If you’ve spent any time at all playing the fantasy branch of FromSoftware games, you know they are in love with telling stories as vaguely and indirectly as possible whenever they can get away with it.
The deep well of curiosity dug by this approach is where many creators found their niche, and possibly the most well-known of them, VaatiVidya, is putting his video research about Elden Ring into print.
Michael “VaatiVidya” Samuels’ channel is dedicated to exploring lore and secrets of FromSoftware games. Not just for the fantasy branch, like Dark Souls and Elden Ring, but also delves into Armored Core, FromSoft’s mecha-themed series.
Now, in collaboration with publisher Tune & Fairweather, the lore expert is compiling his research into a tome of eldritch lore centered on Elden Ring, its expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, and the spin-off, Elden Ring: Nightreign. It’s seems like a must-have if you’re in the Elden Ring community, and are no stranger to fan interpretations.
It’s fitting. Elden Ring’s lore was co-created by the renowned book author George R. R. Martin, and now it’s come full circle, returning to book form a few years later.
The preview of Lore Bound: Elden Ring Explained, available at the publisher’s website and the YouTube short above is, simply put, stunning. Hardcover with a magnetic claps to keep it locked when you aren’t using it, full-color illustrations, gilded page edges and cover, a ribbon bookmark. It will certainly look fantastic both on the shelf and in your hands.
Lore Bound: Elden Ring Explain (Deluxe Edition) is currently up for pre-orders, with delivery estimated for Q3 2026. VaatiVidya’s book will run you $95 so it’s costs a bit, but it certainly looks like it’s going to be worth the price.