In an achievement befitting the Lands Between, Elden Ring has officially surpassed 28.6 million copies sold worldwide, setting a new benchmark not just for FromSoftware but for the entire gaming industry. This milestone not only cements Elden Ring as one of the most successful games of all time but also means it has outsold the entire Dark Souls series combined—an incredible feat for a single game.
A New Crown Jewel for FromSoftware
Released in February 2022, Elden Ring quickly captured the imagination of players worldwide with its sprawling open world, challenging gameplay, and intricate lore crafted in collaboration with George R.R. Martin. The game’s blend of FromSoftware’s signature difficulty with the freedom of open-world exploration proved irresistible, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The combined sales of the Dark Souls trilogy (including remastered editions) stood at approximately 27 million copies as of early 2022. In less than three years, Elden Ring has eclipsed that figure on its own, demonstrating the unprecedented appeal of this spiritual successor to the Soulsborne formula.
Here’s how Elden Ring has achieved this incredible milestone:
- Massive Global Appeal:
Unlike the Dark Souls series, which had a more niche following in its early days, Elden Ring launched with global hype and mainstream appeal, thanks in part to George R.R. Martin’s involvement. - Critical Acclaim:
Garnering near-universal praise from critics and winning multiple Game of the Year awards, Elden Ring became a must-play title for 2022 and beyond. - Word of Mouth:
From epic boss battles to hilarious co-op antics, players flooded social media with clips and stories, creating a viral sensation that continued long after launch. - Ongoing Support:
FromSoftware has kept the community engaged with patches, balancing updates, and the promise of future DLC, ensuring the game remains relevant years after release.
What Makes Elden Ring Stand Out?
The success of Elden Ring can be attributed to its unique approach to game design. Key features include:
- Open-World Exploration: Players are free to explore a vast, interconnected world filled with secrets, dungeons, and powerful enemies.
- Customizable Playstyles: With dozens of weapons, spells, and builds to choose from, players can tailor their gameplay experience like never before.
- Challenging Yet Rewarding: The game maintains FromSoftware’s reputation for difficulty, but its open-world design allows players to tackle challenges at their own pace.
- Immersive Lore: The collaboration with George R.R. Martin added depth to the world’s backstory, making the Lands Between feel alive and rich with history.