Where Does Elden Ring Really Take Place? Unraveling the Mystery of The Lands Between

Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed action role-playing game from FromSoftware, has captivated players worldwide with its rich lore, intricate world-building, and challenging gameplay. Since its release in February 2022, the game has sold over 20 million copies and garnered numerous Game of the Year awards. But amidst the chaos and wonder of this fantastical realm, a peculiar rumor has emerged online – that the game is secretly set in Ohio. While this notion may spark amusement among fans, it's time to put this misconception to rest and dive deep into the true setting of Elden Ring: The Lands Between.

The Lands Between: A Realm of Magic and Mystery

Elden Ring takes place in a fictional world known as The Lands Between, a vast and diverse landscape shaped by cosmic forces and ruled by demigods. This realm is far removed from any real-world location, let alone Ohio, and is instead a meticulously crafted fantasy setting that serves as the backdrop for an epic tale of power, corruption, and redemption.

The Lands Between is a world of breathtaking beauty and terrifying danger, where ancient ruins stand alongside otherworldly structures, and fearsome creatures roam freely. At the heart of this realm stands the Erdtree, a colossal golden tree that dominates the skyline and serves as a constant reminder of the divine powers that shape this world.

Key Features of The Lands Between

The world of Elden Ring is comprised of several distinct regions, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges. Some of the most notable features include:

1. The Erdtree: This massive, golden tree is visible from nearly every corner of The Lands Between. It serves as a source of divine power and a symbol of the cosmic order that once governed the realm.

2. Legacy Dungeons: These sprawling, interconnected areas are remnants of the old world order. They house powerful enemies, valuable treasures, and often contain crucial pieces of lore that help players unravel the mysteries of The Lands Between.

3. Diverse Biomes: From the lush forests of Limgrave to the rot-infested swamps of Caelid, The Lands Between offers a variety of environments to explore. Each area has its own ecosystem, enemies, and secrets to discover.

4. Ancient Ruins: Scattered throughout the land are the remnants of a once-great civilization. These ruins often hold valuable items and provide insights into the history of The Lands Between.

5. Cosmic Entities: Beyond the physical realm, The Lands Between is influenced by cosmic forces and beings, such as the Greater Will and the Outer Gods, adding a layer of cosmic horror to the fantasy setting.

The Lore of The Lands Between: A Tapestry of Gods and Mortals

To truly understand where Elden Ring takes place, we must delve into its rich lore. The history of The Lands Between is a complex tapestry woven from divine intervention, mortal ambition, and cosmic forces. This deep and intricate backstory is a hallmark of FromSoftware games, and Elden Ring takes it to new heights.

The Age of the Erdtree

Long ago, The Lands Between was blessed by the presence of the Greater Will, a cosmic entity that manifested its power through the Elden Ring and the Erdtree. This golden age was ruled by Queen Marika the Eternal, who was chosen by the Greater Will's emissaries, the Two Fingers, to become an Empyrean – a candidate for godhood.

Marika established the Golden Order, a system of laws and beliefs that governed The Lands Between. She married Godfrey, who became the first Elden Lord, and together they had three children who would become the first demigods:

• Godwyn the Golden, beloved by all and seen as the ideal heir
• Morgott, the Omen King, cursed with an Omen birth and hidden away
• Mohg, Lord of Blood, also an Omen who embraced his curse

This period was marked by great advancements in both magic and technology, as evidenced by the grand structures and powerful artifacts left behind. The Academy of Raya Lucaria, for instance, became a center of magical learning, developing sorceries that would shape the future of The Lands Between.

The Shattering

The peace of the Golden Age was not destined to last. A series of events, including the Night of the Black Knives which saw the assassination of Godwyn, and Marika's fateful decision to shatter the Elden Ring, plunged The Lands Between into chaos. The demigods, each claiming a shard of the broken Elden Ring (known as Great Runes), waged war against one another in a conflict known as The Shattering.

This cataclysmic event reshaped the landscape and left The Lands Between a shadow of its former glory. The once-unified realm fractured into warring states, each ruled by a demigod vying for supreme power. The Erdtree's grace was withdrawn from many, creating the Tarnished – exiles who would later be called back to The Lands Between.

It is in this broken world that the player, as a Tarnished, must navigate and seek to become the new Elden Lord. The choice of a Tarnished protagonist is significant, as it allows players to experience the world as both an insider and an outsider, piecing together the history and current state of The Lands Between through exploration and discovery.

Exploring The Lands Between: A Journey Through Time and Space

As players traverse The Lands Between, they encounter remnants of its storied past and glimpses of potential futures. Each area tells a part of the larger narrative, from the crumbling castles of Stormveil to the cosmic mysteries of Nokron, Eternal City. The world design of Elden Ring is a testament to FromSoftware's mastery of environmental storytelling.

Notable Regions in The Lands Between

1. Limgrave: The starting area, featuring rolling hills, dense forests, and the imposing Stormveil Castle. This region serves as an introduction to the world and its dangers.

2. Liurnia of the Lakes: A vast, watery region dominated by the Academy of Raya Lucaria. This area showcases the magical heritage of The Lands Between and the corruption that has taken hold of its centers of learning.

3. Caelid: A nightmarish wasteland corrupted by scarlet rot, believed to be the result of a battle between the demigod Malenia and Starscourge Radahn. This area demonstrates the devastating consequences of the conflicts between demigods.

4. Mt. Gelmir: A volcanic area home to the fearsome Volcano Manor. This region explores themes of blasphemy and rebellion against the established order.

5. Altus Plateau: A golden region leading to the capital city of Leyndell, Royal Capital. This area represents the heart of the old order and the seat of power in The Lands Between.

6. Mountaintops of the Giants: A snow-covered realm with ancient secrets, including the Forge of the Giants. This region delves into the primordial history of The Lands Between and the conflicts that shaped its current state.

7. Crumbling Farum Azula: A floating citadel outside of time, holding secrets about the nature of the Elden Ring and the true history of The Lands Between.

Each of these areas is intricately designed to reflect the history and current state of The Lands Between, offering players a wealth of environmental storytelling to uncover. The interconnectedness of these regions, both in terms of physical layout and narrative threads, creates a cohesive world that feels alive and full of hidden depths.

The Role of the Tarnished in The Lands Between

Players enter The Lands Between as a Tarnished, one of the exiles who lost the grace of the Erdtree and were banished from the realm. Now, guided by lost grace, the Tarnished return to The Lands Between with the ultimate goal of becoming the Elden Lord and restoring order to this fractured world.

The concept of the Tarnished is central to the game's themes of redemption and the cyclical nature of power. As outsiders returning to a changed world, Tarnished characters offer a unique perspective on the events unfolding in The Lands Between.

Challenges Facing the Tarnished

The path to becoming Elden Lord is fraught with dangers and difficult choices:

• Defeating powerful demigods to claim their Great Runes, each of which offers a glimpse into the nature of the Elden Ring and the cosmic forces at play.
• Unraveling the mysteries of the Elden Ring and its shattering, which requires piecing together fragments of lore scattered throughout the world.
• Navigating complex political and personal alliances, as various factions and characters seek to use the Tarnished for their own ends.
• Choosing a path that will determine the fate of The Lands Between, with multiple endings reflecting different philosophies and approaches to power.

These challenges are not merely gameplay obstacles but integral parts of the narrative, encouraging players to engage deeply with the world and its inhabitants.

The Artistic Vision Behind The Lands Between

FromSoftware, known for their atmospheric world-building in games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne, has outdone themselves with The Lands Between. The setting draws inspiration from various mythologies and fantasy traditions, creating a unique and cohesive world that feels both familiar and alien.

Influences on The Lands Between

• European medieval architecture and folklore, evident in the design of castles and villages throughout the game.
• Norse mythology and its concepts of world trees and cosmic cycles, reflected in the Erdtree and the cyclical nature of power in The Lands Between.
• Lovecraftian cosmic horror elements, particularly in the design of certain enemies and the influence of Outer Gods.
• Japanese folklore and Shinto beliefs, which inform some of the spiritual aspects of the world and its creatures.

The collaboration between game director Hidetaka Miyazaki and fantasy author George R.R. Martin in creating the foundational mythology of Elden Ring has resulted in a world that feels both epic in scope and intimately detailed. Martin's influence can be seen in the complex relationships between the demigods and the political intrigue that underlies much of the conflict in The Lands Between.

Technological Marvels of The Lands Between

While Elden Ring is primarily a fantasy setting, it incorporates elements of lost technology that blur the line between magic and science. This aspect of the world adds depth to its history and provides another layer of mystery for players to unravel.

Some examples of advanced technology in The Lands Between include:

• The Grand Lift of Dectus, a massive elevator system connecting lower areas to the Altus Plateau.
• The intricate clockwork mechanisms found in Raya Lucaria and other ancient structures.
• The creation of artificial life forms, such as the Albinaurics.
• Ancient astronomical devices and observatories, hinting at a deep understanding of cosmic phenomena.

These technological elements suggest that The Lands Between was once home to a civilization far more advanced than its current state, adding to the sense of loss and decay that permeates the game world.

The Living World of The Lands Between

One of the most impressive aspects of Elden Ring's setting is how alive it feels. The world is not static but changes in response to the player's actions and the time of day. This dynamism is achieved through several design choices:

• A day/night cycle that affects enemy placements and behaviors.
• Weather systems that can dramatically alter the mood and visibility in different areas.
• Roaming enemies and bosses that create a sense of a world in constant motion.
• NPCs with their own questlines and agendas, moving throughout the world as their stories progress.

These elements combine to create a world that feels organic and responsive, encouraging exploration and rewarding attentive players with new discoveries even after many hours of play.

Conclusion: The True Location of Elden Ring

While the idea of Elden Ring taking place in Ohio might be an amusing internet meme, the reality is far more fascinating. The Lands Between is a meticulously crafted fantasy realm that serves as the perfect stage for an epic adventure. Its rich history, diverse landscapes, and complex characters create a world that feels alive and ripe for exploration.

As players journey through The Lands Between, they're not just traversing a game world – they're stepping into a living, breathing universe with its own laws, legends, and lurking horrors. It's this depth of world-building that elevates Elden Ring beyond a mere game and into a truly immersive experience.

The Lands Between stands as a testament to the power of imaginative world-building in video games. It demonstrates how a well-crafted setting can enhance storytelling, gameplay, and player engagement. By creating a world that is both fantastic and internally consistent, FromSoftware has given players a realm that will be discussed, analyzed, and explored for years to come.

So the next time someone asks where Elden Ring really takes place, you can confidently say: in The Lands Between, a realm as vast and mysterious as the imagination itself. And that's a far cry from Ohio – or any other place in our world. It's a unique creation that showcases the potential of video games as a medium for creating rich, immersive worlds that captivate our imaginations and challenge our perceptions of what's possible in interactive entertainment.