Elden Ring Is The Most Confusing Video Game Of 2022 So Far, Study Finds

It comes as no surprise to anyone that Elden Ring has been named the most confusing video game of 2022 so far, according to a study by broadband experts Uswitch.

The study analysed Google search data for 150 of this year’s most-played video games, looking at search volumes for “[game] + explained”, “[game] + tips”, “[game] + walkthrough”, and “how to play + [game]” to discover which titles confused gamers the most throughout the year.

Coming at the top of the list is FromSoftware’s open-world action-adventure RPG Elden Ring with nearly 180,000 searches by players looking for help and tips. The fantasy game, created by Hidetaka Miyazaki with lore by George R. R. Martin, was released to critical acclaim, with users praising the title for its boss fights, depth of gameplay mechanics, and its expansive open world, all while retaining the core Dark Souls formula.

Despite the praise, many users criticised the game for its length and many expressed difficulty with some of the gameplay elements, such as the Elden Ring boss order, which talismans are best, how to level up, which attributes to level up, how to use spells as a mage, and how to upgrade healing items.

Uswitch’s survey found that Nintendo’s Metroid Dread is the second-most confusing title of 2022 with almost 54,000 Google searches. Players have described the 2D side-scrolling action-adventure game as incredibly difficult, with outlets praising the game’s boss fights and its more open exploration.

Coming third is Resident Evil Village. Released by Capcom last year with DLC set to launch this year, the horror survival title continues to confuse players this year, with some users, according to the Uswitch study, expressing concern over the game’s Standard level of difficulty. The game continues Ethan Winters’ story from Resident Evil 7: Biohazard but includes more action-orientated gameplay compared to its horror-based predecessor.

Coming in at number four and five is Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Far Cry 6, followed by Fall Guys, the free-to-play Fortnite, Nintendo’s puzzle-adventure game Luigi’s Mansion 3, Guerrilla Games and PlayStation exclusive Horizon: Zero Dawn, and Deathloop.

The remaining games that made the list include a combination of Halo Infinite, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, Stardew Valley, Hades, Red Dead Redemption 2, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Cities: Skylines, Among Us, Uncharted 4, Resident Evil 2, and numerous other titles.