
Elden Ring Nightreign is set to receive an official hardcover strategy guide on September 30, with preorders currently available for $45 on Amazon. This release comes shortly after Amazon restocked the elusive Books of Knowledge guidebooks for Elden Ring, which had been out of stock for much of this year and throughout 2024.
The Books of Knowledge, comprising Volume 1: The Lands Between and Volume 2: Shards of the Shattering, have been highly sought after, with their last restock occurring in December. Both volumes are now available for $50 each, a competitive price compared to the inflated rates seen on reseller platforms over the past 18 months. Volume 3: Shadow of the Erdtree completes the collection and is also priced at $45 on Amazon.
Future Press and the Demand for Strategy Guides
Future Press, known for its detailed and comprehensive gaming guides, often sees its publications quickly sell out. The Dark Souls Trilogy Compendium, for instance, has remained unavailable for over a year, while the Sekiro guide vanished from shelves years ago. However, Future Press has recently reprinted the Armored Core VI Pilot’s Manual, which had been out of stock for more than six months, and the Bloodborne Complete Guide is currently available on Amazon.
Future Press’s strategy guides are highly regarded for their depth and quality, often produced in collaboration with game developers like From Software. This partnership ensures that the guides offer valuable insights and strategies, making them indispensable for dedicated gamers.
Exploring Elden Ring’s Expanded Universe
Beyond strategy guides, fans of Elden Ring can delve into its universe through various official publications. Notably, “Elden Ring: The Road to Erdtree” offers a different take on The Lands Between. This official manga, diverging from the game’s grim tone, presents a comedic narrative that has been well-received for its writing. It’s accessible even to those who haven’t completed the game, although prior knowledge enhances the experience.
For enthusiasts of From Software’s broader catalog, Future Press has released anniversary editions of two popular guides: the Bloodborne Complete Guide and the Dark Souls Trilogy Compendium. The latter, a 480-page exploration of the Dark Souls series, was published in April 2024. These guides, like the Elden Ring series, were crafted with input from From Software, ensuring authenticity and depth.
Official Art Books and Additional Resources
Udon Entertainment has published official art books for Elden Ring, Bloodborne, and Dark Souls, providing fans with a visual journey through these iconic games. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice also boasts an official art book, though it was published by Yen Press. The Dark Souls Design Works series, translated into English by Udon Entertainment, remains a favorite among collectors, though some volumes are only available at high prices from resellers.
For those interested in the artwork without the accompanying text, the original Japanese editions published by Kadokawa offer a more affordable alternative, particularly for titles like Dark Souls III: Design Works. Meanwhile, the art book for Armored Core 6 is currently only available in Japanese, also published by Kadokawa.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Gaming Guides
The release of the Elden Ring Nightreign strategy guide underscores the enduring popularity of comprehensive gaming guides. As digital gaming continues to evolve, the demand for detailed, authoritative resources remains strong. These guides not only enhance the gaming experience but also serve as collectibles for enthusiasts.
Future Press’s recent publication of the nearly 700-page strategy guide for Metaphor: ReFantazio highlights the company’s commitment to providing high-quality resources for gamers. Priced at $45 on Amazon, this guide caters to fans of Atlus JRPGs, further expanding the publisher’s diverse portfolio.
As the gaming landscape continues to grow, the role of strategy guides as both practical tools and cherished collector’s items is likely to expand, offering players new ways to engage with their favorite games.