There have been many different takes on the fantasy RPG across gaming. These have ranged from the high fantasy JRPGs of old to the gritty open worlds of The Witcher and similar titles. However, Japanese and Western developers occasionally take a crack at the same genre. One example would be the Elder Scrolls franchise and Fromsoft’s Elden Ring; both give entries in the open-world genre.
As two of the biggest fantasy RPGs on the market, there are many comparisons to be made between these two games. Conversely, there are also many ways these two versions of the same setup contrast their unique setups. Here is a breakdown of how the Elder Scrolls series and Elden Ring compare.
Elder Scrolls’ Open Worlds
First and foremost, both games are primarily “open-world” titles. This means they do not set players on a single, straight path but instead drop them into the middle of a massive world they can explore at their discretion. Games like Skyrim gave players the grim up north, while Elden Ring was a ruined kingdom beneath vast icons of divine power such as the Erdtree.
In general, many design elements parallel each other in both games. Both feature recurring “genres” of dungeons, such as catacombs, dwarven ruins, and hidden shrines. Furthermore, both feature a massive underground cave that players explore during crucial moments of the main story. Similarly, both games have long questlines beyond the critical path that weave across one another.
Segmented Gameplay
However, what separates Elden Ring’s open world from that of an Elder Scrolls game is how segmented it is. From the moment players set foot on Tamriel, they are largely free to explore most of the map at leisure. While liberating, it can be unfulfilling. With Elden Ring, players must earn access to each area by opening up paths, finding alternate routes, or even uncovering secret entrances. Because of this, entering a new area is vastly more satisfying.
Their Diverse Playstyles
In addition to The Elder Scrolls’ open-ended paths, Bethesda gives players just as many ways to build their character. Along with nine races with unique stats, players have dozens of different perks to unlock from skill trees, many of which can make or break their builds. Furthermore, players can tune their builds finely with enchantments, crafting, and other sorceries. Given the more “social” nature of Elder Scrolls, players could also build a reputation and status as participants in local politics.
As difficult as Elden Ring and other Soulslike titles are, they give players just as many tools to dispatch foes. While the game offers players a handful of pre-set classes, they have a similarly infinite array of combined abilities. Of course, given Elden Ring’s unsurprisingly steep difficulty, players are put under far more pressure to master their skills and find a proper build to advance. As for magic, both give players a nearly limitless spellbook.
Elden Ring’s Lore
Finally, both games get attention for their massive lore. Any good fantasy series has to have at least one coffee table book full of backstory and world-building. The two series have many story elements in common. These include a creation myth shrouded in conflicting opinions, varying religions vying for control, an age ruled by dragons, and divinely ordained bloodlines ruling over the land. The biggest would be that both worlds are ruled over by a group of amoral, mysterious deities: the Daedric Princes for The Elder Scrolls and the Outer Gods for the Elden Ring. However, whereas the Daedra are more grounded in their role, the Outer Gods rely more on cosmic horror and exist on an even larger scale.
Furthermore, in keeping with the Soulslike tradition, Elden Ring remains far more obtuse with its lore. Players must fill in the blanks with item descriptions, environmental storytelling, and NPC monologues, as the Lands Between is a desolate wasteland. The Elder Scrolls takes a more traditional route in a civilized land filled with libraries and learned scholars. Overall, it would be wrong to say one game’s take is ubiquitously better than the other, as both have their audiences, strengths, and weaknesses. For those seeking a brutal challenge, take Elden Ring. Take the likes of Skyrim and Oblivion for those who want to experience rising to power in a fantasy world.
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