Elden Ring Cheapest: How to Play FromSoftware’s Masterpiece Without Breaking the Bank
The Lands Between await—but your wallet doesn’t have to suffer.
When Elden Ring launched in early 2022, it didn’t just raise the bar for action RPGs—it shattered it. Developed by FromSoftware and co-created with fantasy legend George R.R. Martin, the game quickly became a global phenomenon. Yet, with greatness often comes a steep price tag. Not everyone can—or should—shell out full retail for every AAA title. So if you’re searching for “elden ring cheapest,” you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re smart. This guide reveals legitimate, ethical, and practical ways to experience Elden Ring at its most affordable—without piracy, shady key resellers, or compromising your gaming integrity.
Why Elden Ring Deserves Your Time (Even on a Budget)
Before diving into cost-cutting tactics, let’s address the elephant in the room: Is Elden Ring worth it? Absolutely. With over 200 hours of content for completionists, endlessly replayable builds, and one of the most immersive open worlds ever crafted, Elden Ring delivers value far beyond its sticker price. It’s not just a game—it’s an odyssey. And thanks to its enduring popularity, there are now more ways than ever to get your hands on it for less.
Strategy #1: Wait for Official Sales (Patience Pays)
The most straightforward—and safest—way to find elden ring cheapest is to wait for official seasonal sales. Platforms like Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and even the Epic Games Store regularly discount major titles 6–12 months after launch.
- Steam Summer/Winter Sales: Elden Ring has seen discounts as deep as 30–40% during major events.
- PlayStation Plus Deals: Subscribers often get exclusive discounts—sometimes stacking with seasonal sales.
- Xbox Deals with Gold/Game Pass Core: While Elden Ring isn’t on Game Pass (yet), digital copies frequently drop to
40– 45 during promotions.
Case in point: In June 2023, Steam slashed Elden Ring to
Strategy #2: Go Physical (Especially Used)
Physical copies, particularly for PlayStation and Xbox, often plummet in price once the “new release” hype fades. Retailers like GameStop, Best Buy, and even local used game shops regularly stock pre-owned copies for 40–60% off retail.
Pro tip: Buy used—but verify condition. A well-cared-for disc runs identically to a new one, and you can often resell it later to recoup part of your cost.
Real-world example: In mid-2023, GameStop listed used PS5 copies of Elden Ring for
Strategy #3: Bundle Smartly
Sometimes, the elden ring cheapest route isn’t about the game alone—it’s about the package. Retailers frequently bundle Elden Ring with consoles, controllers, or other games at a steep discount.
- Console Bundles: During holiday 2023, Walmart offered a PS5 Digital Edition + Elden Ring bundle for $499—effectively making the game “free” after accounting for the console’s standalone price.
- Controller/Game Combos: Limited edition Elden Ring-themed controllers (like the Xbox Elite Series 2 collaboration) sometimes include a digital copy—adding value if you were planning to upgrade anyway.
Strategy #4: Regional Pricing & Currency Arbitrage (Advanced)
For the globally savvy, regional pricing on platforms like Steam can yield surprising savings. Countries with weaker currencies (Argentina, Turkey, India) often see drastically lower prices—but Valve has cracked down on VPN abuse. Still, if you have a friend or family member abroad with a local payment method, gifting the game through Steam’s regional store can net you 50–70% off.
Important: This isn’t gray-market reselling. It’s using legitimate regional pricing—just ensure you’re not violating platform TOS.
Strategy #5: Trade, Borrow, or Share
Not every solution requires money. If you’re tight on cash but rich in friends:
- Family Sharing (Steam): If a friend owns Elden Ring on Steam, they can authorize your device for library sharing.
- Xbox Game Sharing: Set a friend’s Xbox as your “home console,” and you can access their digital library—including Elden Ring.
- Disc Swapping: Borrow a physical copy. Just remember: no online play unless you own the game yourself.
Ethical note: Borrowing is fine. Piracy is not. Elden Ring’s developers deserve compensation for their years of work. These sharing options are meant for temporary or communal access—not permanent avoidance of payment.
Strategy #6: Watch for DLC & Edition Upgrades
With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion releasing in 2024, Bandai Namco has begun pushing “Deluxe Editions” and upgrade bundles. While these might seem like upsells, they can actually be smarter long-term buys.
Example: The Elden Ring + Shadow of the Erdtree Bundle often costs less than buying the base game and DLC separately. If you plan to play the expansion anyway, this bundle may be the truest form