U4GM - How the Elden Ring’s Lore Fits into the Larger Universe of FromSoftware
FromSoftware has carved out a unique place in the world of video game storytelling. Known for titles such as Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Sekiro, the studio has mastered the art of subtle, layered world-building. Their 2022 release, Elden Ring Runes, continues this tradition while also expanding their narrative approach in bold new directions. For players who dive deep into the lore, understanding how Elden Ring connects to FromSoftware’s broader universe is a journey filled with echoes, mysteries, and meaningful patterns.
From the very first steps in the Lands Between, it’s clear that Elden Ring draws heavily from themes established in earlier games: decaying gods, fractured civilizations, and the cyclical nature of power. The lore of Elden Ring focuses on the Golden Order, a divine structure that has started to erode, much like the waning flame in Dark Souls. The player’s goal to become Elden Lord mirrors the recurring theme of individuals stepping into the void left by failed divine figures. To do this, players collect Elden Ring Runes—core to both gameplay progression and the narrative. These runes are not only a currency but also fragments of the power of the Greater Will, representing a tangible connection between character growth and lore.
There’s an unmistakable sense of familiarity for long-time fans of FromSoftware’s work. The game’s atmosphere and storytelling are reminiscent of Dark Souls, while its structure and scale feel influenced by Sekiro and Bloodborne. Yet, Elden Ring stands apart in its ambition, incorporating contributions from fantasy author George R. R. Martin to craft a complex pantheon of gods, demigods, and the legendary Tarnished. This depth gives Elden Ring a mythological tone that feels grander, more fated, and more structured than previous titles, yet retains the studio’s signature style of letting players piece the story together.
As players journey across the vast open world, they interact with and collect a huge variety of Elden Ring Items that tie into the game’s intricate lore. Each weapon, talisman, and piece of armor carries a backstory. Whether it's the Dragon Slayer’s blade, etched with the fury of forgotten wars, or the eerie Deathroot harvested from corrupted lands, these items serve a dual purpose: they assist in gameplay and enrich the narrative. The flavor text found in item descriptions often hints at events from centuries past or illuminates the motivations of long-dead kings and gods. These items are not mere loot—they are lore in physical form.
Moreover, the game’s structure encourages replayability, allowing players to follow different paths and uncover multiple endings. This echoes the legacy of FromSoftware’s previous games, where no two playthroughs are ever the same. Whether aligning with the Greater Will, rejecting it, or seeking a new order altogether, players shape the world through choices—both narrative and strategic. These choices reflect FromSoftware’s ongoing exploration of fate versus free will, a theme deeply woven through their portfolio.
In summary, Elden Ring is not just a spiritual successor to Dark Souls—it is a grand synthesis of all that FromSoftware has built over decades. The game’s use of Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring Items plays a vital role in tying gameplay to story, and its lore continues the tradition of ambiguity, richness, and emotional weight. For fans and newcomers alike, the game stands as a monumental entry in the studio’s legacy—one that both honors its roots and forges a bold new path forward.