Elden Ring Gameplay Showcases Exploration, Stealth, Stormveil Castle, and More

FromSoftware and Bandai Namco finally premiered some new gameplay footage for Elden Ring, taken from the PC build that’s still in development. It starts by showcasing a Site of Grace where the player can rest. This manifests rays of Guilding Light, which players can follow or forego to travel elsewhere. While exploring the world, a dragon suddenly appears and players fight them on horseback. Unsurprisingly, it can be staggered and dealt a critical hit like in Dark Souls.

It then cuts to Alexander, the Iron Fist, a large potted NPC that’s stuck in a hole. Attacking him with a blunt weapon seems to help in getting him out. The world map is also showcased with the player able to gather map fragments for it. Markers are also showcased, which can be used to mark locations with dangerous enemies, crafting materials etc. Beacons can also be placed which appear in the world and offer more guidance.

Spirit Springs for launching high in the air and traversing great heights on horseback are also seen along with some of the lightning and rain effects (with the former possibly being able to hit the player). The carriage seen earlier is stopped at a camp with enemies guarding it so stealth is required. The player can craft items found from materials in the world and knock the guards out with arrows, then execute them as they sleep on the ground. Attacking from above with heavy strikes can break enemy stance, which also helps in assassination.

Spirits are also showcased though they seem fairly basic, attacking any enemies with melee attacks up close. Online multiplayer is briefly seen with the player summoning another and sneaking through a forest with deadly creatures together. They then encounter an armored boss on horseback that’s guarding an area, and use magic that rains down projectiles along with summoning a dragon head to shoot fire at it.

Catacombs, mines and other dungeons also await in the world, containing hidden treasures and bosses (though not too much of this is showcased). Perhaps the highlight is Stormveil Dungeon, where one of the six Demigods resides. One could try to approach through the main gate, which is heavily guarded, or go through the side which requires some platforming and taking on fewer enemies.

Visibility and terrain can vary in dungeons, so you may also get ambushed by foes hiding around corners. But you’re not limited to a single route. While platforming on rooftops outside, you may discover another way or encounter an NPC, like the sorcerer within. Overall, the platforming looks a lot more fluid. The preview ends with a boss fight against Godrick the Golden who utilizes a heavy axe and lots of spinning attacks along with a dragon head to spew fire.

Elden Ring is out on February 25th 2022 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and PC. More details will be revealed in the coming months so stay tuned.