Introduction
Elden Ring is the best-reviewed game of this decade. FromSoftware's open-world action-RPG earned a 96 on Metacritic at launch in February 2022, sold 25 million copies across all platforms by 2024, and its Shadow of the Erdtree DLC (June 2024) became the highest-rated expansion in Steam history at launch. If you're coming to it for the first time in 2026 — or returning for the DLC — this guide covers everything you need to get it running well on PC, understand the settings that matter, and survive the first hours in the Lands Between.
System Requirements
Elden Ring's PC port is playable but not perfectly optimized — it targets 60fps, not 144fps, and CPU bottlenecks appear in dense areas. The minimum spec will get you 30fps; for a smooth 60fps experience you want the recommended or higher.
| Tier | CPU | GPU | RAM | VRAM | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum (30 fps, 1080p Low) | Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 3 3300X | NVIDIA GTX 1060 3GB / AMD RX 580 4GB | 12 GB | 3 GB | 60 GB HDD |
| Recommended (60 fps, 1080p Medium) | Intel Core i7-8700K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X | NVIDIA GTX 1070 8GB / AMD RX 5700 | 16 GB | 8 GB | 60 GB SSD |
| High (60+ fps, 1440p High) | Intel Core i5-12600K / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X | NVIDIA RTX 3070 / AMD RX 6700 XT | 16 GB | 8 GB | 60 GB SSD |
| Ultra (120 fps, 4K) | Intel Core i7-13700K / AMD Ryzen 9 7900X | NVIDIA RTX 4080 / AMD RX 7900 XTX | 32 GB | 16 GB | 60 GB NVMe |
SSD note: Elden Ring on an HDD causes visible texture pop-in in the open world and longer load times between grace sites. SSD is strongly recommended, not optional.
Shadow of the Erdtree DLC: The DLC adds ~40 hours of content with no additional system requirement changes, but the Shadowlands zone is GPU-heavier than the base game's equivalent areas. If you were borderline on the base game, expect slightly lower fps in the DLC.
Where to Buy and Download
Steam is the only legitimate PC platform for Elden Ring. There is no Epic Games Store version, no Xbox Game Pass version, and no free-to-play option. The game costs $59.99 (base) or $89.99 (Deluxe with DLC).
- Elden Ring + Shadow of the Erdtree bundle is the best purchase in 2026 if you haven't played — both in one transaction at around $89.99.
- Base game only: $59.99. The DLC can be purchased separately for $39.99 later.
- Regional pricing varies significantly — Steam's regional pricing often makes it considerably cheaper in Turkey, India, Brazil, and similar markets.
Watch out for grey-market key sellers offering Elden Ring at 50–80% off. While not all are scams, stolen Steam keys can have their games removed from your account without refund.
Initial Setup After Installing
1. Launch in DirectX 12 mode
Elden Ring defaults to DirectX 12 on modern hardware. This is correct. If you experience crashes on launch, you can force DirectX 11 via Steam launch options: right-click Elden Ring in your library → Properties → Launch Options → type -dx11.
2. Install Visual C++ Redistributables
If you get a vcruntime140.dll or msvcp140.dll error, download and install the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables (both x64 and x86 versions) from Microsoft's official site.
3. Verify game files if crashing
Steam → right-click Elden Ring → Properties → Local Files → Verify integrity of game files. This fixes most corrupted-install launch failures.
4. Disable Easy Anti-Cheat conflicts
Elden Ring uses Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC). Some antivirus software flags EAC incorrectly. If the game fails to launch, add Elden Ring's entire installation folder to your antivirus exclusion list.
Graphics Settings Guide
Elden Ring's settings menu is minimal compared to most modern PC games — FromSoftware historically has prioritized console parity over deep PC graphics options. Here's what each setting does and what to change first.
Settings That Matter Most
| Setting | What It Controls | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Ray Tracing | Ambient occlusion via RT | OFF — costs 15–30% GPU for marginal visual gain; Elden Ring's base ambient occlusion is already good |
| Shadow Quality | Distance and resolution of shadows | Medium or High — biggest single FPS lever; Ultra costs disproportionately |
| Texture Quality | Texture resolution | Match to your VRAM; High for 8GB+ |
| Anti-Aliasing | Edge smoothing method | TAA (default) is the sharpest option available |
| SSAO | Screen-space ambient occlusion | Medium — Low makes the game look flat |
| Depth of Field | Blur effect in cutscenes/menus | Personal preference; Off is cleaner during gameplay |
| Motion Blur | Frame motion smear | Off for competitive play; On is stylistically intentional in Elden Ring |
| Volumetric Quality | Fog, dust, light shafts | Medium — High is expensive in foggy zones |
Ray Tracing note: Unlike Cyberpunk 2077 or Alan Wake 2, Elden Ring's ray tracing implementation in the 2024 Shadow of the Erdtree patch is ambient occlusion only — not global illumination or reflections. The visual improvement is subtle; the performance cost is not. Turn it off unless you have an RTX 4080 or better and are targeting 60fps rather than maximum fps.
Performance Targets by GPU
| GPU | Target | Suggested Settings |
|---|---|---|
| GTX 1060 / RX 580 | 30–45 fps, 1080p | Shadow Low, Texture Medium, AA Low, RT Off |
| GTX 1070 / RX 5700 | 55–65 fps, 1080p | Shadow Medium, Texture High, AA TAA, RT Off |
| RTX 3070 / RX 6700 XT | 70–90 fps, 1440p | Shadow High, Texture High, AA TAA, RT Off |
| RTX 3080 / RX 6800 XT | 80–100 fps, 1440p | Shadow Ultra, Texture High, AA TAA, RT Off |
| RTX 4070 / RX 7800 XT | 100–130 fps, 1440p | Max settings except RT, or 4K High |
| RTX 4080 / RX 7900 XTX | 60+ fps, 4K | Max settings, RT On |
The 60fps Hard Lock Issue
Elden Ring shipped with a 60fps cap. A community patch called Elden Ring FPS Unlocker and more (available on Nexus Mods, widely used and considered safe) removes this cap and enables up to 165fps gameplay. It also patches the physics engine, which ties some game behaviors to frame rate. Using this patch at 144fps is standard for PC players; going above 165fps can introduce physics glitches.
If you want to play vanilla without mods, you're capped at 60fps. This is normal — not a bug.
Performance Fixes for Common Problems
Stuttering and frame drops
Elden Ring has a known stuttering issue on some systems, particularly during open-world traversal and when enemies spawn. Causes and fixes:
- Shader compilation stutter on first play: Normal. This diminishes significantly after a few hours as shaders compile and cache.
- DX12 frame time spikes: Try adding
-dx11to launch options. Many players report smoother frame times under DX11 despite a slightly lower average fps. - Background app interference: Close Discord overlay, GeForce Experience overlay, and RGB control software before playing. These have caused proven performance impacts.
- NVIDIA DLSS upscaling: Elden Ring doesn't natively support DLSS. The FPS Unlocker mod adds DLSS 2 support. Without it, you're running native resolution + TAA.
- High CPU usage with low GPU usage: Elden Ring is CPU-sensitive in crowded areas. If your CPU usage is 90%+ and GPU is 50%, you're CPU-bottlenecked. Reduce Texture Quality (reduces CPU streaming work) and close background tasks.
Multiplayer-specific issues
- "Unable to summon cooperator": Network issue. Try switching from NAT3 (symmetric) to a more open NAT type in your router, or enable UPnP.
- Seamless Co-op mod: The official co-op in Elden Ring requires summoning signs and has limited range. The community Seamless Co-op mod (Nexus Mods) enables full open-world co-op. It is a mod — it requires the FPS Unlocker and disables EAC, which means you play offline/in a separate session pool without risking your online save.
Controller and Keybinding Setup
Elden Ring is designed around controller input. The game shows controller prompts by default when a controller is connected.
Xbox controller: Plug in and play. Recognized instantly, no driver needed.
PlayStation DualSense / DualShock 4: Works natively on PC via USB. For wireless, pair via Bluetooth. The game will show Xbox button prompts by default even with a PlayStation controller connected — install DS4Windows to enable PlayStation button icons.
Mouse and keyboard: Fully functional but the game wasn't designed for it. The camera is less fluid than on controller, and some actions (like holding a button to two-hand a weapon) feel awkward. Playable, but most PC players use a controller for Elden Ring specifically.
Beginner Guide: Surviving the First Hours
Character creation and class selection
Elden Ring has 10 starting classes. For beginners:
| Class | Weapon | Playstyle | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vagabond | Longsword + Shield | Tank melee, easy to understand | Easiest |
| Warrior | Dual Scimitars | Fast aggressive melee | Moderate |
| Hero | Greataxe | Strength bruiser | Moderate |
| Prophet | Spear + Faith magic | Melee + healing incantations | Moderate |
| Astrologer | Staff + Int sorceries | Ranged magic, fragile | Moderate |
| Wretch | Club | No armor, no stats — challenge run | Hardest |
Recommended for first-timers: Vagabond. The longsword + shield lets you block damage while learning enemy patterns, which is forgiving. Every class can eventually learn any playstyle — your starting class is just your initial stats.
The most important early systems
Leveling: Spend Runes (the currency dropped by enemies) at a Site of Grace to level up. Each level puts one point into a stat. Don't hoard Runes — you lose them on death and must retrieve them from where you died.
Flask of Crimson Tears: Your health potion. You get 5 charges that replenish when you rest at a Site of Grace. Early game: prioritize upgrading your flasks at the Roundtable Hold (given after your first major area).
Smithing Stones: Used to upgrade your weapons. A +6 weapon hits roughly twice as hard as a +0 weapon. Upgrading your weapon is more important than leveling your character stats in the early game. Find the Smithing-Stone Miner's Bell Bearing early to buy upgrade materials from a shop.
Torrent: Your horse, obtained early. Use Torrent to fight mounted enemies, traverse the open world faster, and avoid areas above your level.
The early game progression path
Elden Ring's open world lets you go anywhere, but there's an intended first path:
- Limgrave → Stormveil Castle (boss: Godrick the Grafted)
- Liurnia of the Lakes → Raya Lucaria Academy (boss: Rennala)
- Altus Plateau → Leyndell, Royal Capital (boss: Morgott)
- Continue to Mountaintops, Farum Azula, and the final areas
If a boss is destroying you, explore more of the map first. Find stronger weapons, level up, summon Spirit Ashes (AI allies that join your fight), or summon another player using a Furlcalling Finger Remedy.
Shadow of the Erdtree (DLC)
The DLC is accessed from Mohgwyn Palace (endgame area of the base game). You must defeat Starscourge Radahn AND Mohg, Lord of Blood before you can enter. The DLC is endgame-difficulty content — completing the base game first is mandatory, not optional.
The DLC introduces the Scadutree Blessing system: find Scadutree Fragments scattered across the Shadowlands to increase your damage dealt and reduce damage received specifically in the DLC. Unlike base game leveling, Scadutree level is independent of your character level. If the DLC's first boss (Messmer) is one-shotting you, collect more Fragments first.
Multiplayer in Elden Ring
How it works
Elden Ring uses an asynchronous multiplayer system:
- Blood messages: Text messages left by other players visible on your world. Often tips, warnings, or jokes.
- Bloodstains: Ghostly replays of how another player died. Useful for understanding boss patterns.
- Co-op summoning: Use a Furlcalling Finger Remedy to see golden summon signs, then summon another player as a cooperative ally for a boss fight. The summoned player returns to their world after the boss is defeated.
- Invasion: Using a Bloody Finger allows a hostile player to invade your world. You can turn off invasions by playing entirely offline.
Playing offline
Elden Ring can be played completely offline without impacting the single-player experience. You lose bloodstains, messages, and summoning, but you avoid all invasions. Set offline mode in the network settings or via Steam's offline mode.
Mods
Elden Ring has a large modding community on Nexus Mods. The most commonly used mods:
| Mod | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Elden Ring FPS Unlocker | Removes 60fps cap, adds DLSS, patches frame-rate physics |
| Seamless Co-op | True open-world cooperative play |
| The Convergence | Major overhaul with new classes and spells |
| Reforged | Rebalances enemies and gameplay systems |
| EzMod | Spawn items, adjust stats — primarily for testing |
Most mods require disabling EAC, which puts you in an offline session separate from the main multiplayer pool. You cannot be invaded and cannot invade others while modded. Your regular save is not affected if you use a separate mod profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Elden Ring free to play? No. The base game is $59.99 on Steam. There are no free-to-play elements, no battle pass, and no microtransactions. All DLC content is sold once as an expansion.
Q: How long is Elden Ring? The main story takes 50–80 hours for most first-time players. Completing everything including the DLC typically takes 150–200+ hours.
Q: Do I need to have played Dark Souls first? No. Elden Ring is a standalone game. Familiarity with Soulsborne games helps (you understand the difficulty philosophy) but is not required. The game has no story connection to Dark Souls.
Q: Can I pause the game? Not natively. Opening your inventory does not pause the game. Enemies will continue attacking you. There is a mod ("pause menu") that adds a real pause function. Alternatively, on PC you can open the Steam overlay to functionally freeze some game activity.
Q: Is Elden Ring better with a controller or keyboard+mouse? Controller. Elden Ring was built around controller input. Mouse and keyboard works, but the camera, dodge timing, and two-handing feel less natural. Most PC players use a controller specifically for Elden Ring even if they prefer keyboard+mouse for other genres.
Q: Is the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC worth buying? Yes — if you've played the base game. The DLC is critically acclaimed (89 Metacritic), adds approximately 40 hours of content, includes a new continent, multiple dungeons, 10+ new boss encounters, and dozens of new weapons and spells. At $39.99 it is one of the most content-rich expansions in recent memory.
Q: What's the recommended level for Shadow of the Erdtree? Character Level 120–150 with a +9 or +10 weapon (or +22–25 for somber stones) before entering. If you're below this, the DLC's first boss Messmer will feel virtually impossible.
Q: Does Elden Ring support ultrawide monitors? Not officially. The game runs at 16:9 by default even on ultrawide hardware. Community mods (available on Nexus Mods) add ultrawide and super-ultrawide support. No official patch has addressed this as of 2026.