Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware, has achieved remarkable success with 12 million copies sold since its release. It stands as the most successful launch in the Souls/FromSoftware game category. Bandai Namco, the publisher, has referred to Elden Ring as a “franchise,” hinting at potential future plans, including a sequel or other media adaptations.
Although not much is known about Elden Ring 2 at this point, indications from FromSoftware, as well as previous Souls sequels and the multiple endings of Elden Ring, suggest a foundation for a sequel. Some lore details and reveals have been intentionally saved for future games, according to Miyazaki.
The likelihood of Elden Ring 2 is high, considering FromSoftware’s recognition of Elden Ring’s success and their commitment to expanding the brand. However, it is important to temper immediate expectations for the sequel. Official information about the release date of Elden Ring 2 has not been provided. Given the complexity of Elden Ring’s development and the typical timeline for Souls sequels, fans can anticipate a wait of at least three years. FromSoftware’s recent tweet about hiring for “several new projects” also adds weight to the possibility of Elden Ring 2 being one of them.
While there has been speculation about potential collaborations for Elden Ring 2, such as with author Brandon Sanderson, it is unlikely to happen. The groundwork for Elden Ring was laid by George R.R. Martin and Hideki Miyazaki, making another author’s addition to the existing universe improbable.
In terms of the storyline, Elden Ring 2 is expected to follow the pattern of previous Souls sequels, taking place centuries after the events of the original game and avoiding a declared canon ending. Building on the consequences of the various Elden Ring endings, the sequel could explore a world stuck in a perpetual loop, similar to the themes seen in Dark Souls 2 and 3. It might depict a world grappling with the repercussions of multiple Elden Lords and introduce a new living vessel for the Elden Ring. The backdrop could revolve around the Age of Fracture or the Age of the Stars, addressing unresolved issues from the first game and adding depth to the sequel’s narrative. While it is still a long way off, Miyazaki’s confirmation of more games in the Elden Ring series indicates a future sequel.
In conclusion, the tremendous success of Elden Ring has paved the way for a sequel. FromSoftware’s commitment to expanding the franchise combined with the hints from Bandai Namco indicates the high probability of Elden Ring 2. However, fans should be prepared for a wait, as the complexity of FromSoft’s projects and the timeline for previous Souls sequels suggest a three-year period.
