New Features and Gameplay Mechanics

This guide explains all the new features found in Elden Ring. Learn everything you need to know about new features including day and night cycles, dynamic weather, mounted combat, weapon arts, summoning spirit familiars, and more!

New Features in Elden Ring

All New Features

Day and night cycles added Dynamic weather that affects gameplay Stealth has been added to the game Summon Spirit Ashes to assist in battle Weapon skills can now be replaced Able to ride and attack from a mount New jump mechanics and reduced fall damage Open world to explore Guard Counter mechanic added The ability to craft items from materials

Day and Night Cycles

Unlike past FromSoftware titles, Elden Ring will feature day and night cycles which will affect gameplay. At night, visibility will be reduced for both the player and enemies. Additionally, certain enemies will only appear at night, meaning that their drops may be time-sensitive as well.

Dynamic Weather

Dynamic weather is another new feature in Elden Ring that will play a role in affecting gameplay. Heavy wind or rain will make it more difficult for enemies to hear you approaching, but the opposite is also true, so watch your back!

It is currently unclear whether or not weather conditions will affect elemental attacks, however in previous games the damage output of elemental attacks could be increased under certain circumstances. For example using a molotov cocktail on an oil soaked enemy in Bloodborne, or taking reduced fire damage while covered in water in Dark Souls II.

Stealth

Similar to Sekiro, stealth makes a return in Elden Ring and is enhanced by the day and night cycle and dynamic weather features. This may help to strike a balance with stealth being more effective at night in poor weather, but less effective in broad daylight.

Summoning Familiars

In addition to summoning other players, Elden Ring features a unique type of summoning where you can call on a familiar spirit to aid you in battle. It has been confirmed by Miyazaki that these spirits will be a type of collectible found throughout the world and they can be upgraded similar to weapons.

Multiplayer Co-op Guide

Interchangeable Weapon Arts

Similar to weapon arts from Dark Souls III, there will be Ashes of War present in Elden Ring. However, this time around they can be switched between weapons. Each weapon can have only one Ashes of War skill equipped at time, and there are nearly 100 of them present in the game to collect according to Miyazaki.

All Ashes of War Skills

Mounted Combat

This new mechanic was also featured prominently in the gameplay reveal trailer, showing the Tarnished cutting down an enemy on horseback. Another brief moment in the trailer shows the player character leap off their mount to attack a crowd of enemies.

This mechanic may add a new dimension to combat, but there will likely be restrictions on when you can and cannot summon your mount, considering it would allow you to flee from most battles otherwise. Also note that players will not be able to ride their mount in co-op multiplayer.

Jump Mechanics

Jump While on Foot

In Elden Ring your main character can jump when they are on foot, similar to Sekiro. This will be useful for both dodging low sweeping attacks and adding more verticality to exploration. In Miyazaki's interview with Famitsu, Miyazaki stated that fall damage has been reduced in Elden Ring to encourage exploration and avoid putting stress on the player.

Mounted Double Jump

Perhaps even more impressive is that your mount can double jump, which will surely be necessary to reach some out of the way locations. Your mount can also perform a special high jump from boost pad-like wind updrafts.

Open World

While FromSoftware's older games have areas that are all linked, Elden Ring has a more open world that players can roam and explore. This gives players creativity with how they approach combat and finish quests.

Guard Counter

Guard Counter lets you counter-attack immediately after blocking a hit. This is a new technique introduced in the game and is different from parrying. With this new feature, players can be more dynamic with their play style.

Item Crafting

Item crafting is a new feature to Souls games that will be present in Elden Ring. There will be a wide variety of animals in The Lands Between for each player to hunt for their material. Collecting this material will allow players to craft useful items in-game such as potions and arrows.

Returning Features in Elden Ring

PvP, Co-Op, and Invasions

Elden Ring is bringing back Co-Op and is supported for up to 4 players. You may also summon players to challenge directly in a competitive PvP setting while using the item Bloody Finger allows players to invade another player's world.

Multiplayer Guide: How Co-Op, Invasions, and PVP Works

Site of Grace

Sites of Grace are points on the map where your character can heal, pass the time, or memorize spells. They are similar to the bonfires in past Souls games that are rest points for players.

How to Use Sites of Grace Guide

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