Elden Ring — Base Game vs GOTY vs DLC
Elden Ring is FromSoftware's open-world action-RPG co-directed with George R. R. Martin. It blends punishing combat with total freedom to explore the Lands Between at your own pace.
Editions explained
- Base game — the full open-world experience
- Shadow of the Erdtree Edition — base game + the major DLC expansion
- DLC sold separately — only buy if you already own the base game
If you're starting fresh, the edition that bundles the DLC is the cleanest purchase — Shadow of the Erdtree is widely regarded as a full second game's worth of content.
Platform choice
Elden Ring plays on every modern platform. Performance is smoothest on PS5 / Xbox Series and PC; last-gen consoles are playable but choppier.
Where to buy cheapest
Key stores consistently undercut the physical disc and sometimes the console stores, especially for the base game now that it's mature. Compare a GMG key against Steam / console-store sales before you buy.
Where to buy
Prices change frequently — always verify on the store before purchasing.