Elden Ring Platform Guide: PS5 vs Xbox vs PC vs Switch Performance (2024)

Introduction

Elden Ring has achieved remarkable commercial success, reaching 30 million units sold globally by April 2025 and officially surpassing the entire Dark Souls franchise combined. The June 2024 Shadow of the Erdtree expansion was a massive success, selling 5 million copies within just three days of launch.

Platform distribution shows PlayStation leading in sales with 41% of total units, while PC dominates player engagement with 43% of the total player base. Across all platforms, Elden Ring maintains exceptional player engagement with approximately 227,588 players active at any given time.

Steam performance peaked at 781,261 concurrent players during the DLC launch, demonstrating the game's enduring appeal. The franchise has generated estimated gross revenue of $738.9 million, with total revenues approaching $2 billion when considering the entire Elden Ring universe.

This comprehensive guide examines how Elden Ring performs across every major gaming platform in 2024, providing detailed analysis of performance benchmarks, system requirements, and community activity.

Elden Ring Platform Overview: Current Generation

PlayStation 5 Performance Analysis

The PlayStation 5 offers a compelling Elden Ring experience with two distinct performance modes. Players can choose between a Quality Mode, which targets a dynamic 4K resolution, and a Performance Mode that prioritizes a smoother 60 frames per second at a lower resolution.

A key advantage on the PS5 is the console's ultra-fast SSD. This significantly reduces loading times, making deaths and fast travel less punishing. The DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers add a layer of immersion.

While occasional frame drops can occur in visually demanding areas like Caelid, the overall performance is excellent. For players seeking a balance of visual fidelity and smooth gameplay, the PS5 version is a top-tier choice.

Xbox Series X/S Performance Breakdown

On the Xbox family, Elden Ring’s performance varies between the Series X and the more affordable Series S. The Xbox Series X mirrors the PS5’s performance modes, offering a choice between a Quality Mode for dynamic 4K and a Performance Mode for a locked 60fps.

The Series X version is largely on par with its PS5 counterpart, delivering a visually stunning and smooth experience. The Xbox Series S, however, targets a lower 1440p resolution in its Quality Mode and 1080p in Performance Mode.

Despite the resolution downgrade, the game maintains a solid framerate, making it a great entry point for new players. Like the PS5, the Xbox versions benefit from the console’s rapid SSD, minimizing downtime.

PC Gaming Experience

The PC version of Elden Ring provides the most flexibility but also requires some technical tuning. To achieve a smooth experience, your system should meet the minimum requirements of an Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 3 3300X CPU, 8GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3GB or AMD Radeon RX 580 4GB GPU.

For optimal 1080p/60fps gameplay at high settings, a GeForce GTX 1070 or AMD RX Vega 56 is recommended.

Definition: A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is a specialized electronic circuit designed to rapidly manipulate and alter memory to accelerate the creation of images in a frame buffer intended for output to a display device.

The PC version's main strengths are its unlocked framerate and extensive graphical customization. However, performance can be inconsistent, with stuttering issues being a common complaint. Mods are a significant draw, allowing players to adjust everything from camera controls to visual enhancements.

According to SteamDB statistics, the game maintains a strong player base on Steam. For those willing to tweak settings, the PC version offers the highest potential performance.

Last-Generation Console Performance

PS4 and PS4 Pro Capabilities

The original PS4 runs Elden Ring at a 1080p resolution targeting 30 frames per second (fps). However, players can expect performance dips, especially in graphically demanding areas or during intense combat. The standard PS4 often struggles to maintain a stable frame rate.

The PS4 Pro offers a more refined experience with two performance modes:

• Favor Resolution: Renders at a higher resolution, targeting 2160p checkerboarding.
• Favor Performance: Aims for a more stable 30fps by lowering the resolution.

Despite these options, the game is still locked at 30fps on the PS4 Pro. While it provides a cleaner and more consistent experience than its predecessor, it doesn't deliver the high frame rates seen on newer hardware.

Xbox One Performance (Original, S, and X models)

On the Xbox family, the original Xbox One delivers a similar experience to the base PS4. It targets 1080p at 30fps, with notable frame rate fluctuations that can be noticeable, particularly in the open world of the Lands Between.

The Xbox One S provides a modest improvement over the original model but still targets the same 1080p/30fps performance profile. For a significant leap, the Xbox One X is the clear winner in this generation.

It offers a performance mode that targets a dynamic resolution up to 4K (2160p) checkerboarded while maintaining 30fps. Like its Sony counterpart, the Xbox One X is locked to 30fps, but it delivers the best visual fidelity available on any last-generation console.

Elden Ring on Nintendo Switch: The Reality

Nintendo Switch 2 Tarnished Edition: What We Know

Elden Ring is not available on the original Nintendo Switch. However, a "Tarnished Edition" is planned for the next-generation Nintendo console. This version was originally announced alongside other platforms but has faced a significant delay.

Key details about the upcoming release include:

• It is specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2.
• The game is now expected to launch on or after March 31, 2026.
• This delay was confirmed by FromSoftware as part of their financial results, pushing it past the initial 2024/2025 fiscal year target.

Elden Ring System Requirements Deep Dive

PC Minimum & Recommended Specs

To ensure a smooth experience in the Lands Between, your PC must meet specific hardware thresholds. The game demands a modern processor, with a minimum of an Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 3 3300X. For graphics, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3GB or AMD Radeon RX 580 4GB is the absolute baseline.

Key requirements at a glance:

• OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
• Memory: 12 GB RAM
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 60 GB available space

For a more stable performance at 1080p, the recommended specs suggest an Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X, paired with a GTX 1070 8GB or RX Vega 56 8GB. These components are designed to handle the game's demanding environments and intense boss battles more effectively source.

Console Hardware Specifications

Elden Ring delivers distinct experiences across console generations, primarily differing in resolution and framerate. The game targets a performance mode on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, aiming for a dynamic 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second (fps).

On the PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X, players can expect performance closer to 1080p resolution at a targeted 30 fps. The base PlayStation 4 and Xbox One models will run the game at lower resolutions, typically around 900p, while maintaining the 30 fps target. This tiered approach ensures the game is playable on older hardware, though with visual compromises source.

Performance Benchmarks and Real-World Testing

Framerate Comparison Across Platforms

Performance varies significantly between platforms, with each offering distinct advantages. Based on comprehensive benchmark data, the PS5 and Xbox Series X target a locked 60 frames per second (fps) in their performance modes.

Both experience occasional dips during graphically intense encounters like boss fights or in dense areas such as Caelid. The PC version offers the most flexibility, allowing high-end hardware to achieve frame rates well above 60 fps, with some benchmarks reporting stable 120+ fps at 1440p on modern GPUs.

• PS5/Xbox Series X: Performance mode targets 60fps with occasional drops
• PC: Variable performance, heavily dependent on hardware configuration
• Quality Mode: On consoles, this mode targets 30fps for improved visual fidelity

The PC version's performance is not without its issues, as some users report stuttering linked to shader compilation. However, with proper tweaking, it remains the top choice for maximum framerate source.

Load Times and Stability Analysis

Load times are a critical factor in a game as vast as Elden Ring, and here the current-gen consoles demonstrate a clear advantage. The PS5 and Xbox Series X leverage their high-speed SSDs to deliver remarkably fast loading, with initial game startup taking approximately 10-12 seconds. Fast travel between Sites of Grace is even quicker, often clocking in at just 3-5 seconds.

• PS5/Xbox Series X: 10-12 second startup, 3-5 second fast travel
• PC (NVMe SSD): Performance comparable to consoles, typically 12-15 seconds
• PC (SATA SSD/HDD): Significantly longer load times, can exceed 20-30 seconds

Regarding stability, all platforms have seen substantial improvements since launch. Major game-breaking bugs have been patched, and the experience is now largely stable across the board. However, occasional visual glitches and rare progression bugs can still occur on any platform source.

Multiplayer Community and Steam Charts

Steam Player Count Analysis

Elden Ring’s multiplayer activity is most transparently tracked on Steam, where player counts reveal a dedicated community. The game consistently maintains a high player count, often ranking among the top-played titles on Steam Charts [1].

Daily peaks regularly exceed 100,000 concurrent players, underscoring its enduring popularity. Co-op and PvP interactions thrive, with players actively engaging in jolly cooperation and invasions. The Steam community’s visibility provides valuable insights into the game's health, showcasing a robust online ecosystem [2].

Console Multiplayer Communities

Console multiplayer activity, while harder to quantify, remains vibrant. Platforms like PlayStation and Xbox lack public player-count tools, but anecdotal evidence and community forums suggest high engagement. Reddit and Discord servers are filled with players seeking co-op partners or PvP duels [3].

The seamless cross-platform integration isn't available, but each ecosystem thrives independently. Console players continue to enjoy invasions, summoning, and faction-based wars, mirroring Steam's activity levels [4].

Pricing and Availability (2024)

Steam Price and Sales History

Finding the best deal on Elden Ring for PC requires timing your purchase with a Steam sale. The game’s standard price is $59.99, but significant discounts are common. The best deal historically was a 50% discount, dropping the price to $29.99.

Other notable sales have offered 30-35% off, bringing the cost down to around $38.99-$41.99. For patient players, waiting for a major seasonal sale is the most effective strategy to secure the lowest price.

Console Store Pricing Comparison

Console pricing for Elden Ring is generally less volatile than on PC. The standard digital price on both the PlayStation Store and Xbox Store is $59.99. Discounts on these platforms are less frequent but do occur, typically ranging from 25% to 35% off.

The best console deals often align with major publisher-specific sales events rather than the broader platform-wide sales seen on Steam. This means console players should watch for special promotions from Bandai Namco to find the optimal time to buy the game.

Which Platform Should You Choose?

Best Overall Experience

For the definitive Elden Ring experience, PC and PlayStation 5 stand as the top recommendations. PC offers the highest performance ceiling with uncapped framerates, extensive graphics customization, and access to mods that can enhance gameplay.

The PS5 delivers a polished, consistent experience with excellent DualSense controller integration and the fastest loading times of any console. Both platforms maintain strong player communities and receive timely updates.

The choice between these two ultimately depends on your preferences: PC for maximum performance and customization, or PS5 for a seamless, optimized console experience.

Budget-Friendly Options

For players on a budget, the Xbox Series S offers excellent value at $299, providing access to current-generation Elden Ring performance at a lower price point. While it makes visual compromises with lower resolutions, it maintains solid framerates that make the game perfectly playable.

Last-generation options remain viable but come with significant limitations. The PS4 Pro and Xbox One X can still deliver respectable 30fps experiences, though loading times are substantially longer and visual quality is reduced.

Multiplayer-Focused Choice

For multiplayer enthusiasts, PC remains the strongest choice due to its transparent player count tracking and active modding community. Steam's public statistics show consistent daily peaks exceeding 20,000 concurrent players, ensuring you'll always find co-op partners or PvP opponents.

Console players should consider their existing friend groups, as Elden Ring lacks cross-platform play. If your friends primarily play on PlayStation, that platform becomes the natural choice. Both PS5 and Xbox Series X maintain healthy multiplayer communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Elden Ring coming to Nintendo Switch?

Elden Ring is not available on the original Nintendo Switch. However, a "Tarnished Edition" is planned for Nintendo Switch 2 with an expected release in 2026. The delay from the original 2025 target was announced to allow time for performance optimization.

Which platform has the best performance for Elden Ring?

PC offers the best potential performance with high-end hardware capable of achieving framerates well above 60fps at high resolutions. However, PlayStation 5 provides the most consistent and stable console experience with faster loading times than Xbox Series X.

For pure performance potential, PC leads, but for a hassle-free optimized experience, PS5 is the console recommendation.

Can I play Elden Ring on Xbox One and upgrade to Series X?

Yes, Smart Delivery allows seamless progression between Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. Your save files transfer automatically, and you can upgrade to the enhanced version at no additional cost.

However, the Xbox One version remains locked to 30fps even when played on Series X via backward compatibility - you'll need the native Series X version for 60fps performance.

What are the minimum PC requirements for smooth gameplay?

The absolute minimum requirements are: Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 3 3300X CPU, 12GB RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3GB or AMD Radeon RX 580 4GB GPU.

For truly smooth 1080p/60fps gameplay, we recommend: Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X, 16GB RAM, and GTX 1070 8GB or RX Vega 56 8GB. An SSD is strongly recommended for faster loading times.

Conclusion

Elden Ring continues to demonstrate remarkable staying power across all gaming platforms in 2024. With over 30 million copies sold and consistent player engagement, FromSoftware's masterpiece remains one of the most compelling gaming experiences available.

For the optimal experience, PC offers the highest performance ceiling with uncapped framerates and extensive customization through mods. PlayStation 5 provides the best console experience with excellent performance stability and the fastest loading times.

Budget-conscious players will find excellent value in the Xbox Series S, while those with last-generation hardware can still enjoy the game with some visual compromises. The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion has revitalized the community, bringing player counts back near launch-day peaks.

Whether you're a newcomer or returning veteran, Elden Ring's rich world and challenging gameplay deliver an unforgettable experience regardless of platform. Choose the platform that best fits your hardware, budget, and multiplayer preferences, and prepare to become Elden Lord.