Mastering the art of combat in Elden Ring is essential for any aspiring Tarnished seeking to conquer the Lands Between. With its intricate mechanics and diverse weaponry, players must navigate a world where every encounter can be a deadly dance of dodges, strikes, and strategic maneuvers. This guide delves into the foundational skills of combat, from understanding basic movesets to leveraging powerful Ashes of War, ensuring that both newcomers and seasoned warriors can elevate their gameplay and emerge victorious against formidable foes. Prepare to sharpen your skills and embrace the challenge that awaits!
How to succeed in fights
To succeed in fights in Elden Ring, mastering the combat mechanics is essential. Begin by understanding your weapon’s moveset and practicing its attack patterns, as each weapon has unique animations that can be leveraged against enemies. Utilize dodge rolls effectively, taking advantage of invincibility frames to evade attacks rather than blocking, which depletes stamina. Pay attention to enemy tells and learn their attack patterns to find openings for counterattacks. Additionally, employing techniques like staggering enemies through heavy attacks or jump strikes can create opportunities for critical hits. Lastly, don’t hesitate to experiment with different strategies, including dual-wielding weapons or using Ashes of War, to adapt your approach based on the challenges you face.
Combat is an integral part of Soulsborne games, and Elden Ring is no different. Despite exploring a vast in-game world, you will be forced to fight for your life over and over again. Here are a few tips that will definitely aid you in battle against your opponents, making subsequent combat encounters much easier:
- Avoid large groups of enemies. You should try to face as few opponents as possible at once instead of the opposite, even if you are using powerful area spells or AoE weapon attacks. The more enemies, the greater the chance that one of them will attack you, preventing you from being able to defend yourself, and once the first one attacks you, the rest of them will finish the job and kill you.
- Observe the enemy’s movements. This is very important, because encountering a new enemy on your way is an opportunity to learn a different fighting style. It’s a good idea to approach the enemy with a defensive stance, at least until you learn the enemy’s moves.
- Be patient and observe the terrain. This is important, as you will encounter many pitfalls in Soulsborne games. For this reason, if you see an isolated enemy who appears to be an easy target, first make sure to survey the nearby area. It may turn out that the huge giant standing over the cliff will end up surprising you to no end only because you forgot to look up.
- Using Torrent. There is a new mechanic that lets you summon a mount. Fighting while mounted can be helpful in many situations due to its high flexibility and agility. You might want to consider using Torrent if you can’t manage to defeat an opponent using your usual strategy.
- The dodge – attack rule is great for beginners. Instead of attacking before your opponent can strike, let them attack, then dodge, parry, or block, and finish it up with an attack. This strategy results in breaking the enemy’s poise and allows you to carry out more attacks instead of taking hits.
- Get used to the controls. This may seem trivial, but it turns out that many novice players, rather than learning which button does what, continue playing without fully grasping the controls. By following this tip, you will avoid situations where you accidentally swing your weapon or use your skills or spells instead of healing yourself in battle.
Most common mistakes
In Elden Ring, players often make several common mistakes that can hinder their combat effectiveness. One prevalent error is panic rolling, where players dodge unnecessarily instead of timing their rolls to avoid attacks, leading to wasted stamina and vulnerability. Additionally, many newcomers neglect to learn enemy attack patterns, which is crucial for anticipating moves and countering effectively. Another frequent mistake is failing to utilize the game’s unique weapon mechanics, such as Ashes of War and jump attacks, which can significantly enhance damage output. Lastly, players may forget to take advantage of the invincibility frames during dodges, missing opportunities to evade damage entirely. By addressing these pitfalls, players can improve their combat skills and enjoy a more successful experience in the game.
When taking on Soulsborne games, you should approach them differently from other genres. Approaches that work in RPGs, Hack’n’Slash games or other genres might do more harm than good in Elden Ring.
- Constantly attacking your opponent. First of all, most of the enemies either can dodge/attack quickly or strongly resist your attempts to break their poise. By attacking all the time, you run the risk of being counterattacked or being hit at the same time by an opponent with high endurance. The usual strategy is to either perform one strong or several fast attacks, depending on the enemy you are facing and the weapon you’re wielding.
- Taking on too many enemies at once. This mistake is especially common among new players. Soulsborne games are not like MMOs where the more enemies you face, the better. Each opponent adds additional difficulty to an encounter and even advanced players might falter against them.
- Ignoring weaker enemies. In Soulsborne games, literally anything can kill you. An opponent might give the impression of a weakling, but that doesn’t have to turn out to be true. This is why you should approach each new enemy from a distance and with respect. This way, you will avoid foolish deaths.
- Attacking everything in sight. Sometimes it’s better not to attack certain opponents. They may turn out to be too strong, be part of an ambush, or killing them isn’t worth it in the end. For this reason, sometimes it’s better to ignore enemies instead of attacking them and potentially wasting your health and mana flasks.
- Learning nothing from battles. Although enemies can be sorted into regular mobs, mini bosses and bosses, each enemy type follows a certain archetype. Learn from each battle, both won and lost, and memorise the behavioral patterns followed by specific enemies.
- Constantly locking the camera on the enemy. This is an advantage as well as a disadvantage. Locking the camera on the enemy should be used in one-on-one encounters or against small groups of enemies. On the other hand, when you’re dealing with a huge enemy or multiple enemies at once, it’s not a good idea to lock the camera on the enemy and instead it’s better to focus on using the free camera. This allows you to keep up with what is happening behind you or at the side. When it comes to giant enemies, the camera won’t always show everything, making it difficult to read the opponent’s attacks.
What are the most common mistakes beginners make in Elden Ring combat
In Elden Ring, beginners often make several common mistakes that can hinder their combat effectiveness and overall enjoyment of the game. Here are the most notable pitfalls:
- Ignoring Vigor and Endurance: Many new players overlook the importance of leveling up Vigor and Endurance, which are crucial for survivability and stamina management during combat. Increasing Vigor helps absorb damage, while Endurance allows for more dodges and attacks without running out of stamina.
- Panic Rolling: A frequent error is panic rolling in response to enemy attacks. This often leads to mistimed dodges, resulting in taking damage instead of evading it effectively. Players should learn enemy attack patterns and roll just before an attack lands to maximize invincibility frames4.
- Only Using Light Attacks: Beginners tend to rely solely on light attacks, neglecting heavier attacks and charged moves that can break enemy poise and deal significant damage. Mixing up attack types can provide strategic advantages in combat.
- Failing to Explore: New players might rush through areas without fully exploring them, missing valuable items, bosses, and lore. Taking time to explore can lead to better gear and runes, enhancing combat capabilities.
- Not Utilizing Online Messages: Ignoring online messages left by other players can result in missed tips about hidden paths or dangers ahead. These messages often provide helpful insights that can improve a player’s experience.
- Neglecting Buffs and Consumables: Many beginners do not take advantage of buffs from spells or consumables, which can significantly enhance combat performance. Utilizing these resources strategically can turn the tide in difficult encounters.
- Locking Onto Enemies Incorrectly: The lock-on system can be tricky; beginners may find themselves locked onto the wrong target or struggling with camera angles during fights. Learning when to lock on or off is essential for maintaining control during battles4.
- Skipping Bosses: Some players may avoid optional bosses thinking they are unnecessary, but defeating them provides valuable runes and experience that can aid progression through the game.
By being aware of these common mistakes, newcomers can improve their combat skills and enjoy a more rewarding experience in the challenging world of Elden Ring.
What are the best strategies for taking down tough bosses in Elden Ring
To effectively take down tough bosses in Elden Ring, players can employ several strategies that enhance their chances of victory. Here are some of the best approaches:
- Utilize Torrent for Mobility: In boss fights like against Starscourge Radahn, using your mount, Torrent, can significantly improve mobility. Riding allows you to dodge attacks more easily and summon NPC allies to distract the boss, creating openings for damage.
- Summon Spirits and NPCs: Summoning Spirit Ashes or NPC allies can turn the tide of battle. These summons can absorb damage and distract bosses, allowing you to safely heal or attack without retaliation. For example, during Radahn’s fight, keeping NPCs alive is crucial, especially during his more devastating attacks.
- Learn Attack Patterns: Every boss has specific attack patterns. Spend time observing these patterns to learn when to dodge or counterattack. This knowledge is vital for timing your rolls and strikes effectively, especially during high-damage phases.
- Exploit Weaknesses: Many bosses have elemental weaknesses or specific vulnerabilities. For instance, using weapons that inflict Bleed or Rot can be particularly effective against certain enemies4. Always check for any resistances or weaknesses before engaging in a fight.
- Master Dodge Mechanics: The dodge roll is one of your most powerful tools in combat. Understanding the invincibility frames (iFrames) during rolls can help you evade attacks successfully. Practice timing your dodges to roll through attacks rather than around them.
- Use Ranged Attacks When Possible: For bosses that allow it, using ranged attacks can keep you at a safer distance while dealing damage. Spells like Rock Sling are highly effective against certain bosses and can stagger them for additional hits.
- Be Patient and Strategic: Avoid the temptation to attack recklessly. Instead, wait for openings after a boss’s attack before striking back. This method reduces the risk of taking unnecessary damage while maximizing your own damage output.
- Practice Makes Perfect: If you’re struggling with a particular boss, consider practicing on weaker enemies to refine your combat skills, such as dodging and timing your attacks. This practice will build confidence and skill that can be applied in tougher encounters.
By integrating these strategies into your gameplay, you’ll enhance your effectiveness in boss battles and increase your chances of success in the challenging world of Elden Ring.
