FromSoftware’s new IP very much stuck to the developer’s traditional strengths; bearing gameplay built from the skeleton of Dark Souls 3, a continuation of stellar boss design, and an engaging world. Where Elden Ring deviated most notably was in its success, selling over 12 million copies only two weeks after release. As of November, that value has increased to 17.5 million and with DLC reportedly on the horizon, it is unlikely to slow down any time soon. The immediate months after release saw Elden Ring dominate the online discourse, with discoveries made every day that players could not help but discuss. Now, the dust has settled, and millions have trekked through the Lands Between achieving things that they previously had not thought themselves capable of doing.
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A Reddit thread started by the aptly named GodefroyTheGrafted told Tarnished that they wanted “to hear your brags!!!” as well as whatever made them feel like the attached image of Hoarah Loux during his second phase transformation. After only a few days, nearly two thousand got involved, and the results are nothing but wholesome.
At the time of writing, the top comment reads “probably the time I didn’t die that one time,” and that is unquestionably a feeling that most, if not all, Tarnished can appreciate. Another detailed the very beginning of their Elden Ring experience, and how choosing the Stonesword Key gift during character creation led to a five-hour battle with an Ulcerated Tree Spirit. In a display of sheer stubbornness, the spirit was felled, prompting an excited scream that woke up their family at 3 am.
Others shared tales of defeating the near-mythologic “pre-nerf Radahn,” who was considered a meteoric nightmare very early after launch, before players met the Blade of Miquella. But even Malenia’s infamous Waterfowl Dance was flawlessly dodged, twice in a row, with no flasks, and a sliver of health. Countless more stories adorn the thread and, from heartwarming successes to impressive accomplishments, it is a beautiful encapsulation of the joy this medium can bring.
Elden Ring is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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