Embarking on your journey in Elden Ring can feel overwhelming, especially for newcomers to the expansive and perilous world of the Lands Between. As you step into this dark fantasy realm, you’ll face not only formidable foes but also a wealth of secrets waiting to be uncovered. This beginner’s guide is designed to illuminate your path, offering essential tips on where to go first, how to level up effectively, and strategies to conquer your initial challenges. Whether you aim to explore hidden dungeons or engage with complex NPC quests, our guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to thrive in this richly woven tapestry of adventure and danger. Prepare to forge your destiny as you strive to become an Elden Lord!
It doesn’t matter which class you choose
Choosing a class in Elden Ring may seem daunting due to the variety of options available, but it ultimately doesn’t matter which one you select. Each class offers unique starting gear and stat distributions that cater to different playstyles, yet all are viable for progressing through the game. As you advance, you can freely customize your character by leveling up any stats and equipping various gear, allowing for a blend of abilities regardless of your initial choice. The key is to pick a class that resonates with your preferred approach to gameplay, whether that’s melee combat, magic, or a hybrid style. Enjoy the journey through the Lands Between, knowing that your class choice is just the beginning of a much larger adventure.
Selecting a class is slightly different than class choices in other games. In Elden Ring, you aren’t forced to play as a specific character class for the entire game. In the end, the class you choose only matters in the early stages, when you might find certain stats more desirable.
For example, if you want to start out with increased hit points, choose a class with a lot of Vigor Points. However, this doesn’t mean that you are locked into playing as a fighter, as later on you will have the option to distribute your stats in any way you like to create your favourite and most used build.
Use Torrent to traverse the map
To traverse the expansive map of Elden Ring effectively, players should utilize Torrent, the game’s trusty steed. Acquired early in the game, Torrent not only speeds up exploration but also allows for swift evasion during combat. Players can summon Torrent at any time when not in a restricted area, providing an essential advantage in navigating the diverse landscapes and avoiding overwhelming enemy encounters. Additionally, riding Torrent enables players to traverse difficult terrain and reach otherwise inaccessible locations, making it a crucial tool for thorough exploration and strategic gameplay.
Torrent is the name of your mount, which you’ll receive from Melina at the beginning of the game. Thanks to the mount, traversing specific areas will become much faster and safer – you can quickly escape if you get in danger.
Additionally, fighting while mounted can be very helpful and even necessary against some opponents, so you should do it whenever possible. Still, keep in mind that Torrent also has its own separate health bar. If it drops to zero, you won’t be able to summon it until you rest at a site of grace.
Jumping is very useful
Jumping in Elden Ring is not just a means of traversal; it is a crucial gameplay mechanic that enhances exploration and combat strategies. By utilizing jumps, players can reach higher platforms, evade enemy attacks, and navigate the intricate environments of the Lands Between more effectively. This ability allows for creative approaches to combat, enabling players to surprise foes or avoid damage while repositioning themselves. Additionally, many hidden items and shortcuts are accessible only through careful jumping, making it an essential skill for uncovering the game’s vast secrets and maximizing the experience.
We don’t just mean jumping over certain obstacles that would otherwise be impossible to avoid. Jumping is also very useful in combat. While in the air, you can use a heavy attack to break your opponent’s poise and throw them off balance. This is a very powerful move that you can use often to take down single enemies.
Additionally, keep in mind that Torrent gives you access to a double jump, which makes it even easier to overcome obstacles. What’s more, you will be able to access previously unreachable locations that were beyond reach without the aid of your mount.
Use stealth when infiltrating camps
When infiltrating camps in Elden Ring, employing stealth is crucial for survival and success. Players should utilize crouching to minimize noise and avoid detection, allowing them to sneak up on enemies for sneak attacks that deal significant damage. Observing enemy patrol patterns can provide opportunities to slip past guards or take them out quietly. Additionally, using items such as smoke bombs can create diversions, further enhancing stealth capabilities. By mastering these techniques, players can navigate hostile territories more effectively, gathering resources and completing objectives without drawing unwanted attention.
In Elden Ring, you can crouch by pressing the corresponding button (L3 for PS5), which makes you move slower, but also much less detectable. You also have the option to hide in tall grass to disappear from sight of your opponents.
Sneaking is perfect for infiltrating enemy camps. These camps usually contain many hostile creatures and an opponent who can summon the whole group of enemies to fight you. For this reason, it’s a good idea to silently eliminate each enemy to increase your chance of survival and obtaining valuable rewards.
Collect whatever you can while exploring the world
Exploring the vast world of Elden Ring is essential for gathering resources and enhancing your gameplay experience. As you traverse the diverse landscapes, from the starting area of Limgrave to hidden caves and ruins, make sure to collect everything you encounter. Items such as crafting materials, weapons, and consumables are scattered throughout the environment and can significantly aid your progression. Pay attention to your surroundings; many valuable resources are found in less obvious locations, rewarding thorough exploration. Additionally, engaging with enemies not only provides runes for leveling up but also often leads to rare loot drops. Embrace the adventure and gather whatever you can to strengthen your character and unlock new abilities as you delve deeper into the Lands Between.
There are many materials in the Elden Ring world that are just waiting to be found and collected. Seemingly ordinary mushrooms or flowers may seem like mere bag cloggers, but every ingredient is worth its weight in gold.
Without ingredients, you won’t be able to craft items that can be extremely helpful during exploration or combat. To find out what ingredient you need to create a specific item, go to the Crafting tab.
If you have lots of runes, spend them to avoid losing them
In Elden Ring, managing your runes is crucial for character progression. If you find yourself accumulating a large number of runes, it’s wise to spend them rather than risk losing them upon death. Runes serve as both currency and experience points, allowing you to level up and purchase essential items. By investing in upgrades or useful gear, you not only enhance your character’s capabilities but also mitigate the anxiety of losing hard-earned resources. Therefore, regularly visiting Sites of Grace to level up or buy items is a strategic way to ensure your runes contribute to your growth in the game rather than becoming a liability.
Runes are the in-game currency that you can use to upgrade your character’s specific stats, but they can also be used to buy items such as weapons, shields, armor, and even key items or spells/miracles. The moment your character dies, you will lose all the runes you had before you died.
Still, you can recover the lost items if you manage to reach the location where you died. The runes will be waiting there for you to pick them up. This way, however, you risk dying again, and if this happens, all your runes will be lost forever.
For this reason, it’s a better idea to spend all the runes you have on a regular basis, or to buy items that, when used, provide you with a certain number of runes.
Use the markers on the map
Using the markers on the map is essential for navigating the expansive world of Elden Ring. As you explore the Lands Between, you’ll encounter various landmarks and points of interest that can be marked for easier navigation. These markers help you keep track of important locations, such as Sites of Grace, dungeons, and merchants. To utilize this feature effectively, open your map and place markers on areas you wish to revisit or investigate further. This will not only enhance your exploration experience but also ensure you don’t miss out on valuable resources and hidden secrets scattered throughout the game. Remember, the map is your ally in a world filled with challenges, so make good use of it to chart your journey ahead.
In Elden Ring, players are given a map. However, in order to improve and expand it, you need Map Fragments. This way, you will be able to have a better idea of where to find what.
The map also lets you place markers in any location to remind you about something specific that the game doesn’t reveal on its own. For example, you can mark group of enemies in a given area or indicate a location containing a particular gathering material. You have many options, so it’s worth placing markers everywhere to ensure that nothing in the game will surprise you again.
Be patient
In Elden Ring, patience is not just a virtue; it’s a crucial strategy for success. As you navigate the vast and perilous landscapes of the Lands Between, you’ll encounter formidable foes and intricate challenges that can easily overwhelm beginners. Instead of rushing headlong into battles or attempting to conquer every obstacle immediately, take the time to learn enemy patterns, explore your surroundings, and upgrade your character gradually. Each death is an opportunity to refine your approach and understand the mechanics better. By embracing a patient mindset, you’ll find that progress comes more naturally, allowing you to savor the rich lore and breathtaking environments that Elden Ring has to offer.
Every player should take this piece of advice to heart. In Elden Ring, an undoubtedly souls-like game, it doesn’t matter who attacks first, but rather who waits for the opponent to make an error. With regular opponents as well as bosses, it’s important to watch what the enemy is doing and then react accordingly.
It’s often a good idea to let your opponent attack first, then dodge, block or parry the hit to give yourself a good opportunity to attack. To make full use of this opening, don’t attack until your stamina bar is exhausted and instead allow the enemy to attack you again, then use the opportunity to damage them. The most important thing is to remember some of the opponent’s attacks and combos, which will allow you to adapt to the given situation.
Follow the golden aura if you don’t know where to go
In Elden Ring, navigating the vast and intricate world can be overwhelming for newcomers. A helpful tip is to follow the golden aura emanating from Sites of Grace, which serve as crucial waypoints throughout your journey. These glowing markers not only indicate the next destination on your critical path but also provide a sense of direction amidst the chaos of exploration. When you first spawn in Limgrave, activating these Sites will guide you toward essential locations, such as the Church of Elleh and Gatefront Ruins, where you can gather vital resources and level up your character. Embrace this golden light as your compass, allowing it to lead you through the challenging landscapes and towards your destiny in the Lands Between.
In the open world of Elden Ring, it’s sometimes easy to get lost, not knowing where to go to push the plot further. The golden auras that appear when you are approaching a site of grace can help you navigate your way. They more or less suggest which way to go in order to find the next site of grace.
In some cases, you might spot statues. Interacting with them can lead you to an optional location, e.g. a dungeon containing many treasures as well as a boss’s lair. This usually makes the aura change from gold to light blue.
Pay attention to the time of the day
Paying attention to the time of day in Elden Ring can significantly impact your gameplay experience. The game features a dynamic day-night cycle that alters enemy behavior, visibility, and certain events. For instance, some enemies become more aggressive or change their attack patterns at night, while specific NPCs and quests may only be available during certain times. Additionally, exploring during the day can provide better visibility, making it easier to navigate the vast landscapes and spot hidden items or paths. Therefore, players should strategically plan their exploration and encounters based on the time of day to maximize their effectiveness and enjoyment in the game.
The passing of days is not only reflected in the graphics, it can also affect the behavior of some opponents. The time of day changes on its own, but you have the option to change it when you rest at a site of grace.
Some unique enemies only appear at certain times of the day, usually at night. As a result, if you don’t want a difficult opponent to pop out and surprise you, pay attention to the current time of day.
Exhaust NPC dialogue
Exhausting NPC dialogue in Elden Ring is a crucial aspect of gameplay that can significantly enhance your understanding of the game’s lore and mechanics. Engaging with non-playable characters (NPCs) often reveals valuable hints about quests, locations, and strategies essential for progressing through the game. Players should take the time to exhaust all dialogue options with NPCs, as this can unlock additional quests or items that might otherwise be missed. Additionally, many NPCs provide insights into the world of Elden Ring, helping players piece together the intricate narrative and their character’s place within it. This practice not only enriches the gaming experience but also aids in navigating the vast and complex landscape of the game more effectively.
Even if you aren’t interested in what a given NPC has to tell you, it’s worth exhausting all of their dialogue. You don’t just have the chance to learn something useful, but often, when the NPC has nothing interesting to say, at the very end of the conversation, before they start repeating the same dialogue line, you will receive a specific item.
Destroy glowing skulls
Destroy Glowing Skulls In Elden Ring, glowing skulls are often found in various locations and can be a source of valuable items and runes. To destroy them effectively, players should approach with caution, as they may be surrounded by enemies or traps. Using ranged attacks or spells can be a safe way to eliminate these skulls from a distance, minimizing risk. Additionally, players should keep an eye out for the materials they drop, which can enhance crafting or upgrade equipment. Mastering the art of destroying glowing skulls not only aids in resource gathering but also contributes to overall exploration and progression in the game.
White glowing skulls may appear on your way while exploring the world. It is worth destroying such skulls, because then you will be able to pick up a Golden Rune [1], which will give you 200 runes. It is not a lot, but there are quite a few skulls. They are also very useful at the beginning of the game. To destroy skulls, you just need to roll over them or run over them with Torrent.
Watch out for traps-chests!
Watch out for traps-chests! In Elden Ring, players must remain vigilant when encountering chests throughout the game. While many chests contain valuable loot, some are cleverly disguised traps that can lead to sudden death or significant setbacks. These deceptive traps often spring upon unsuspecting adventurers, so it’s wise to approach each chest with caution. Look for visual cues, such as unusual placements or suspicious designs, and consider using ranged attacks or spells to trigger them safely from a distance. Always remember: in the treacherous world of the Lands Between, not everything that glitters is gold.
Not every chest contains treasures. Some of them are actually traps. There aren’t many of them in the game world, however, they can be very annoying. You will recognize a trap-chest by the smoke when you open the chest. If you see it, dodge back as quickly as possible to avoid danger. These traps will usually teleport you to regions with high level opponents. However, if you think you can handle them, this could be a good opportunity to quickly reach regions located farther away.
What are the essential tips for beginners in Elden Ring
For beginners stepping into the vast and treacherous world of Elden Ring, here are essential tips to help you navigate your journey effectively:
Essential Tips for Beginners
- Choose Your Starting Class Wisely: Your choice of class influences your initial stats and gear. While you can customize your character later, starting with a class that aligns with your preferred playstyle can ease your early challenges.
- Find Melina Early: After lighting your first Site of Grace, seek out Melina, who will help you level up and provide access to your horse, Torrent. This is crucial for exploring the expansive map more efficiently.
- Explore Limgrave Thoroughly: Before heading straight to Castle Stormveil, spend time exploring the Limgrave area. This will allow you to gather resources, level up, and familiarize yourself with game mechanics without overwhelming difficulty.
- Utilize Spirit Ashes: Collect Spirit Ashes to summon allies during battles. These spirits can distract enemies and provide significant support in tougher fights, making them invaluable for beginners.
- Backtrack for Upgrades: If you find yourself stuck on a boss, consider backtracking to explore caves and other areas. This allows you to farm runes and upgrade your gear before attempting challenging encounters again.
- Use Map Markers: Take advantage of the custom markers on your map to track important locations, such as crafting materials or hidden treasures. This feature helps you remember where to return for valuable items later on2.
- Master Combat Mechanics: Focus on learning enemy attack patterns and practice guard counters for effective defense and damage. Timing is crucial in combat, so don’t rush; observe and react appropriately.
- Prioritize Healing Items: Make sure to collect healing items and learn how to manage your resources effectively. Knowing when to heal during battles can be the difference between victory and defeat2.
- Engage in Side Quests: Explore side quests initiated by NPCs scattered throughout the world. These quests not only enrich the story but often reward you with useful items and experience without the pressure of main storyline bosses.
- Stay Persistent: Elden Ring is designed to challenge players, so don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Learning from each defeat is part of the experience; adapt your strategies and keep pushing forward.
By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the challenges that await in Elden Ring’s immersive world, enhancing both your survival and enjoyment of the game.
How can I optimize my character build in Elden Ring
To optimize your character build in Elden Ring, consider the following strategies that focus on stat allocation, weapon selection, and overall gameplay mechanics:
Character Build Optimization Tips
- Define Your Build Goals: Before leveling up, have a clear vision of your desired build. Decide whether you want to focus on Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, or a hybrid approach. This will guide your stat allocation as you progress through the game3.
- Understand Soft Caps: Familiarize yourself with the soft caps for each stat. Generally, aim for at least 40 Vigor for survivability, and then focus on your primary damage stat (e.g., Strength or Dexterity) around the 50-60 range, as this maximizes damage output without diminishing returns34.
- Balance Endurance and Mind: For melee builds, prioritize Endurance to increase stamina and equip load, allowing you to wear heavier armor without fat rolling. For magic-focused builds, invest in Mind to increase your FP (Focus Points) for casting spells.
- Select the Right Weapons: Choose weapons that scale well with your primary stats. For example, if you’re focusing on Strength, look for weapons with high Strength scaling (like greatswords or colossal weapons). Upgrade these weapons regularly using smithing stones to enhance their damage output45.
- Utilize Talismans and Buffs: Equip talismans that complement your build. For instance, if you’re using a Dexterity build, consider the Claw Talisman to boost jump attack damage or the Rotten Winged Sword Insignia for increased consecutive hit damage. Also, use buffs like Flame Grant Me Strength before engaging enemies to boost your physical damage.
- Experiment with Ashes of War: Apply different Ashes of War to your weapons to gain unique skills and adjust their scaling properties. This can provide significant advantages in combat by enhancing your weapon’s capabilities based on your build.
- Incorporate Spirit Summons: Use Spirit Ashes to summon allies in tough fights. These can distract enemies and provide additional damage, making challenging encounters more manageable3.
- Stay Flexible and Adaptable: If you encounter difficulties with certain bosses or areas, don’t hesitate to adjust your build or strategy. This may involve changing equipment, experimenting with different spells or consumables, or even revisiting earlier areas for upgrades4.
- Collect Crafting Materials: Gather crafting materials as you explore; they can be used to create consumables that enhance your combat effectiveness. Items like throwing knives can provide ranged options when needed4.
- Practice Combat Mechanics: Spend time mastering dodge timings and learning enemy attack patterns. This will improve your survivability and allow you to make better use of your optimized build during encounters3.
By following these tips and continuously refining your character based on gameplay experiences, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges in Elden Ring while maximizing the potential of your chosen build.
