Elden Ring’s First Anniversary: Over 9 Billion Deaths, 20 Million Copies Sold, and Anticipation for Upcoming DLC

Bandai Namco has recently shared an intriguing infographic in celebration of the first anniversary of Elden Ring, the tough-as-nails action/RPG game.

The infographic reveals that players have died over 9 billion times in the game.

The leading cause of in-game deaths, accounting for 69%, is damage from enemies and NPCs, including boss fights.

Players have attempted to fight bosses like Malenia, Margit the Fell Omen, Limgrave Tree Sentinel, Radagon of the Golden Order, and Starscourge Radahn millions of times each.

Status Effects, Falling, and PvP: Other Causes of Deaths

Other causes of player deaths include status effects (15%), such as poison, scarlet rot, blood loss, frostbite, sleep, madness, and death blight.

Players falling to their deaths account for 14% of fatalities, while a mere 2% of deaths result from players being killed by other players.

5.9 Billion Boss Attempts and Over 1 Billion Summons

Elden Ring players have made nearly 6 billion boss attempts, showcasing their perseverance and dedication to honing their skills.

The game has also seen over one billion summons, with 88% being co-op and 12% invasion. 

Among the top five spells cast are Rock Sling, Crystal Torrent, Glint Stone Pebble, Greatblade Phalanx, and Rotten Breath.

The most acquired incantations include Blessing of the Erdtree, Bestial Sling, Golden Vow, The Flame of Frenzy, and Bestial Vitality.

20 Million Copies Sold Worldwide

Since its release a year ago, Elden Ring has sold 20 million copies worldwide, making it an impressive success story.

The game’s immense popularity demonstrates that singleplayer experiences can still be blockbusters in an era dominated by live service games.

Elden Ring provides players with a rewarding experience without relying on DLC packs, season passes, or multiplayer modes with microtransactions.

The game’s sales figures serve as a reminder that many players still appreciate traditional video games that can be enjoyed from start to finish without constantly demanding time and money.

Upcoming Expansion: Shadow of the Erdtree

A few weeks ago, FromSoftware has officially announced the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring but has kept details under wraps, leaving fans to speculate about the content.

Elden Ring’s marketing was minimal until just a few months before its release, and fans may have to wait for further information on the expansion.

Miquella’s Role and Cut Content

Many theories about the DLC revolve around the enigmatic figure Miquella, an uber-powerful Empyrean who never appears in Elden Ring but is described as god-like in the game.

Miquella is responsible for creating the Haligtree to cure himself and his sister before Mohg, Lord of Blood, steals his cocoon.

Some fans believe the gold bleeding from the Erdtree in the DLC’s promotional image could be related to Miquella, who was behind the creation of unalloyed gold.

Elden Ring’s cut content might provide hints about Miquella’s involvement in the Shadow of the Erdtree. These cut elements, including an item called Dream Mist (or Dream Brew), could play a significant role in the upcoming expansion.

The Dream Mist was initially linked to a map-crossing search for ingredients tied to a monk named Jiko, and the item would supposedly make NPCs fall asleep, allowing players to enter their dreams.

Dreams in Elden Ring seem to function as gateways to other worlds, which could be crucial if Miquella is trapped in a dream state within his cocoon.

The Dream Mist could enable players to enter Miquella’s dream, potentially awakening him or triggering other events.

Power Struggle and Dream States

Fans speculate that the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC may explore a power struggle between Godwyn and Miquella for control of the dying Erdtree.

Players could find themselves caught between the two, entering their dream states or even stealing dreams to seal off certain quest lines.

While no concrete information has been released about the expansion, it is clear that fans are eager to discover what lies ahead for Elden Ring.

Article In a Snapshot

• Elden Ring, a tough action/RPG game, has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and has seen players die over 9 billion times in the game.
• Damage from enemies and NPCs, including boss fights, is the leading cause of in-game deaths, accounting for 69% of all deaths.
• The upcoming Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring is highly anticipated, and fans are speculating about its content and potential involvement of the enigmatic figure Miquella.
• Elden Ring’s cut content may provide hints about the DLC’s storyline and the role of Dream Mist, which could enable players to enter Miquella’s dream and trigger significant events.
• The DLC may explore a power struggle between Godwyn and Miquella for control of the dying Erdtree, and players may find themselves caught between the two and entering their dream states.