Elden Ring system requirements: Can my PC run it?

FromSoftware's next action RPG, Elden Ring, is almost here — and since the game is open world and features upgraded graphics compared to past FromSoftware titles like Dark Souls III and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the minimum specs you'll need to run the game have increased. Here's everything you need to know about Elden Ring's minimum and recommended specs, and how you can check whether your PC meets them quickly and easily.

Elden Ring PC and system requirements

The Elden Ring minimum requirements are fairly tame, though the game's requirement for 12GB of RAM is rather high. Most games, including open-world ones, only require a minimum of 8GB. This means that PC gamers with budget-tier rigs may need to purchase an extra stick of DDR4 RAM for their PC to play Elden Ring.

• OS: Windows 10
• CPU: Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 3 3300X
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (3GB VRAM) / AMD Radeon RX 580 (4GB VRAM)
• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 60GB

Overall, these specs will allow you to enjoy Elden Ring with decent visuals and a solid frame rate, though for stronger performance, you'll need better hardware. Elden Ring's recommended specifications have also been published, which aim to deliver the best possible experience with FromSoftware's new game.

• OS: Windows 10, Windows 11
• CPU: Intel Core i7-8700K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (8GB VRAM) / AMD Radeon RX VEGA 56 (8GB VRAM)
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 60GB

Can my PC run Elden Ring?

If you're unsure about the hardware you have in your rig and don't know how to check whether your specs match Elden Ring's minimum requirements, don't worry — we'll show you an easy way to do just that. All you need to do is run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, which quickly provides you with a detailed list of your PC's specs. Here's how to use it:

1. Click the Windows button on your taskbar.
2. Type dxdiag.
3. Click dxdiag in the search results. Windows will then show your PC specifications.
4. Navigate to the System tab for details on your processor, memory, and Windows version.
5. Navigate to Display tab for details on your graphics hardware and video memory (VRAM).

If a part of your PC isn't up to spec for Elden Ring, this tool will allow you to pinpoint where you need an upgrade. Don't forget to check out our guides to the best cheap graphics cards and the best budget CPUs if you need some new hardware but don't want to break the bank. Alternatively, you can also check out our roundup of all the best graphics cards and the best processors for your custom PC if you want to seriously beef up your PC and don't mind the cost.

Buying one of the best gaming PCs directly from a manufacturer instead of building one yourself isn't a bad idea, either, especially since DIY PC prices are sky-high at the moment due to scalpers and the global chip shortage. If you need a significantly stronger PC to play Elden Ring but aren't comfortable spending the money and time it will take to upgrade your rig, buying a pre-built is a great alternative.

Elden Ring is expected to release Feb. 25, 2022, on Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and PC. Elden Ring preorders are available now if you'd like to purchase your copy of the game before it arrives.