Explore New Worlds Beyond Elden Ring
Elden Ring is a colossal and intricate title, channeling FromSoftware’s foundational elements of challenge and exploration into the vast Lands Between. After spending over 100 hours traversing this realm and delving into its expansion Shadow of the Erdtree, you might find yourself yearning for a different experience—or perhaps a shift to a multiplayer twist like Nightreign.
Looking for Your Next Adventure? We’re Here to Assist!
To help guide your next gaming journey, we’ve categorized 17 games into nine distinct themes. Within each category, we suggest one title that resonates with the essence of Elden Ring and another that diverges completely. Each suggested pairing shares a thematic connection to help you choose a new game that aligns with your interests.
While nothing truly replicates the distinctive Elden Ring experience—except jumping into Bloodborne, the Dark Souls series, or Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice—our curated list allows you to either chase a similar thrill or take it down a notch with a contrasting genre.
Group 1: Transition from Elden Ring’s Challenge
- Similar Game: Tunic
Tunic encapsulates the same sense of freedom, depth, and mystery found in Elden Ring. As a little fox, you’ll navigate a beautiful world filled with puzzles and challenges. While it can be frustratingly challenging and often leaves you guessing its mechanics, its vibrant visuals and unique charm make it an excellent medium for keeping your skills sharp while introducing a change in atmosphere.
- Dissimilar Game: Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Contrasting sharply with Elden Ring, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a delightful, straightforward experience. It features bright colors, whimsical characters, and a linear storyline. While you can explore off the main path, it’s more about brief diversions and easy puzzles, making it perfect for a relaxing post-Elden Ring palette cleanser.
Group 2: Romantic Adventures
- Similar Game: Dragon’s Dogma Dark Arisen
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen shares the familiar difficulty and medieval backdrop seen in Elden Ring. However, players can also engage in relationships with NPCs—adding an intriguing social layer to the gameplay. If you’ve ever wished to combine epic monster hunts with genuine companionship, this title strikes that balance beautifully.
- Dissimilar Game: Dream Daddy
Dream Daddy takes a stark departure from the challenges of Elden Ring. Here, you step into the shoes of a single father on a quest to build relationships with other dads. This game is humorous, charming, and distinctly light-hearted—perfect for a change of pace.
Group 3: Exploration Focused
- Similar Game: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
While Skyrim has a different mechanics foundation than Elden Ring, it offers that same thrill of exploration. Both games entice players to wander off the beaten path only to discover hidden dungeons, towns, or formidable adversaries. As you navigate Bethesda’s icy landscape, the spontaneous adventures keep you engaged in the exploration.
- Dissimilar Game: The Witness
If you’re leaning towards a different type of adventure, The Witness is an expansive puzzle game inviting you to explore its stunning, combat-free world. With its intricate mazes and mystery at every turn, it offers a refreshing change while still being mentally stimulating.
Group 4: Encountering Death in 2D Realms
- Similar Game: Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is a standout metroidvania that shares a kinship with FromSoftware’s works. Its punishing gameplay and enigmatic systems echo the challenges of Elden Ring, all set against a beautifully crafted world filled with light horror elements. This title offers a more manageable yet still intense challenge, perfect for a short but thrilling adventure.
- Dissimilar Game: Spiritfarer
Spiritfarer addresses the theme of death but does so in a warm and uplifting manner. You help guide souls to their final resting places, building connections and fostering comfort rather than experiencing struggle. If you seek a gentler exploration of mortality mixed with exploration, Spiritfarer will provide a refreshing alternative.
Group 5: (Almost) Relaxing Experiences
- Similar Game: Death’s Door
In Death’s Door, you play as a crow tasked with reaping souls. This game mixes its punishing combat with a laid-back exploration vibe, balancing challenging bosses with a relaxing world. If you enjoyed the adrenaline rush of Elden Ring but want a more leisurely pace overall, this is a perfect fit.
- Dissimilar Game: PowerWash Simulator
PowerWash Simulator is as easy-going as it gets—a game centered around washing grime off of various surfaces. While it doesn’t relate to Elden Ring in gameplay or theme,
