Dark Souls 3 vs. Elden Ring

Attribute	Dark Souls 3	Elden Ring
Developer	FromSoftware	FromSoftware
Release Year	2016	2022
Setting	Dark fantasy world of Lothric	Open-world fantasy realm of the Lands Between
Gameplay	Action RPG with challenging combat	Action RPG with open-world exploration
Multiplayer	Co-op and PvP modes	Co-op and PvP modes

Gameplay

Dark Souls 3 is known for its challenging and punishing gameplay mechanics. Players must carefully time their attacks, blocks, and dodges to survive encounters with tough enemies and bosses. The combat in Dark Souls 3 is methodical and requires patience and skill to master. On the other hand, Elden Ring introduces a more open-world approach to gameplay. Players can explore a vast and interconnected world, engaging in both traditional Souls-like combat and mounted combat on horseback. The gameplay in Elden Ring feels more dynamic and varied compared to Dark Souls 3.

Story

Dark Souls 3 is known for its cryptic and lore-rich storytelling. Players must piece together the narrative through item descriptions, environmental storytelling, and NPC interactions. The world of Dark Souls 3 is dark and mysterious, with a focus on themes of despair and decay. In contrast, Elden Ring features a more traditional storytelling approach with a fleshed-out narrative and well-developed characters. The world of Elden Ring is filled with rich lore and history, providing players with a more cohesive and immersive story experience.

World Design

Dark Souls 3 features interconnected and intricate level design, with shortcuts and hidden paths that reward exploration. The world of Dark Souls 3 is dark and oppressive, filled with dangerous enemies and deadly traps. Players must navigate the treacherous environments carefully to progress through the game. On the other hand, Elden Ring offers a more expansive and open-world design, allowing players to explore vast landscapes and discover hidden secrets. The world of Elden Ring feels more alive and dynamic, with diverse biomes and unique landmarks to explore.

Customization

Dark Souls 3 offers a wide range of customization options for players to tailor their character to their playstyle. Players can choose from various classes, weapons, armor sets, and spells to create a unique build. The character progression in Dark Souls 3 is deep and rewarding, with players able to experiment with different builds and strategies. In comparison, Elden Ring expands on the customization options with the addition of mounted combat and summonable spirits. Players can customize their character's appearance, abilities, and playstyle to create a truly unique experience.

Difficulty

Dark Souls 3 is notorious for its challenging difficulty level, with tough enemies and punishing boss fights that require precision and skill to overcome. Players must learn enemy patterns and master the game's mechanics to progress through the game. The difficulty in Dark Souls 3 is a core part of the experience, providing a sense of accomplishment when overcoming tough obstacles. Elden Ring maintains the challenging difficulty of the Souls series while offering a more accessible experience for newcomers. The game features a variety of difficulty options, allowing players to tailor the challenge to their skill level.