Elden Ring is one of the most anticipated and groundbreaking video games of the last decade. Developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, Elden Ring is an action role-playing game (RPG) that combines intricate storytelling, challenging gameplay, and an expansive open world. With the involvement of Hidetaka Miyazaki, the creator of Dark Souls, and George R.R. Martin, the acclaimed author of A Song of Ice and Fire, Elden Ring has captured the attention of gamers worldwide.
In this article, we will explore the history and plot of Elden Ring, dive into the lore of its world, introduce some of the game’s most iconic characters, including Ranni the Witch, discuss its fandom, and take a look at the stunning life-sized figures that bring the Elden Ring universe to life.
The Story of Elden Ring: A World in Ruin
Elden Ring is set in a fictional world known as the Lands Between, a mysterious and once-prosperous land now shattered by the destruction of the Elden Ring. The game’s story revolves around the quest to restore the Elden Ring and reclaim the title of Elden Lord.
The narrative begins with the shattering of the Elden Ring, an event that leads to chaos and the fall of the Golden Order. The once-divine figure of the Erdtree now lies broken, its influence diminished, and the world has descended into disarray, with various factions vying for control. As the protagonist, known as the Tarnished, players are tasked with exploring this ruined world, uncovering its secrets, battling terrifying foes, and seeking out powerful entities that guard the Elden Ring’s pieces.
Throughout the journey, the protagonist is guided by the Grace, a mysterious force that pulls the Tarnished toward key locations, where they must confront fierce enemies and unravel the complex history of the Elden Ring. The game’s overarching theme is about the cyclical nature of power, betrayal, and reconstruction, all set in a world where the lines between gods, mortals, and otherworldly beings are blurred.
The Lore of Elden Ring: Gods, Demigods, and the Curse of the Elden Ring
The world of Elden Ring is rich in lore and mythology, heavily influenced by a variety of sources, including medieval fantasy and the works of George R.R. Martin. The Elden Ring itself is a powerful artifact created by the Greater Will, a divine force that governs the world. However, the shattering of the Elden Ring leads to the scattering of its pieces, each of which is guarded by powerful beings.
The Golden Order and the Erdree
At the heart of the Elden Ring lore is the Golden Order, a divine and structured system that once governed the Lands Between, where the Erdtree, a gigantic tree said to be the source of all life and power, stood as a symbol of the Order’s dominance. The fall of the Elden Ring causes the disintegration of this order, leading to the rise of chaos in the world.
The Great Ones and the Shattering
The gods and demigods play crucial roles in the game’s story. Key factions and deities fight for control over the shattered pieces of the Elden Ring. These factions, such as the Moonlight Tribe, the Blood Omen, and the Gods of Flame, each have their own agendas, contributing to the rich political and religious landscape of the game.
All Official Elden Ring Releases
Although Elden Ring is a single title, its impact has been significant enough to warrant multiple versions and additional content releases that have expanded and enriched the original experience. Here are the official releases that every Elden Ring fan should know about:
Elden Ring (2022)
Released in February 2022, Elden Ring marked a turning point in open-world game design. Developed by FromSoftware and directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, with narrative contributions from Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin, the game introduced players to the vast and haunting world of the Lands Between. With dozens of dungeons, brutal bosses, and near-limitless build possibilities, the game quickly gained a reputation for its depth and difficulty — all while selling over 20 million copies worldwide in its first year.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (2024)
Announced as a major DLC expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree is the first and only official expansion to the game. Set to explore previously unseen regions of the Lands Between, this expansion introduces new enemies, weapons, and lore. FromSoftware has promised a new chapter that deepens the mythology surrounding Queen Marika, Miquella, and the Erdtree itself. With expectations running high, fans are eager to return to this brutal and beautiful universe.
Elden Ring: Collector’s Editions and Next-Gen Patches
Over time, Elden Ring has also seen several special editions, including the Collector’s Edition, which came with a statue of Malenia and a hardcover artbook, and the Deluxe Edition, which includes the digital soundtrack and artbook. Additionally, free next-gen patches have enhanced visual fidelity, framerate stability, and loading times — especially on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
Iconic Characters in Elden Ring
Elden Ring is filled with a complex and diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations, struggles, and goals. From demigods and powerful rulers to mysterious figures working in the shadows, the characters in Elden Ring play pivotal roles in shaping the world and driving the narrative forward. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key characters whose actions and decisions shape the course of the game:
Silicon Doll Of Ranni the Witch
Ranni the Witch: the enigmatic figure of Elden Ring
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One of the most central and enigmatic figures in Elden Ring, Ranni the Witch (also known as the Moon Princess) is a demigod and a pivotal character. She is the daughter of Radagon and Queen Marika, and her actions are crucial to the unfolding events of the game. Ranni seeks to defy the gods and take control of the Elden Ring in order to reshape the world according to her vision. Throughout the game, Ranni offers the protagonist, the Tarnished, the chance to join her in her quest to change the fate of the Lands Between. Her role is complex, as she is both an ally and an antagonist depending on the player’s choices, and her backstory is steeped in ambition, tragedy, and rebellion.
Godrick the Grafted
Godrick the Grafted is a major antagonist in Elden Ring and one of the Shardbearers, the demigods who control pieces of the Elden Ring. He is the ruler of the Stormveil Castle and is infamous for grafting the limbs and body parts of other beings onto his own body, making him a grotesque and terrifying figure. His arrogance and ruthless desire to increase his power lead him to seek the Elden Ring’s power, hoping to solidify his position. Godrick’s tragic descent into madness highlights the theme of ambition and the consequences of power in the game.
Malenia, Blade of Miquella
Malenia, also known as the Blade of Miquella, is one of the most iconic and feared characters in Elden Ring. She is a demigod and the twin sister of Miquella, a powerful and enigmatic figure in the game’s lore. Malenia is infamous for her deadly combat prowess and the curse she bears, which gives her both incredible strength and an unyielding desire to protect her brother. Despite her affliction, Malenia becomes a symbol of resilience and is regarded as one of the hardest bosses in the game. Her tragic tale is one of sacrifice, duty, and familial love, as she fights not only for power but to protect the future of her family.
Radahn, the Starscourge
Radahn, also known as the Starscourge, is a demigod and one of the key figures in the Elden Ring universe. Once a mighty and invincible warrior, Radahn was renowned for his immense power and his control over gravitational forces, allowing him to manipulate the stars. However, Radahn’s story is marked by tragedy, as he is eventually consumed by a curse that leaves him a shell of his former self. His descent into madness and his eventual battle against the stars themselves serve as a poignant reflection of the game’s exploration of loss and the fall from grace. Radahn is a pivotal character whose actions and fate shape much of the game’s lore and story.
Queen Marika the Eternal
Queen Marika the Eternal is a central figure in the mythology of Elden Ring. She is the ruler of the Lands Between and the mother of several demigod children, including Ranni and Radahn. Marika plays a key role in the creation and eventual shattering of the Elden Ring, and her actions have far-reaching consequences for the fate of the world. Marika is a complex character who is both revered and feared, and her mysterious ties to the Elden Ring and the gods raise many questions that players must uncover throughout the game. Her story intertwines with the fate of the Tarnished, and the truth behind her actions is one of the central mysteries of the narrative.
The Elden Beast
The Elden Beast is the final boss in Elden Ring and represents the cosmic forces that govern the world. As the embodiment of the Greater Will, the Elden Beast is tied to the fundamental power of the Elden Ring itself. This otherworldly and awe-inspiring entity is one of the most symbolic figures in the game, embodying the themes of creation, destruction, and the celestial forces that shape the universe. The Elden Beast’s role as a cosmic being serves as a reminder of the larger, often unknowable forces at work in the game’s world, and its defeat marks the final step in the player’s journey to restore or reshape the Elden Ring.
Shabriri and the Three Fingers
Shabriri is a mysterious character in Elden Ring who plays a key role in the game’s lore. Often associated with the Three Fingers, Shabriri is a figure tied to Chaos and the darker, more destructive aspects of the world. Shabriri represents a path in the game that leads players into the chaos and darkness of the Elden Ring’s fractured world. As one of the antagonistic forces, Shabriri serves as a counterpoint to the more noble paths, encouraging the Tarnished to embrace the unknown and embrace destruction rather than creation. Shabriri’s role is essential in guiding players who choose a more sinister route, offering insight into the forces that drive the darker side of the game’s narrative.
Fandom and Cultural Impact of Elden Ring
The release of Elden Ring has generated a massive and passionate fanbase. The game’s blend of open-world exploration, deep lore, and challenging gameplay has made it a favorite among gamers, particularly those who have enjoyed FromSoftware’s previous titles like Dark Souls and Bloodborne. The game’s lore, world-building, and intricate storytelling have inspired a wealth of fan theories, artwork, and discussions, making Elden Ring a cultural phenomenon.
The game’s online community is vibrant and constantly engaged, with players sharing tips, strategies, and fan-created content. The fandom has embraced Elden Ring for its sense of discovery, its atmospheric world, and its ability to challenge players to think critically about the story and the world around them. Additionally, Elden Ring has received widespread critical acclaim for its innovation and storytelling, with many considering it one of the best RPGs of all time.
Life-Sized Figures: Celebrating Elden Ring’s Iconic Characters
For fans who want to bring the world of Elden Ring into their homes, life-sized figures of iconic characters are the perfect way to do so. These highly detailed statues capture the essence of characters like Ranni the Witch, Radahn, and Malenia, allowing fans to celebrate their favorite characters in stunning detail.
Companies such as First 4 Figures and Prime 1 Studio have released limited-edition statues of Elden Ring characters, each meticulously crafted to capture the characters’ likeness and essence. These figures make great centerpieces for any gaming collection, offering fans a way to celebrate the stunning art and world of Elden Ring.
Elden Ring’s Legacy
Elden Ring is a game that has left a profound impact on the gaming world. With its epic world-building, captivating lore, and challenging gameplay, it has earned a place among the greatest RPGs ever made. The game’s deep story, combined with characters like Ranni the Witch, Radahn, and Malenia, creates a rich narrative experience that will continue to resonate with players for years to come.
For collectors and fans, the availability of life-sized figures allows players to bring a piece of Elden Ring into their homes, celebrating the game’s unforgettable characters and world. Whether you’re exploring the world of Elden Ring or displaying your favorite character statues, this game offers a truly unique experience that has redefined what a modern RPG can be.
