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 FAQ-only—not extra Release rows.

  • 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 rows 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

    Lordran and the First Flame—genre-defining difficulty.

    Overview
    FromSoftware's interconnected dark fantasy—bonfires, stamina combat, and environmental storytelling.
    In-game setting
    Separate universe from Elden Ring—Release history row.
    Should you play it?
    Classic starting point for soulslike fans—not required before Elden Ring.
    Release date
    US launch October 4, 2011. Remastered (2018)—FAQ.
  2. Dark Souls II

    Dark Souls II

    PCPS3Xbox 360Action RPGSoulslike

    Drangleic kingdom—hollow curse and fallen kings.

    Overview
    Wider hub world and power-stance combat—divisive sequel in the Souls line.
    In-game setting
    Loosely tied Dark Souls universe—optional in franchise playthroughs.
    Should you play it?
    Many guides skip or defer DS2—still a Release milestone.
    Release date
    US launch March 11, 2014. Scholar of the First Sin (2015)—FAQ.
  3. Bloodborne

    Bloodborne

    PS4Action RPGSoulslike

    Yharnam hunters—Lovecraftian gothic horror.

    Overview
    Aggressive rally combat and trick weapons—PS4 exclusive from FromSoftware.
    In-game setting
    Standalone world—not Elden Ring canon.
    Should you play it?
    Essential for PlayStation owners; optional before Elden Ring.
    Release date
    US launch March 24, 2015. The Old Hunters DLC—FAQ.
  4. Dark Souls III

    Dark Souls III

    PCPS4Xbox OneAction RPGSoulslike

    Lothric and the fading flame—Souls trilogy finale.

    Overview
    Fastest Souls combat—ashes of Ariandel and Ringed City DLC (FAQ).
    In-game setting
    Dark Souls universe ending chapter—parallel to Elden Ring fiction.
    Should you play it?
    Strong bridge game before Elden Ring for mechanics.
    Release date
    US launch April 12, 2016.
  5. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

    Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

    PCPS4Xbox OneActionSoulslike

    Wolf in Sengoku Japan—posture combat, no RPG levels.

    Overview
    Vertical traversal and deflect-focused duels—separate IP from Souls/Elden Ring.
    In-game setting
    Standalone story—Release row for FromSoftware catalog.
    Should you play it?
    Different skill profile—optional before Elden Ring.
    Release date
    US launch March 22, 2019. GOTY Edition—FAQ.
  6. Elden Ring

    Elden Ring

    PCPS4PS5Xbox OneXbox Series X|SAction RPGMainlineOpen world

    Tarnished in the Lands Between—open-world Souls formula.

    Overview
    George R. R. Martin worldbuilding with Hidetaka Miyazaki—Spirit Streams, legacy dungeons, and co-op summoning.
    In-game setting
    Story focus of this page—Erdtree shattered, demigods war.
    Should you play it?
    Best modern entry for most newcomers.
    Release date
    US launch February 25, 2022. Shadow of the Erdtree requires base game.
  7. Shadow of the Erdtree

    Shadow of the Erdtree

    PCPS4PS5Xbox OneXbox Series X|SExpansionMainline

    Miquella's realm—Shadow Lands expansion.

    Overview
    Massive expansion map with new bosses, weapons, and lore for the Lands Between.
    In-game setting
    Canonical Elden Ring story continuation—not optional for lore completionists.
    Should you play it?
    Play after beating Mohg and Radahn in the base game.
    Release date
    US launch June 21, 2024. Requires base game and endgame checkpoint—FAQ.

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 rows—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 rows 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.