The Guides ◆ Elden Ring ◆ Platforms
Where to Play Elden Ring — Every Platform Compared
PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One — and yes, Mac. Which version is best, what each edition includes, and what the Tarnished Edition brings to Switch 2.
Updated June 2026 · Covers Tarnished Edition (Switch 2 launch August 28, 2026)
Platform Quick Comparison
| Platform | Performance | Version | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Steam) | Up to 4K/120fps+ | Base + Tarnished Pack (August 28) | Best graphics; mods; keyboard+mouse or controller |
| Nintendo Switch 2 ⭐ | 60fps docked / 30fps handheld | Tarnished Edition (full package) | New players; portable play; best complete bundle |
| PlayStation 5 | 60fps (Performance mode) | Base + DLC + Tarnished Pack (August 28) | Console players on Sony ecosystem; DualSense haptics |
| Xbox Series X/S | 60fps (Series X); 30fps (Series S) | Base + DLC + Tarnished Pack (August 28) | Xbox ecosystem; Game Pass not currently included |
| PlayStation 4 | 30fps (mostly stable) | Base + DLC + Tarnished Pack (August 28) | Budget option if you already own a PS4 |
| Xbox One | 30fps | Base + DLC + Tarnished Pack (August 28) | Limited; previous gen struggles with Leyndell and DLC |
| Mac | Variable (cloud streaming) | No native version; cloud gaming only | Mac users only; see below for options |
PC — Steam (Best Overall Version)
The PC version via Steam is the definitive Elden Ring experience for players who want maximum fidelity and flexibility. At 4K on high-end hardware the game is visually stunning — the Erdtree at night, the fog-shrouded Consecrated Snowfield, the alien geometry of the DLC's Shadow Realm are all significantly more impressive on PC than any console version.
The PC version also supports mods — the Elden Ring modding community has produced everything from graphic overhauls to completely new NPC quests and boss rebalances. If you play a second or third time, the PC mod ecosystem gives the game a much longer lifespan.
Minimum specs (30fps target): Intel Core i5-8600K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X · NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 8GB / AMD RX 5500 XT 8GB · 12GB RAM · Windows 10/11
Recommended specs (60fps, 1080p High): Intel Core i7-8700K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X · NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 8GB / AMD RX 5700 XT 8GB · 16GB RAM
Nintendo Switch 2 — Tarnished Edition (August 28, 2026)
This is the most significant Elden Ring news since Shadow of the Erdtree. The Switch 2 Tarnished Edition launches August 28, 2026 — bringing the full game + DLC to a portable device for the first time.
Docked mode: Targets 60fps at 1080p — a substantial achievement for the Switch 2. FromSoftware worked specifically to optimize for the hardware.
Handheld mode: 30fps at 720p. For a game of this scope, that's an acceptable trade-off for portable play. The handheld form factor genuinely changes how you can engage with the game — short dungeon runs during a commute, boss attempts on your couch, exploration sessions in a waiting room.
Tarnished Edition Exclusive Content
- Two new starting classes: Heavy Knight (heavy armor + curved greatsword, Strength-focused) and Idius Knight (light greatsword + shield, Dex-focused) — adds new first-time experience options without affecting balance
- Four armor sets inspired by FromSoftware's legacy games (including Lucatiel armor from Dark Souls II, Henri of Astora and Horace the Hushed designs)
- Mirrah Greatsword — a new weapon referencing the DS2 tradition
- Three Torrent cosmetic skins — white coat variant and a Night's Cavalry-inspired dark variant
- Two new gestures — "The Ring" and "Ring of Miquella"
PlayStation 5 — The Smooth Console Experience
The PS5 version runs at a consistent 60fps in Performance mode — which is what you should always use for a FromSoftware game. Consistent 60fps means your dodge inputs register reliably and the game feels responsive. The PS4 version runs at 30fps with some frame-time inconsistency; the PS5 version eliminates this entirely.
The DualSense controller adds light haptic feedback on certain attacks and environmental effects — not transformative, but a nice layer of immersion. PS4 owners get a free upgrade to the PS5 version.
Note on PS4 → PS5 cross-save: Save files carry over between PS4 and PS5 via PS+ or USB backup. If you start on PS4 and want to continue on PS5, your progress transfers.
Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One
Xbox Series X matches the PS5 version — 60fps, responsive, visually close to the PC version on medium settings. An excellent way to play.
Xbox Series S targets 30fps due to the weaker GPU. Playable, but the inconsistent frame timing can make tight fights feel slightly less responsive than they should. If given a choice between Series S and PS5/Series X, choose the latter for this game specifically.
Xbox One runs at 30fps with occasional frame drops in dense areas (Leyndell Ashen Capital and some DLC areas in particular). Not recommended as a first experience, but functional if it's your only option.
Mac — No Native Version; Cloud Gaming Options
For Mac users, these are your practical options:
| Option | How it works | Quality | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shadow PC | Cloud PC streaming — you rent a Windows gaming PC in the cloud. Install Elden Ring on Steam via Shadow, stream to your Mac. Full game, full mods, your save files. | Very good if your internet is fast (≥25Mbps with low latency). Best cloud option for extended play. | ~$30/month Shadow subscription + game purchase on Steam |
| Boosteroid | Cloud game streaming service. Stream the full game to any device including macOS Safari or Chrome. | Good for casual play. Higher latency than Shadow PC; input lag is noticeable on reflex-heavy fights. | ~$10/month + game purchase on Steam |
| Steam Deck (alternative) | Not Mac, but if your concern is portable play — the Steam Deck runs Elden Ring natively via Proton at 40–60fps and is the portable PC gaming option. | Excellent for the price. EAC has native Linux/Steam Deck support so it works without issues. | ~$400 hardware; game at ~$40–60 |
| Boot Camp (Intel Macs only) | Install Windows 10 on an Intel Mac via Boot Camp, then install Elden Ring. Not available on Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) Macs. | Full native Windows performance on compatible Intel hardware. No streaming latency. | Requires Windows license + game purchase; only works on pre-2020 Intel Macs |
Recommendation for Mac users: Shadow PC if you want the full experience with no compromises and have good internet. If you want a dedicated device, the Nintendo Switch 2 Tarnished Edition (August 28) is the best "new purchase to play this on something other than PC" option — a portable device, full game + DLC, at console price.
Which Edition Should You Buy?
| Edition | What's included | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Base Game | Elden Ring base game only (90–120 hours) | Testing the waters; can add DLC later |
| Base Game + Shadow of the Erdtree | Full game + DLC (120–160+ hours) | Best value if buying on PC/PS5/Xbox — DLC is required for complete story |
| Tarnished Edition (Switch 2) | Base + DLC + 2 new classes + 4 armor sets + weapon + Torrent skins + gestures | New players on Switch 2; the definitive single-purchase complete edition |
| Tarnished Pack DLC (August 28) | New classes + armor + weapon + Torrent skins only (no base game) | Existing owners on any platform who want the new cosmetic/class content |