Yes, Elden Ring is worth playing in 2026 if you want a huge open world built around exploration and tough, memorable boss fights. The game is finished, fully patched, has one major expansion and now runs on Nintendo Switch 2. It is not for you if you want a story told through cutscenes, a guided quest log or an easy ride.

Below: what the game is, every platform, what it costs, how the DLC works, who should skip it and the mistakes new players make. Prices were checked on official store pages in November 2026.

Official Elden Ring screenshot showing the Lands Between
Elden Ring's open world, the Lands Between, is the main reason to play. Image: FromSoftware / Bandai Namco

What is Elden Ring?

Elden Ring is an action RPG from FromSoftware, the studio behind Dark Souls and Sekiro, published by Bandai Namco. It launched in February 2022 and puts the studio's demanding combat inside a large open world you can explore in almost any order, on foot or riding the spectral steed Torrent.

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You create a Tarnished, pick a starting class and build them with weapons, spells, incantations and Spirit Ashes, which summon AI allies. The story is told mostly through item descriptions and short conversations, so much of the lore is something you piece together yourself.

Where to play Elden Ring in 2026

  • PC (Steam): Windows only; Steam does not list Mac or Linux support.
  • PlayStation 5 and PS4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One: available since launch.
  • Nintendo Switch 2: Elden Ring Tarnished Edition launched on August 28, 2026, after a delay for performance work. It includes the extra content sold separately elsewhere as the Tarnished Pack.

If you own a PS5, Xbox Series X|S or a capable PC, those remain the smoothest ways to play. On consoles, online co-op and PvP require each platform's paid online membership.

How much does Elden Ring cost, and which DLC do you need?

On the official Steam page, the base game lists at $59.99 (checked November 2026). Console prices are similar, and the game is discounted often during store sales.

  • Shadow of the Erdtree ($39.99): the one big expansion, released in June 2024, with a new region, bosses and gear. A Premium Bundle with extra items costs $49.99 on Steam.
  • Tarnished Pack (€4.99 in Europe): a small add-on released on August 28, 2026, with two starting classes (Heavy Knight and Idus Knight), four armor sets and three skins for Torrent. It is optional and already included in the Switch 2 Tarnished Edition.

Start with the base game alone. Shadow of the Erdtree is late-game content: to enter it you must defeat Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood, which most players reach after dozens of hours. Buy it once you know you love the game.

Official Elden Ring screenshot of a boss fight
Boss fights are demanding, but you can summon AI or online help. Image: FromSoftware / Bandai Namco

Who Elden Ring is for, and who should skip it

Play it if you enjoy discovering things on your own, learning enemy patterns and the satisfaction of beating a fight that crushed you an hour earlier. It is also a good first FromSoftware game: the open world lets you leave a hard boss and come back stronger, which the linear Souls games do not.

Skip it, or wait for a sale, if difficulty frustrates more than motivates you, if you need clear objectives, or if you only have short play sessions. There are no difficulty settings, and a full run of the base game typically takes well over 50 hours.

Looking for the co-op roguelite? That is Elden Ring Nightreign, a separate standalone game, not an update to this one.

Elden Ring PC requirements

  • Minimum: Windows 10 64-bit, Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 3 3300X, 12 GB RAM, GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB or Radeon RX 580 4 GB, 60 GB of storage.
  • Recommended: Windows 10/11 64-bit, Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X, 16 GB RAM, GeForce GTX 1070 8 GB or Radeon RX Vega 56 8 GB, 60 GB of storage.

Not sure where your PC lands? Our guide on how to know if your PC can run a game walks you through it.

Official Elden Ring screenshot of a character exploring on horseback
Torrent, the spectral steed, makes crossing the map fast. Image: FromSoftware / Bandai Namco

Common beginner mistakes

  • Forcing a boss you are not ready for. If you are stuck, explore elsewhere, level up and come back.
  • Ignoring Spirit Ashes. Summoned allies draw enemy attention and are a legitimate way to play.
  • Spreading upgrades too thin. Focus your smithing materials on one main weapon early on.
  • Skipping Vigor. More health forgives more mistakes, whatever your build.

FAQ

Is Elden Ring good for beginners?

It is the most approachable FromSoftware game thanks to free exploration and summons, but it is still hard. Expect to die often at first.

Do I need the Tarnished Pack?

No. It adds classes and cosmetics, not story or areas. Shadow of the Erdtree is the only expansion with new content to explore.

What should I play after Elden Ring?

See our list of the best soulslike games for the next challenge.

Official Elden Ring screenshot of a large enemy in the open world
Elden Ring has a 94 Metascore on PC, as listed on Steam. Image: FromSoftware / Bandai Namco