Elden Ring's release date, genre, rating, and ties to Dark Souls

William Davis Published 12/02/2022

Elden Ring fans don’t have to wait much longer for much-anticipated new game’s release date.

After years of waiting, Elden Ring is finally coming soon. The open-world RPG is a collaborative effort between acclaimed director Hidetaka Miyazaki and celebrity author George R. R. Martin. As the spiritual successor to the Dark Souls franchise, the game represents both a new beginning and a return to roots for From Software. If you’re looking forward to exploring the brand new world of Elden Ring, here’s everything you need to know before the game’s launch.

What is Elden Ring’s release date?

After years of waiting, Elden Ring’s official release date is February 25, 2022. The game’s official release date was revealed at As preparation for the release, Elden Ring has gone through multiple beta tests covering the first few areas of the game. A handful of content creators and reviewers have already received full copies of the game, meaning that all core content should be finished with just some last-minute balancing and polish remaining.

The game was originally slated for a release in late January, but From Software announced a brief delay halfway through the promotional season. Considering the size and scope of the game, most fans are happy to wait a few more weeks for a better experience.

What genre is Elden Ring?

Elden Ring is an open-world role-playing game with a focus on boss battles and exploration. The game leans heavily into its RPG elements. Players can customize their character by upgrading stats and equipping special gear. In addition to a wide variety of melee weapons, Elden Ring players can learn to use different types of magic to augment their play style. They can also summon a horse to quickly traverse the open world.

The ESRB has officially rated Elden Ring as M for Mature. This means that the game is recommended for adults aged 17 or older. The institution considered the game’s violence, gore, coarse language, sex, and nudity worthy of the M rating. The Dark Souls series has never shied away from grotesque boss fights or explicit depictions of blood and dismemberment. Nudity is usually used for artistic purposes, which will most likely continue with Elden Ring.

Is Elden Ring part of the Dark Souls franchise?

While the games’ share several gameplay similarities, Elden Ring’s story is entirely separate from the Dark Souls franchise’s timeline. The trilogy’s constant cycle of linking the first flame is entirely absent in Elden Ring. In the new title, players will fight to restore the ritualized Elden Ring, a sort of magical barrier or aura that protects The Lands Between.

Although the games are entirely separate, Elden Ring already bears some mechanical resemblance to Dark Souls. The friendly pot monster shown in a few trailers has a similar voice and demeanor to Siegward of Catarina, a recurring ally in the original trilogy. While Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice broke the tradition of including the Moonlight Greatsword, Elden Ring’s medieval-inspired setting gives it a great opportunity to return.

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