Here's a look at some of my favorite games. I must say pretty much anything from PS is my favorite. Ragnarok, Helldivers, Spider-Man, Ratchet and Clank, etc.
What I love: Primarily story-driven, third-person, high-fidelity, single-player games with solid fighting characteristics with simple upgrade paths. FPS are cool too. Anything with "power fantasy".
What I hate: Anything complicated that I have to scower the internet just to learn how to play. Anything with classes or numerical attributes (Strength, Vitality, etc). I know this comprises many popular games, and if you like it, I'm happy for you, it's just not for me.
Edit: no corporate trash. No Ubisoft, EA, Rockstar, Denuvo, or remote accounts.
since balatro is on your list: Slay the Spire
There's enough in here aside from simple upgrade paths that I think you should try Elden Ring. Just remember if you run into something that's too hard go in a different direction.
Tried Elden Ring. Got my ass kicked by the first guy I encountered repeatedly. Tried to run away but get chased down. I don't understand the mechanics at all. Like how do you time anything when every maneuver takes 3 seconds to execute?
Since you mentioned not liking numerical attributes or things you need a guide to understand properly, I don't think you'd like Elden Ring or Dark Souls. But you might like Hollow Knight, which does away with that unnecessary fluff.
Slay the Spire: seconded.
I do like it but I just get bored very quickly walking back and forth over the same path over and over trying to figure out wtf to go.
ah, that's a lot of Hollow Knight and its sequel Silksong. A general trait of metroidvanias
Yes it's why I also didn't like the Ori games.
If you are talking about the golden knight, you meet after emerging from the dungeon: yeah, this one is really hard and you can skip him until much later.
There is a small tutorial area, that is easily missed. After spawning into a new game, there is a big hole in the ground, jump down there (I think there is a guy or a message telling you to do it) and you learn the basics about fighting and other mechanics. Also with an adequately challenging mini boss at the end.
I have no idea who it is. I'll give it another go 😅