10 Must-Play Games Like Elden Ring: A Journey Through Epic Fantasy

FromSoftware's Elden Ring has taken the gaming world by storm, captivating players with its vast open world, challenging combat, and immersive lore. If you've finished the Lands Between and are craving more, here are 10 similar games that will satisfy your thirst for adventure:

1. Dark Souls Series

The spiritual predecessor to Elden Ring, the Dark Souls series is known for its grueling difficulty, intricate level design, and unforgettable boss battles. From the unforgiving landscapes of Lordran to the desolate realms of Lothric, these games offer a punishing yet rewarding experience.

2. Bloodborne

Set in the gothic city of Yharnam, Bloodborne is a faster-paced and more aggressive take on the Dark Souls formula. With its unique combat system, which emphasizes parrying and counterattacks, and its eerie Victorian setting, Bloodborne is a must-try for fans of challenging action RPGs.

3. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

FromSoftware's samurai epic, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, takes the combat mechanics of Dark Souls and Bloodborne to new heights. With its lightning-fast swordplay, stealth elements, and dynamic boss fights, Sekiro offers a thrilling and unique experience.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

While not as punishing as the Soulsborne games, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers a sprawling open world, a captivating storyline, and some of the most memorable characters in gaming. From hunting monsters to completing epic quests, this third-person RPG will keep you hooked for hours on end.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

If you prefer a more realistic medieval experience, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a must-play. This historical RPG immerses you in the 15th-century Kingdom of Bohemia, where you play as a blacksmith's son on a quest for vengeance. With its realistic combat, detailed world, and immersive storytelling, Kingdom Come will transport you back in time.

6. Skyrim

Bethesda's timeless classic, Skyrim, is an open-world RPG that offers endless hours of exploration, adventure, and character customization. From fighting dragons to joining guilds, there is something for everyone in this sprawling fantasy epic. With its vast world, deep character progression, and countless quests, Skyrim is a game that will keep you coming back for more.

7. Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen

Capcom's Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is a unique action RPG that boasts a fantastic combat system and a diverse cast of companions known as Pawns. Explore a vast open world, slay monstrous creatures, and customize your character to perfection in this immersive and engaging fantasy adventure.

8. Nioh 2

Set in a fictionalized feudal Japan, Nioh 2 is a challenging action RPG that combines traditional Japanese mythology with brutal combat. Play as a half-human, half-demon hybrid and unleash powerful abilities, explore stunning locations, and face off against fearsome yokai in this epic and rewarding adventure.

9. Outward

Outward is a survival RPG that emphasizes exploration, realism, and unforgiving difficulty. Journey through a perilous world, manage your hunger and thirst, and make difficult choices that shape your character's journey. With its immersive world, challenging gameplay, and unique survival mechanics, Outward is a game that will test your limits.

10. Mortal Shell

Cold Symmetry's Mortal Shell is a dark and atmospheric action RPG that focuses on its innovative "possession" mechanic. Swap between four unique shells, each with its own abilities and playstyle, to overcome challenging enemies and traverse the enigmatic world of Fallgrim.

Table 1: Key Features of Elden Ring and Similar Games

| Feature | Elden Ring | Dark Souls | Bloodborne | Sekiro | Witcher 3 | Kingdom Come | Skyrim | Dragon's Dogma | Nioh 2 | Outward | Mortal Shell |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open World | Vast | No | Semi-Open | Semi-Open | Open | Open | Open | Open | Semi-Open | Open | Semi-Open |
| Combat | Challenging, Action-Based | Challenging, Action-Based | Fast-Paced, Action-Based | Fast-Paced, Stealth-Based | Action-RPG | Realistic, Melee-Based | Action-RPG | Action-RPG | Fast-Paced, Combo-Based | Survival, Action-RPG | Action-RPG, Possession Mechanic |
| Lore | Rich, Detailed | Rich, Dark | Cosmic Horror | Japanese Mythology | High Fantasy | Historical | Nordic Fantasy | Japanese Mythology | Japanese Mythology | Survival | Dark Fantasy |
| Multiplayer | Co-op, Competitive | Co-op | Co-op | None | Co-op | Co-op, PvP | PvP | Co-op | Co-op | None | None |

Table 2: Difficulty and Accessibility

Table 3: Game Ratings and Reviews

Table 4: Additional Games for Further Exploration

Conclusion

Elden Ring has raised the bar for epic fantasy RPGs, but it's just one of many incredible games that offer similar experiences. Whether you're looking for challenging combat, vast open worlds, or immersive storytelling, the games listed above will provide countless hours of adventure and entertainment. So pick up your controller, gather your companions, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the realms of fantasy.