Elden Ring

*First time souls player that always plays RPGs on easy easy mode FYI*

When you first get into the world, you are surrounded by beauty and will be overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the world... and the danger at every corner. There is so much variety in this game. I recommend you avoid spoilers for bosses/areas as best you can, each new area is jaw dropping, and the deeper into the game you get, the better it becomes.

You start in Limgrave, a large and beautiful area. The first part of the game leading up to the first big boss is a fantastic introduction to the mechanics and cycle of frustration/elation that Elden Ring is. Virtually everywhere you look, you can go, and that can be daunting or exciting depending on the player. But exploring everything is so worth it. After moving on from the first two area's/bosses, you will start to see the curtains pulled on the truly next-level moments and environments the game has to offer.

You will love the sense of adventure, character building, and challenge that the beginning of the game offers, but prepare yourself for the bar to be continually raised as you get deeper into the game with SIGNIFICANTLY cooler areas, bosses, and story paths to take as you go on.

I've played nearly 50 hours in less than 2 weeks, something no other game has even come close to moving me to do. I could praise the combat, the character customization, the lore you pick up in pieces, but for me what makes Elden Ring so incredible is the landscapes you find yourselves in, the feeling of discovering something magical, and the unlimited potential to go anywhere, do anything, and find your own unique experience.

For a spoiler free journey, I recommend starting off with a youtube guide on what to do as a beginner, then after defeating each main boss (where cutscenes play), look up spoiler free suggestions at what to do after *insert boss name* so you don't get overwhelmed by choice, and have an idea of what areas will not be soul crushing based on your level. Check out "getcheddar" on youtube when you are looking for these hints.