What is the premise of Elden Ring?

Elden Ring takes place in the Lands Between, a realm once blessed by the Elden Ring and the Erdtree. Following the ring's shattering, the land is plagued by war and undeath. The player takes on the role of a 'Tarnished'—an exile beckoned back by grace—to collect the Great Runes, restore the Elden Ring, and become the new Elden Lord.

Who are the Tarnished?

The Tarnished are individuals who lost the grace of the Erdtree and were banished from the Lands Between long ago. The player character is one such Tarnished, recalled to the lands after the Shattering to fulfill the prophecy and claim the title of Elden Lord.

How was George R.R. Martin involved in Elden Ring?

George R.R. Martin, author of 'A Song of Ice and Fire', collaborated with director Hidetaka Miyazaki to write the game's backstory and mythos. He created the history of the world, the demigods, and the political intrigue that occurred before the game's events, which FromSoftware then used as the foundation for the game's present-day lore.

Is Elden Ring a sequel to Dark Souls?

No, Elden Ring is a completely new intellectual property with its own universe and lore. However, it is considered a 'Soulsborne' game, sharing gameplay DNA (combat mechanics, difficulty, UI, multiplayer systems) with FromSoftware's Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, and Demon's Souls.

How difficult is Elden Ring?

Like other FromSoftware titles, Elden Ring is challenging and does not have difficulty settings. However, its open-world nature allows players to leave difficult areas, explore elsewhere to level up and find better gear, and return later. Features like Spirit Ashes (summons) and cooperative multiplayer also help mitigate difficulty.

Does Elden Ring have multiplayer?

Yes, Elden Ring features both cooperative and competitive multiplayer. You can summon other players (or NPCs) to help with bosses and exploration, or you can invade other players' worlds to fight them. The 'Seamless Co-op' mod on PC is also popular, though unofficial.

What are the starting classes?

There are 10 starting classes: Vagabond, Warrior, Hero, Bandit, Astrologer, Prophet, Samurai, Prisoner, Confessor, and Wretch. Your class determines your starting stats and equipment, but you can level up any stat and use any weapon later, allowing for complete build freedom.

How long does it take to beat Elden Ring?

A typical playthrough can take anywhere from 60 to 100+ hours depending on how much you explore. Completionists seeking to find every boss, dungeon, and secret can easily spend over 150 hours in a single playthrough.

What is the 'Shadow of the Erdtree' DLC?

Shadow of the Erdtree is the major expansion for Elden Ring, released in June 2024. It introduces a massive new region called the 'Land of Shadow', new bosses, weapons, and story content centered around Miquella, one of the most mysterious demigods from the base game.

Is Elden Ring truly open world?

Yes, unlike previous Souls games which were interconnected levels, Elden Ring features a vast, seamless open world. Players can ride their spectral steed, Torrent, to traverse large distances, discover hidden dungeons, and approach objectives in almost any order.

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Elden Ring Characters

Full character index for Elden Ring, including roles, relationships, factions, and key story moments.

Character List

Filter the list by faction

Occupation: Deathbed Companion/Death Cultist

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Those Who Live in Death

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: Unknown

Fia, Deathbed Companion

Elden RingDeathbed Companion/Death Cultist

Mysterious woman who offers comfort to champions and seeks to birth the Prince of Death.

Occupation: Deathbed Companion/Death Cultist

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Those Who Live in Death

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: Unknown

Personality

MysteriousMysteriousCaringDarkDevoted

Abilities

Death MagicComfort GivingNecromancyLife Drain

Quote:

Great champion, would you allow me to hold you, but briefly?

character

Fia, Deathbed Companion – Elden Ring character profile

Occupation: First Elden Lord/Returning King

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Tarnished (formerly Golden Order)

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: Unknown

Godfrey, First Elden Lord

Elden RingFirst Elden Lord/Returning King

The first Elden Lord and Marika's consort, exiled and returned as Hoarah Loux to reclaim his throne.

Occupation: First Elden Lord/Returning King

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Tarnished (formerly Golden Order)

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: Unknown

Personality

MysteriousNoblePowerfulHonorableDetermined

Abilities

Immense StrengthAxe MasteryRoyal AuthorityWarrior's Instinct

Quote:

I've given thee courtesy enough. Now I fight as Hoarah Loux! Warrior!

character

Godfrey, First Elden Lord – Elden Ring character profile

Occupation: Empyrean/Undefeated Warrior

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Haligtree

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: Unknown

Malenia, Blade of Miquella

Elden RingEmpyrean/Undefeated Warrior

Undefeated swordswoman and Empyrean cursed with scarlet rot, devoted to her twin brother Miquella.

Occupation: Empyrean/Undefeated Warrior

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Haligtree

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: Unknown

Personality

MysteriousProudDevotedCursedUndefeated

Abilities

Unmatched SwordsmanshipScarlet RotWaterfowl DanceRegeneration

Quote:

I am Malenia. Blade of Miquella. And I have never known defeat.

character

Malenia, Blade of Miquella – Elden Ring character profile

Occupation: Omen King/Guardian

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Golden Order

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: Unknown

Margit the Fell Omen / Morgott

Elden RingOmen King/Guardian

Omen king who guards the path to the Erdtree, cursed with horns but devoted to the Golden Order.

Occupation: Omen King/Guardian

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Golden Order

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: Unknown

Personality

MysteriousDutifulTragicDevotedCursed

Abilities

Omen Curse PowersHoly MagicWeapon ConjurationRoyal Authority

Quote:

Foul Tarnished, in search of the Elden Ring. Emboldened by the flame of ambition.

character

Margit the Fell Omen / Morgott – Elden Ring character profile

Video Coming Soon

Occupation: Maiden/Guide

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Independent

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: Unknown

Melina

Elden RingMaiden/Guide

Mysterious maiden who serves as the Tarnished's guide and grants them the ability to level up.

Occupation: Maiden/Guide

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Independent

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: Unknown

Personality

MysteriousMysteriousDutifulWiseSacrificial

Abilities

Grace ChannelingLevel EnhancementSpectral TravelDivine Knowledge

Quote:

I can play the role of maiden. Turning rune fragments into strength.

character

Melina – Elden Ring character profile

Occupation: Eternal Queen/Goddess

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Golden Order (Creator/Destroyer)

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: Unknown

Queen Marika the Eternal

Elden RingEternal Queen/Goddess

The eterl queen and goddess who shattered the Elden Ring, also revealed to be Radagon.

Occupation: Eternal Queen/Goddess

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Golden Order (Creator/Destroyer)

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: Unknown

Personality

MysteriousDivineComplexTragicPowerful

Abilities

Divine PowerReality ManipulationElden Ring ControlImmortality

Quote:

[Speaks through divine revelation and lore fragments]

character

Queen Marika the Eternal – Elden Ring character profile

Occupation: Divine Champion/Final Boss

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Golden Order

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: Unknown

Radagon of the Golden Order

Elden RingDivine Champion/Final Boss

Champion of the Golden Order and Queen Marika's other half, the fil boss guarding the Elden Ring.

Occupation: Divine Champion/Final Boss

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Golden Order

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: Unknown

Personality

MysteriousDutifulDivineConflictedPowerful

Abilities

Divine HammerGolden MagicReality ManipulationElden Ring Power

Quote:

[Communicates through divine actions and hammer strikes]

character

Radagon of the Golden Order – Elden Ring character profile

Occupation: Demigod General/Shardbearer

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Redmane Army

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: Unknown

Starscourge Radahn

Elden RingDemigod General/Shardbearer

Mighty demigod general who conquered the stars themselves, now driven mad by scarlet rot.

Occupation: Demigod General/Shardbearer

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Redmane Army

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: Unknown

Personality

MysteriousMightyHonorableTragicMad

Abilities

Gravity MagicColossal StrengthStar ControlMilitary Genius

Quote:

[Roars and battle cries - speech lost to madness]

character

Starscourge Radahn – Elden Ring character profile

Occupation: Player Character/Protagonist

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Aspiring Elden Lord

Faction: Independent

Race: Human

Gender: Variable

Age: Unknown

The Tarnished

Elden RingPlayer Character/Protagonist

Exiled warrior who returns to the Lands Between to claim the Elden Ring and become Elden Lord.

Occupation: Player Character/Protagonist

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Aspiring Elden Lord

Faction: Independent

Race: Human

Gender: Variable

Age: Unknown

Personality

MysteriousDeterminedAmbitiousResilientAdaptable

Abilities

Combat MasteryMagic UsageGreat Rune PowerGrace Guidance

Quote:

[Silent protagonist - actions speak louder than words]

ProtagonistTarnishedElden Lord Candidate

The Tarnished – Elden Ring character profile

Occupation: Player Character/Protagonist

Race: Unknown

Gender: Unknown

Age: Unknown

The Tarnished

Elden RingPlayer Character/Protagonist

Exiled warrior who returns to the Lands Between to claim the Elden Ring and become Elden Lord....

Occupation: Player Character/Protagonist

Race: Unknown

Gender: Unknown

Age: Unknown

ProtagonistTarnishedElden Lord Candidate

The Tarnished – Elden Ring character profile

Character Battles

A quick, data-driven snapshot of the strongest characters based on the enjoyip Battle Score framework.

Open Battle Simulator

Top Battle Score Characters

A quick, data-driven snapshot of the strongest characters based on the enjoyip Battle Score framework. Try the Battle Simulator.

3 picks

Battle Score Curve

Descending trend from the highest-ranked character downward

Battle Score Table

Rank	Character	Battle Score	Tier
1	Malenia	9.46	god
2	Radagon	9.44	god
3	Radahn	9.39	god

Battle Score is a composite metric designed for cross-franchise comparisons. It is not a canonical in-universe power level.

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