In a testament to its monumental success, Elden Ring has officially sold over 28.6 million copies worldwide as of September 2024, surpassing the combined sales of all other games in FromSoftware’s iconic “Soulsborne” series. This press release, which FromSoftware put out on December 13, highlights this remarkable milestone, which cements Elden Ring as not only the pinnacle of the genre but also one of the most influential titles in gaming history.
A New Standard in the Genre
Elden Ring‘s launch in February 2022 marked a bold expansion of the “Souls” formula. By merging FromSoftware’s signature dark fantasy elements and challenging gameplay with a sprawling open-world design, the game captivated audiences globally. Its collaboration with author George R.R. Martin for the game’s lore further elevated its profile, drawing in fans who might have otherwise never experienced a Souls-like game.
The overwhelming success of Elden Ring is evident when compared to the cumulative sales of its predecessors. As of May 2020, the Dark Souls series (including Dark Souls, Dark Souls II, and Dark Souls III) had sold over 27 million copies globally. Among these, Dark Souls III was the standout, selling over 10 million copies. Other titles in FromSoftware’s portfolio, such as Bloodborne (2 million copies as of 2015) and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (5 million copies as of 2020), have also contributed to the studio’s growing legacy.
Despite the collective success of these titles, Elden Ring alone has surpassed their combined total.
Why Elden Ring Stands Out
Several factors contribute to Elden Ring‘s unparalleled success:
- Open-World Freedom: Unlike its predecessors, Elden Ring features an expansive open-world environment that encourages exploration and experimentation, making it more accessible to new players while retaining the challenge fans expect.
- Mainstream Buzz: The game’s collaboration with George R.R. Martin generated unprecedented pre-launch hype, bridging the gap between traditional gamers and broader fantasy audiences.
- Critical Acclaim: Elden Ring won multiple “Game of the Year” awards, including at The Game Awards 2022, solidifying its place as a modern masterpiece.
- Post-Launch Support: The release of expansions like Shadow of the Erdtree and consistent community engagement have kept the game relevant, drawing in new players long after its initial release.
Looking Ahead
With the recent announcement of Elden Ring: Nightreign, a spin-off focused on cooperative survival gameplay, FromSoftware is poised to expand the franchise further. The enduring appeal of the Elden Ring universe suggests that it will remain a cornerstone of gaming culture for years to come.
As Elden Ring surpasses the combined sales of all previous Souls games, it not only highlights the evolution of FromSoftware’s design philosophy but also signals the appetite for challenging gaming experiences.