How Elden Ring’s unexpected platforming elevates exploration and redefines player discovery
The Surprising Platforming Revolution
Elden Ring stands as not just an exceptional release of the year but arguably the most innovative 3D platforming experience to emerge in 2022, despite its primary classification as an action RPG.
From Software’s latest challenging masterpiece introduces groundbreaking advancements within the 3D platforming genre while maintaining its signature Souls-like difficulty and depth.
As someone with extensive expertise in platforming games spanning 25 years, my appreciation for titles like Super Mario, Psychonauts, and A Hat In Time stems from their perfect fusion of immersive storytelling and precise movement mechanics.
Having dedicated countless hours to analyzing platforming mechanics across generations, I approach genre assessments with professional scrutiny. When I assert Elden Ring delivers exceptional platforming quality, this represents a carefully considered evaluation.
While fundamentally a Souls-like adventure at its core, Elden Ring transcends genre boundaries through its integration of sophisticated platforming elements. Even with acclaimed platforming titles like Kirby and Zelda releasing concurrently, Elden Ring establishes new standards for 3D platforming integration in open-world games.
Mastering Player-Led Exploration
Souls-like games traditionally embrace minimal hand-holding, encouraging autonomous player discovery. Elden Ring expands this philosophy to unprecedented scale through its vast open world brimming with diverse activities and environmental interactions.
Among these activities emerge unexpected platforming sequences that genuinely surprise players. Traditional Souls-likes rarely incorporate dedicated platforming sections, let alone feature a purpose-built jump button for precision navigation.
When players encounter these carefully crafted jumping puzzles, the initial sense of incongruity transforms into exhilarating gameplay moments that redefine exploration.
The most compelling aspect emerges when players discover platforming sections that appear unintentionally designed. My initial experience occurred within Stormveil Castle, where observant players notice accessible rooftops while navigating chambers and battlements.
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Navigating between rooftops creates the illusion of sequence breaking or accessing developer-unintended areas. This sensation of clever boundary-pushing typically remains exclusive to speedrunners who exploit game mechanics.
The revelation crystallized when I discovered concealed items strategically placed on rooftops. These rooftop excursions represent masterful level design cleverly presented as developer oversights. This brilliant design approach consistently reappears throughout Caelid, Lyndell, and numerous other regions.
Pro Tip: Always survey architecture from multiple angles—many platforming sequences begin where conventional paths appear to end. The game rewards vertical thinking and environmental observation beyond typical navigation patterns.
Hyetta’s Quest: Platforming Perfection
Content warning: This section contains specific quest details and location spoilers.
Beyond its platforming excellence, Elden Ring represents the first Souls game that successfully engaged my investment in side narratives. The quest to assist Hyetta’s transformation into a Finger Maiden showcases the game’s pinnacle of environmental design.
Without delving into exhaustive quest specifics, players essentially provide this character with special grapes until she retreats to a subterranean cult sanctuary. You’ll encounter Hyetta across five distinct locations, with the final meeting delivering an extraordinary experience.
Players must navigate Lyndell’s complex underground infrastructure network to locate Hyetta and the mysterious “chaos fingers.” The concluding segment between an intense boss encounter and discovering the maiden demonstrates breathtaking design sophistication.
A vertical platforming sequence unfolds within a tomb containing fallen soldiers, accompanied by a solitary violinist’s haunting melody. Your objective involves precise jumps between protruding coffins to reach the chamber’s depths. A single misstep results in instant death, demanding absolute concentration and timing.
Throughout this segment, the persistent sensation suggests players shouldn’t legitimately access these areas. The expectation leans toward discovering hidden passages behind illusionary walls rather than legitimate platforming challenges. However, the substantial rewards awaiting successful completion justify the implementation of equally remarkable obstacles.
Avoid This Mistake: Many players rush the coffin jumps—instead, pause briefly on each platform to assess the next trajectory. The violinist’s rhythm can actually help time your jumps if you synchronize movement with the musical phrases.
Precision Controls and Mastery
Most importantly, Elden Ring’s platforming mechanics deliver responsive and reliable control. When jumps fail, the responsibility typically lies with player execution rather than game mechanics. The Hyetta quest will undoubtedly test player patience, but frustration stems from mistimed inputs rather than control deficiencies.
Similar to boss encounter mastery, players gradually internalize proper jumping techniques and character control. This acquired expertise proves invaluable throughout numerous game segments where precise platforming yields significant rewards.
While Elden Ring doesn’t primarily identify as a 3D platformer, it unquestionably delivers the year’s most exceptional 3D platforming experience. If other non-platforming titles integrated similar intelligent environmental design, they could replicate Elden Ring’s profound sense of discovery and player agency.
Advanced Technique: Master the “ledge grab” mechanic—when falling just short of a platform, quickly tap the jump button again to grab the edge. This technique has saved countless exploration attempts and becomes crucial for accessing hidden areas requiring maximum jump distance.
The game’s weight and momentum physics create authentic platforming feel—heavier armor affects jump distance and recovery, while lighter builds enable more agile navigation. Understanding these subtle mechanics separates competent players from platforming masters.
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