GameTimeline

Release & story order

Elden Ring timeline

FromSoftware from Dark Souls (2011) through Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree (2022–2024)—US release dates, the Lands Between story arc, and FAQ for Souls/Bloodborne/Sekiro universes, DLC timing, and recommended play order.

Updated June 2026

Start with:

Release order Story order

Release order

When FromSoftware shipped each action RPG—Dark Souls through Dark Souls III (2011–2016), Bloodborne and Sekiro (2015, 2019), then Elden Ring (2022) and Shadow of the Erdtree (2024). Remasters and Scholar/SOTFS editions are optional—not separate must-play titles.

  • Elden Ring only → Elden Ring then Shadow of the Erdtree (after base endgame)
  • FromSoftware newcomer → Elden Ring first, or Dark Souls Remastered for classic start
  • Full release history → Dark Souls → DS2 → Bloodborne → DS3 → Sekiro → Elden Ring → SoTE
  • Skip DS2 or Sekiro unless you want every FromSoftware ARPG
Story order tips

Elden Ring fiction: base game → Shadow of the Erdtree expansion in the Lands Between. Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Sekiro are separate universes—release-order titles for franchise history, not Story continuity.

  • Lands Between canon: Elden Ring → Shadow of the Erdtree
  • Start Shadow of the Erdtree only after beating Mohg and Radahn (see FAQ)
  • Dark Souls lore does not continue into Elden Ring—parallel worlds at most
  • On Story order, SoTE may be hidden—reveal when ready or use Show all spoilers

Timeline

When each game was released. Click a game for platforms, dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.

Release order

  1. Dark Souls

    Dark Souls

    PS3Xbox 360PCAction RPGSoulslike

    Dark Souls (2011) is the Lordran root that FromSoftware’s later open-world fantasy still answers—see also *Dark Souls*.

    Overview
    Interconnected levels and bonfire death loops taught the design language Elden Ring later scales up.
    In-game setting
    Optional primer. Jump straight to Elden Ring if you only want the Lands Between.
    Should you play it?
    Context note on this page—not required before Elden Ring. Full trilogy lives on *Dark Souls*. Current storefront editions are the practical buy for newcomers.
    Release date
    US October 4, 2011 PS3/Xbox 360; Remastered later. Listed here as franchise ancestry.
  2. Dark Souls II

    Dark Souls II

    PCPS3Xbox 360Action RPGSoulslike

    Dark Souls II explores Drangleic’s separate cycle—Scholar edition preferred; ancestry for FromSoftware fans.

    Overview
    Power-stance combat and denser NG+ ideas sit between DS1 and the faster DS3 tempo. Later chapters still answer the systems and tone this entry set.
    In-game setting
    Not a Lands Between prequel—tone cousin only before Elden Ring. Neighboring story-order titles cover continuity if you skip optional branches.
    Should you play it?
    Optional context. Detailed guide: *Dark Souls*. Current storefront editions are the practical buy for newcomers.
    Release date
    US March 11, 2014; Scholar of the First Sin April 2015 on PS4/Xbox One/PC.
  3. Bloodborne

    Bloodborne

    PS4Action RPGSoulslike

    Bloodborne is FromSoftware’s gothic hunter pivot—Yharnam aggression that pairs with this page’s *Bloodborne* deep dive.

    Overview
    Rally recoveries and trick weapons shift Souls defense into relentless offense—design DNA fans feel in later bosses. Later chapters still answer the systems and tone this entry set.
    In-game setting
    Separate IP. Play for FromSoftware variety, not Elden lore continuity.
    Should you play it?
    Optional PS4 exclusive context. Not required for Elden Ring. Current storefront editions are the practical buy for newcomers.
    Release date
    US March 24, 2015 on PS4. Full page: *Bloodborne*.
  4. Dark Souls III

    Dark Souls III

    PCPS4Xbox OneAction RPGSoulslike

    Dark Souls III is Lothric’s convergence—fastest trilogy combat and a lore capstone detailed on *Dark Souls*.

    Overview
    Weapon Arts and embered invasions refine late-Souls PvE/PvP before the open-world leap. Later chapters still answer the systems and tone this entry set.
    In-game setting
    Tone bridge into Elden Ring’s legacy dungeon density—still separate fiction. Neighboring story-order titles cover continuity if you skip optional branches.
    Should you play it?
    Optional ancestry before Elden Ring. Trilogy completionists finish DS3 DLC first. Current storefront editions are the practical buy for newcomers.
    Release date
    US April 12, 2016 on PS4/Xbox One/PC.
  5. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

    Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

    PCPS4Xbox OneActionSoulslike

    Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is posture-deflect shinobi action—see *Sekiro*; not a Souls sequel.

    Overview
    Deflect-focused duels and resurrection charges show FromSoftware outside the RPG leveling mold. Later chapters still answer the systems and tone this entry set.
    In-game setting
    Ashina campaign only. Mentorship for posture bosses, not Lands Between plot. Neighboring story-order titles cover continuity if you skip optional branches.
    Should you play it?
    Optional skill primer. Zero Elden lore requirement—standalone IP. Current storefront editions are the practical buy for newcomers.
    Release date
    US March 22, 2019 on PC/PS4/Xbox One. Deep dive: *Sekiro*.
  6. Elden Ring

    Elden Ring

    PCPS4PS5Xbox OneXbox Series X|SAction RPGMainlineOpen world

    Elden Ring opens the Lands Between—George R. R. Martin myth seeds meet FromSoftware’s largest free roam.

    Overview
    Open-world Souls combat with Torrent, crafting, and legacy dungeons you can sequence-break for hours. Later chapters still answer the systems and tone this entry set.
    In-game setting
    Limgrave through Farum Azula. Ancestry entries link *Dark Souls* and *Bloodborne*.
    Should you play it?
    Main destination on this page. Add Shadow of the Erdtree after the base ending path. Current storefront editions are the practical buy for newcomers.
    Release date
    US February 25, 2022 on PC/PS4/PS5/Xbox One/Series. Frequent patches since launch.
  7. Shadow of the Erdtree

    Shadow of the Erdtree

    PCPS4PS5Xbox OneXbox Series X|SExpansionMainline

    Shadow of the Erdtree is the Realm of Shadow expansion—Miquella’s path after you reach the base game’s late thresholds.

    Overview
    Massive map DLC with new weapon classes, spirit tuning, and some of FromSoftware’s densest late bosses. Later chapters still answer the systems and tone this entry set.
    In-game setting
    Shadow Lands continuation. Finish key base endings/NPC threads for richer context.
    Should you play it?
    Required for the full 2026 Elden Ring package. Start only after base-game readiness (FAQ level guidance). Current storefront editions are the practical buy for newcomers.
    Release date
    US June 21, 2024 on the same platforms as Elden Ring. Needs the base game.

FAQ

Release vs story order, FromSoftware play order, Shadow of the Erdtree timing, and separate lore worlds.

Release order

Release order lists when FromSoftware launched each game in the US—Dark Souls (2011) through Shadow of the Erdtree (2024). Story order on this page is Elden Ring fiction only: Elden Ring → Shadow of the Erdtree. Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Sekiro are separate worlds on release-order titles—not connected Story chapters.

Elden Ring only: Elden Ring → Shadow of the Erdtree (after base endgame gate). Classic path: Dark Souls Remastered → Dark Souls III → Elden Ring → SoTE (skip or defer DS2). Full catalog: Release order on this page. Bloodborne and Sekiro anytime—they do not spoil Elden Ring lore.

Story & lore

They share design DNA (bonfires/sites of grace, cryptic lore) but not one continuous story. Dark Souls is its own dying-flame universe; Bloodborne is Yharnam; Sekiro is Sengoku Japan; Elden Ring is the Lands Between. Fan theories link them metaphorically—no official single timeline. story-order titles here cover Elden Ring only.

No for story—Elden Ring stands alone. Yes for mechanics comfort if you want slower onboarding: Dark Souls Remastered or Dark Souls III teach stamina, i-frames, and boss patterns. Many newcomers start directly with Elden Ring in 2026.

Shadow of the Erdtree unlocks after defeating Mohg, Lord of Blood and Starscourge Radahn in the base game and interacting with Miquella's cocoon in Leyndell. Do not buy/start the expansion early—you need a late-game character. It continues Lands Between story on Story order.

Remasters & DLC

Optional & spin-offs

More timelines

Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.