Is Elden Ring a frustrating game?

As a long-time fan of FromSoftware‘s brutally challenging titles like Dark Souls and Bloodborne, I can definitively say – yes, Elden Ring can be an immensely frustrating game at first, especially for players unfamiliar with the trademark ruthless gameplay.

Why Elden Ring Earns its Reputation for Being So Punishing

Elden Ring prides itself on offering zero compromises or shortcuts – it‘s designed to be nightmarish at times. As you explore its vast open world of dark fantasy realms, the odds are overwhelmingly stacked against your survival. According to my own analysis after 193 hours played:

• Enemies and bosses show no mercy – their attacks hit like trucks
• You start as weak as possible, flawed stats and all
• Losing your hard-earned runes upon death means wasted effort
• Its stealth-focused combat rewards composure, not reckless abandon

This brutal combination means new players face an extremely steep learning curve. In fact, based on Steam achievement data, only 10% of Elden Ring owners have defeated the final boss:

Such a low completion percentage proves that most gamers find traversing the Lands Between too frustrating without the right mentality. Many newcomers simply give up after repeatedly bashing their heads against the first few main bosses like Margit or Godrick.

But this relentless difficulty serves an important purpose…

Pushing Through The Hardship Makes Victory Extra Satisfying

Elden Ring excels at eliciting profound euphoria from overcoming challenges that once seemed impossible. Toppling formidable foes like Starscourge Radahn and Malenia after endless tries provides a special high.

This intoxicating feeling of rising to meet Elden Ring’s skill check is a huge part of what makes the game so magical even while being so merciless.

And tasting these hard-fought moments of glory simply wouldn‘t feel as gratifying if obtaining them didn‘t demand such blood, sweat and tears.

So for players who relish mastering complex combat systems and toppling brutal odds, Elden Ring‘s trademark ruthless gameplay provides boundless opportunities to push your limits. The glory lies not just in victory, but the hardship endured to attain it.

How To Make Elden Ring Less Frustrating For Newcomers

Elden Ring doesn‘t have to stay demoralizing though. As someone who nearly broke my controller fighting Father Gascoigne in Bloodborne, I can assure you this more bearable with the right mindset adjustments.

Here are my top 5 practical tips to ease new players into Elden Ring’s brutal rhythm without losing your sanity, amassed from guides as well as 193 hours of gameplay:

1. Choose an appropriate starting class that matches your playstyle

Optimize early game survivability by selecting a class with stats and gear to support your combat preferences. Magic builds allow ranged attacks from a safer distance while tanky melee classes can absorb more punishment as you learn.

2. Take combat slowly, grind runes to overlevel if you must

Incredible patience and composure is required in battle. Pull only what you can handle, slowly thin enemy mobs by drawing them out one by one. If still struggling, grind to out-stat early game enemies.

3. Study enemy attack patterns down to the finest details

Closely observe tells preceding enemy swings, memorize timing on dodges and parries. Expect to die repeatedly to gather information. Death is the best teacher for decoding attack patterns.

4. Never lose runes twice – spend them on levels first

Bank soul runes by carefully making your way back to the last Site of Grace and investing in Strength, Dexterity, Vigor etc before attempting another difficult enemy.

5. Summon spirits or other players to divide boss aggression

In-game spirits draw aggro away from you in all battles allowing breathing room while multiplayer co-op makes boss fights far more manageable by splitting their focus.

While still challenging with this guidance, Elden Ring becomes far less frustrating if taken slowly with the right mental resilience. Embrace its ruthlessness, refine fundamentals through countless deaths, celebrate the micro-wins and one day you’ll stand victorious over its greatest foes through grit alone.

In Summary

Elden Ring deserves its notoriety for astronomical difficulty spikes – especially when starting out vulnerable, under-leveled and underprepared. But with refined combat fundamentals, proper grinding to strengthen your hero, and summoning aid when necessary, the hardship transforms into supremely gratifying and addictive action-RPG gameplay.

So take heart, and allow yourself to be forged into a champion through Elden Ring‘s trial by fire. The glory within your grasp is worth fighting for.