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Elden Ring and the Psychology of Perseverance
How Elden Ring Teaches Perseverance Through Its Challenges and Design
Derek Lockwood
October 28, 2024
Elden Ring, a masterpiece in modern gaming, offers more than just the signature FromSoftware difficulty. Beneath its sprawling world and relentless enemies lies a deeper narrative—one that mirrors the psychological power of perseverance. As players face growing challenges and tougher battles, they unknowingly engage in a process that strengthens adaptability, not only within the game but in their own lives. Elden Ring becomes more than just a test of skill; it is a metaphor for life's obstacles, illustrating how determination and adaptability are key to overcoming adversity and achieving success, both on and off the screen.
The Hero's Journey and Mental Resilience
Elden Ring's narrative structure draws clear parallels to Joseph Campbell's Hero’s Journey, an archetypal framework that depicts personal growth through overcoming trials. In the game, players embark on a hero's quest, facing daunting enemies and harsh environments, much like the trials of mythic heroes. These encounters are not just battles; they are symbolic of life's challenges, where setbacks are inevitable and perseverance is key.
Each failure in Elden Ring serves as an opportunity for growth, mirroring Carol Dweck’s growth mindset theory, which emphasizes that abilities can be developed through effort and learning. Players are encouraged to reflect on their defeats, adjust their strategies, and try again—transforming failure from a source of frustration into a vital component of success. In this way, Elden Ring fosters mental resilience, teaching players to view obstacles as stepping stones toward greater achievement.
Perseverance as a Core Mechanic
Elden Ring’s notorious difficulty is not arbitrary; it is intentionally crafted to cultivate perseverance in players. The game's relentless challenges, from battling towering bosses to navigating treacherous landscapes, demand persistence and patience. This aligns with Angela Duckworth’s research on grit, which emphasizes the importance of passion and perseverance as key drivers of success.
Progress is only possible through repeated attempts, where each failure provides valuable lessons for improvement. The game forces players to confront adversity head-on, testing their mental toughness as they learn to adapt, strategize, and persist. This continuous cycle of challenge and growth is a practical demonstration of how perseverance, rather than innate talent, leads to progress. By pushing players beyond their comfort zones, Elden Ring becomes a powerful tool for developing the grit needed to overcome obstacles, both in the game and in life.
Psychological Benefits of Perseverance and Adaptability
Research consistently shows that perseverance offers numerous psychological benefits, including reduced anxiety and increased confidence. Elden Ring provides a clear illustration of this phenomenon, as players frequently report feelings of accomplishment and an elevated mood after successfully overcoming its grueling challenges. The sense of achievement that follows defeating a difficult boss or navigating a dangerous area can boost self-esteem and reinforce the value of persistence.
However, perseverance alone is not enough. Elden Ring also emphasizes the importance of adaptability. Players are often required to adjust their strategies, experiment with different approaches, and learn from their mistakes to progress. This flexibility mirrors real-life scenarios, where the ability to adapt is crucial for long-term success. By balancing persistence with adaptability, Elden Ring teaches players that both qualities are essential to overcoming obstacles, fostering resilience not only in the game but in broader life experiences as well.
The Role of Adaptability
While perseverance is at the heart of Elden Ring and other FromSoftware games, adaptability plays an equally important role. The game continuously challenges players to adjust their strategies, experiment with different approaches, and learn from their mistakes. No single tactic works universally, and players are often forced to rethink their methods when confronted with a particularly difficult enemy or puzzle. This need for flexibility mirrors the real-world importance of adapting to changing circumstances, as recent research highlights that adaptability is crucial for achieving long-term goals. Elden Ring teaches that while persistence is vital, the ability to change course when necessary is just as essential for success.
Conclusion
Elden Ring takes on us a journey of exploration,perseverance and personal growth. The game's challenges push players to sharpen their skills while also gaining valuable insights into persistence and adaptability. Its design, which skillfully integrates these psychological concepts, offers more than just a test of skill—it becomes a journey of mental strength and determination. Elden Ring provides a unique opportunity for players to not only enjoy a captivating game but also foster growth that can extend into their everyday lives.
FAQ
What makes Elden Ring different from other challenging games?
Elden Ring stands out because it intertwines difficult gameplay with deep psychological concepts like perseverance and adaptability. The game’s design encourages players to embrace failure as part of the learning process, making each victory feel earned and meaningful.How does Elden Ring help develop perseverance?
The game continuously presents players with tough challenges that require persistence and determination to overcome. Each setback in Elden Ring is an opportunity to learn and improve, fostering a mindset that values effort and persistence.Can playing Elden Ring improve mental toughness in real life?
Yes! Many players report feeling more confident in their ability to handle real-life challenges after playing Elden Ring. The game teaches valuable lessons about persistence, adaptability, and learning from failure—skills that can be applied to various aspects of life.Why is adaptability important in Elden Ring?
In Elden Ring, no single strategy works for every enemy or situation. Players must adapt their approach, experiment with different techniques, and learn from their mistakes to progress. This flexibility is key to overcoming the game’s toughest obstacles and mirrors the importance of adaptability in real life.What psychological benefits can players gain from Elden Ring?
In addition to improved persistence and adaptability, players may experience reduced anxiety and increased confidence as they conquer the game’s challenges. The sense of accomplishment after difficult victories can also boost mood and foster a growth-oriented mindset.
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