Elden Ring Pre-Load Now Available to Xbox Users Even Without Purchase

Two of the biggest titles of the year are launching just a week apart from each other. Horizon Forbidden West is just hours from launch, and Elden Ring will be releasing next week on February 25th. However, it now seems that Xbox users can get a headstart by already pre-loading the game onto their console, even if they have not bought the game yet.

The latest project from FromSoftware and Hidetaka Miyazaki, Elden Ring, borrows a lot from the studio’s famous Souls franchise while adding new elements and mechanics. This time the game focuses on exploration in an open world with a dark fantasy setting that has been created with the direction of George R.R. Martin. The same deep character customization from previous FromSoftware games makes a return, as do challenging duels, but they have been toned down, even if just slightly.

Elden Ring is releasing next Friday, but Xbox users can download the game right now to make sure they are ready to delve into The Lands Between right at launch. The 50GB game should start downloading automatically when selected from the Microsoft Store. This is possible even for those who have not purchased the game yet; this will require you to get the official Xbox app on your mobile device, find the game’s page, and hit “download to console”.

Elden Ring is a game that is focused on combat, as well as a challenge, and this combination has proved to be a successful route for FromSoftware games in the past. The game encourages players to try new fighting styles and strategies, mixing weapons and abilities to take down foes. With the two newly added classes, the final roster will allow for a wide range of experimentation to let players tackle the many fights in their unique method.

With so little time between the release of two AAA games, gamers are undoubtedly wondering which one to invest in first. Horizon Forbidden West can be acquired for cheaper on the PS5 through a little clever buying, and Elden Ring was on sale a little while back through a site. Hopefully sales like these keep happening and more people are able to get their hands on these games.

About Elden Ring

Elden Ring is a major title released by FromSoftware in 2022, the developers of Demon’s Souls, Bloodborne, and the Dark Souls franchise. Set in the ‘Lands Between’,  players are on a quest to repair the Elden Ring and become the new Elden Lord.

Shadow of the Erdtree is a full-fledged expansion for Elden Ring added in June 2024. It is a whole new map with new Weapons, Sorceries, Ashes, and Craftables. It is a challenging DLC and as players continue to explore the map, they find surprises and easter eggs left by the developers every day.