casual players.

The answer is it ultimately depends on your mindset. Elden Ring doesn‘t hold your hand. You will hit skill checkpoints that may require hours of practice to overcome.

However, FromSoftware has introduced new elements to help ease the frustration for newcomers:

• Mounted combat helps you evade enemies more easily.
• Spirit summons offer AI allies to support you.
• Expanded magic systems provide ranged damage options.
• Co-op multiplayer lets you summon other players for jolly cooperation!
• Open world exploration means you can always go elsewhere to power up when stuck.

While still hard, Elden Ring is likely the most accessible Souls-like yet for new players. Be ready to persist, learn from failures, and use every tool available. The journey is worth it!

Elden Ring Playtime: How Long to Beat?

One of Elden Ring‘s selling points is its sheer scale. But just how long does a full playthrough take?

Here‘s a rough estimate based on playstyle:

• Main Bosses – 25-40 hours
• Main + Extra Bosses – 40-60 hours
• Completionist Run – 80-100+ hours

Just chasing the critical path takes most players 30-35 hours. Defeating optional content extends the playtime. And for completionists trying to 100% everything, you‘re looking at a 80-100 hour journey.

The more you die and grind, the longer your experience will be too. Expect to invest dozens if not hundreds of hours into everything Elden Ring has to offer.

What to Expect from Elden Ring DLC

FromSoftware hasn‘t officially announced Elden Ring DLC plans yet. But based on their track record with past Souls games, we can speculate on what DLC might include:

• 1-2 new areas and maps
• Up to 5 new boss fights
• Expanded lore and side quests
• 5+ new weapons and spells
• Increased level cap for further progression
• Additional PvP and co-op features

Given the base game‘s scope, I‘d expect 10+ hours of extra content from DLC. We‘ll have to wait for official details, but the future looks bright!

Elden Ring Review Summary

In case you‘re still on the fence, here‘s a quick review rundown:

• 96 Metascore – Near universal acclaim from critics.
• "Masterpiece" per IGN – They awarded a rare perfect 10/10 score.
• "2022 Game of the Year Contender" – Seen as a frontrunner for major GOTY awards.
• "Expertly Crafted Open World" – Praised for its intricately designed dungeons, awe-inspiring vistas, and hidden secrets.
• "More Accessible Souls Experience" – Lower barrier to entry than past games but still satisfyingly challenging.

Elden Ring lives up to every ounce of hype. It‘s an instant classic and masterwork of open world design.

I hope this deep dive helps you decide on the perfect version of Elden Ring to play. Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m happy to offer more tips and advice. Now get out there, Tarnished, and become Elden Lord.