16GB is the floor for modern AAA gaming.

Yes, 8GB will technically run Elden Ring, but you’ll notice stutters, hitches, and longer load times that make the experience worse.

The gap isn’t huge in raw loading—SSDs matter more there—but 8GB chokes when the game needs to stream assets and keep the OS running. Elden Ring, like most modern AAA games, expects 16GB. With 8GB, Windows and background apps eat a few gigs before the game even starts, leaving maybe 5GB for the game itself. That’s not enough. The system starts swapping to your SSD or hard drive, causing micro-stutters when you enter new areas or fight bosses.

Some people get away with 8GB if they close everything else and play older titles. But for anything released in the last few years, you’re handicapping yourself. The $40-$60 upgrade to 16GB (or 32 if you can swing it) is the single best performance-per-dollar investment you can make for gaming.

Future You will thank you when you don’t have to explain why the game freezes right before Malenia’s waterfowl dance.