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Elden Ring

Review · Action · PC · Xbox One · PlayStation 4

Elden Ring

Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026

PC · Xbox One · PlayStation 4 · Xbox Series S/X · PlayStation 5

FromSoftware · 2022

Ludograph rating

A

Recommended

77 /100

Elden Ring is an action RPG that builds problem-solving and strategic thinking in a vast world, but features significant violence and dark themes, best for older teens.

06010030BenefitLow riskB 66 · R 9
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

66

Risk (RIS)

9

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.88
B2Social-emotional
0.23
B3Motor
0.75

Elden Ring offers a vast, challenging open world that promotes problem-solving, strategic thinking, and spatial awareness. Its deep lore and demanding combat encourage critical thinking and learning transfer, providing a highly rewarding experience for dedicated players.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.17
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.06

The game's high difficulty can lead to frustration, and its mature content includes significant violence and dark themes. While online interactions are optional, PvP can expose players to competitive toxicity.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.33
R4.3Language
0.67
R4.4Substance References
0.33
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.67

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Regulatory design checks · DSAAssessed: meets criteria·GDPR-KAssessed: meets criteria·ODDSAssessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

Parents ask…

Is Elden Ring safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Elden Ring a rating of 77/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It scores well on developmental benefits with manageable risks.

What age is Elden Ring appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for Elden Ring, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play Elden Ring?

We don't publish a daily session budget for Elden Ring: its design-risk score sits in our highest band, where limiting time alone doesn't address the risks. For children we suggest choosing an alternative instead.

What are the main risks of Elden Ring?

The game's high difficulty can lead to frustration, and its mature content includes significant violence and dark themes. While online interactions are optional, PvP can expose players to competitive toxicity.