FromSoftware’s highly anticipated action role-playing game, Elden Ring, has finally arrived, immersing players in a vast and perilous world known as the Lands Between. With its intricate systems, challenging combat, and deep lore, Elden Ring presents a daunting challenge for even the most seasoned gamers. But fear not, for this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential tips and strategies to conquer this masterful game.
Introduction to Elden Ring
Elden Ring is set in a mysterious and treacherous world where the Elden Ring, the source of all power and order, has been shattered. You play as the Tarnished, a chosen one tasked with restoring the Elden Ring and bringing balance back to the lands. The game offers a seamless open-world experience, with each area connected to one another and filled with secrets waiting to be discovered.
As you embark on your journey, you will encounter various challenges, including formidable bosses, treacherous terrain, and powerful enemies. But don’t let that discourage you, as with determination, skill, and some helpful tips, you can overcome any obstacle in Elden Ring.
Starting Your Journey: Beginner Tips
Before diving into the world of Elden Ring, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Patience Is Key: Elden Ring is not a game for those looking for quick and easy victories. It requires patience and persistence to master its combat and mechanics.
- Learn from Your Mistakes: Every death in Elden Ring is a learning opportunity. Pay attention to enemy patterns and use that knowledge to your advantage.
- Explore Thoroughly: The Lands Between is filled with hidden paths, secret areas, and valuable loot. Take your time to explore every nook and cranny.
- Manage Your Stamina: The stamina bar is crucial in Elden Ring’s combat. Be mindful of your actions and avoid depleting it completely, as it will leave you vulnerable.
- Save Often: As with any game, make sure to save your progress regularly to avoid losing hours of gameplay due to an untimely death.
Class Selection and Character Builds
Your journey begins with creating your Tarnished, the protagonist destined to restore the Elden Ring. Choosing a class is the first step in shaping your character and can greatly impact your playstyle. Here are the classes available in Elden Ring:
Class | Starting Stats | Equipment |
---|---|---|
Warrior | Strength: 12Endurance: 10Vitality: 11Dexterity: 9Magic: 8Faith: 9 | Broadsword, Light Shield |
Hero | Strength: 15Endurance: 10Vitality: 13Dexterity: 9Magic: 6Faith: 7 | Longsword, Medium Shield |
Bandit | Strength: 10Endurance: 14Vitality: 8Dexterity: 16Magic: 6Faith: 7 | Dual Daggers, Light Leather Armor |
Samurai | Strength: 9Endurance: 9Vitality: 10Dexterity: 14Magic: 6Faith: 12 | Katana, Bow |
Prisoner | Strength: 6Endurance: 11Vitality: 6Dexterity: 6Magic: 17Faith: 6 | Catalyst, Light Armor |
Confessor | Strength: 10Endurance: 9Vitality: 8Dexterity: 11Magic: 12Faith: 10 | Mace, Talisman |
Astrologer | Strength: 6Endurance: 6Vitality: 6Dexterity: 7Magic: 18Faith: 7 | Staff, Sorcery Tome |
Prophet | Strength: 6Endurance: 6Vitality: 6Dexterity: 7Magic: 7Faith: 18 | Chime, Miracle Scroll |
While each class has its own strengths and weaknesses, the beauty of Elden Ring lies in the fact that you are not bound by your initial class choice. You can level up any stat you desire, and with the help of NPC merchants, you can also acquire equipment from other classes. This allows for a wide range of character builds, so experiment and find one that suits your playstyle.
Exploring the Open World: Key Areas and Hidden Secrets
The Lands Between is a vast open world filled with diverse landscapes, deadly creatures, and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Here are some essential areas you should explore:
Falgrim Tower
This towering structure serves as the game’s main hub, where you can level up your character, purchase items, and upgrade your weapons and armor. Make sure to visit it frequently to keep up with your progress.
The Great Plains of Bolgoreth
This vast grassland is home to many hostile creatures and serves as a great place for farming materials and souls. Be cautious, as it is also a prime location for PvP invasions.
The Forbidden City of Velsia
This ancient city is filled with secrets and powerful enemies, including the first boss, the Tainted King. Make sure to thoroughly explore every corner to find valuable loot.
The Chasm of Abaddon
This deep crevice leads to the Underworld, where you will encounter some of the game’s most challenging areas and bosses. It is recommended to have a high-level character before venturing here.
Boss Fight Strategies: Defeating Major Enemies
Elden Ring is known for its difficult bosses, each with their unique abilities and attack patterns. Here are some general tips to keep in mind when facing them:
- Study Their Moves: Pay close attention to how bosses move and attack to anticipate their next move.
- Stay Mobile: Keep moving to avoid getting hit by attacks and to create opportunities to strike back.
- Use Cover: Some bosses have long-range attacks that can be avoided by hiding behind obstacles or structures.
- Know When to Retreat: If your health is low, don’t hesitate to retreat and heal before going back into battle.
- Summon Allies: You can summon NPC allies or other players to assist you in boss fights. Use this to your advantage.
Weapon and Armor Guide: Best Gear for Your Playstyle
There is a wide variety of weapons and armor available in Elden Ring, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here are some of the best options for different playstyles:
Melee Weapons
- Greatsword: Slow but powerful, this weapon is ideal for strength-based builds.
- Rapier: Quick and precise, this weapon is perfect for dexterity-based builds.
- Mace: A versatile weapon with good damage and stagger potential, suitable for all builds.
Ranged Weapons
- Bow: Perfect for long-range attacks and luring enemies.
- Crossbow: More powerful than bows, but with a slower reload time.
- Magic Catalyst: Use it to cast spells and deal ranged damage.
Armor
- Light Armor: Offers less protection but allows for quicker movement and stamina regeneration.
- Medium Armor: Balances protection and mobility.
- Heavy Armor: Provides the most protection, but at the cost of slower movement and stamina regeneration.
Magic and Skills: Maximizing Your Abilities
In Elden Ring, magic plays a significant role in combat, and properly investing in skills can greatly enhance your character’s power. Here are some essential spells and abilities to consider:
Miracles
- Healing: Allows you to heal yourself and allies.
- Lightning Spear: Deals lightning damage to enemies.
- Wrath of the Gods: Releases a powerful shockwave that damages surrounding enemies.
Sorceries
- Soul Arrow: Basic ranged spell, ideal for early game.
- Fireball: Deals fire damage, useful against enemies weak to fire.
- Great Soul Arrow: An upgraded version of Soul Arrow, deals more damage.
Pyromancies
- Flame Whip: Melee-range spell, useful for close combat situations.
- Chaos Storm: Releases a fiery explosion around the caster, damaging nearby enemies.
- Combustion: Deals fire damage in a short-range cone.
Side Quests and NPC Interactions
Elden Ring offers various side quests, each with its own story and rewards. Make sure to interact with NPCs and complete their tasks to gain valuable items and souls. Here are some notable side quests to look out for:
Helping the Blacksmith
The blacksmith in Falgrim Tower will ask you to retrieve special embers scattered throughout the world. These embers unlock the ability to upgrade certain weapons and armor to higher levels.
Protecting the Merchant
A merchant in the Great Plains of Bolgoreth will ask for your protection while they gather rare materials. Defend them against enemies to receive valuable items.
Saving the Prisoner
In the Forbidden City of Velsia, you will come across a prisoner in need of rescue. Free them and they will reward you with useful items.
Endgame Content and Challenges
As you near the end of your journey, there are still many challenges and secrets waiting to be uncovered. Here are some activities you can engage in once you have completed the main story:
- New Game Plus: After completing the game, you can start over with your character, but with increased difficulty.
- Secret Bosses: There are hidden bosses scattered throughout the world that offer unique challenges and rewards.
- PvP Arena: Test your skills against other players in an arena-style combat setting.
- Covenants: Joining different covenants allows you to participate in various activities and earn special rewards.
Conclusion
Elden Ring is an expansive and challenging game that offers endless possibilities for character builds, exploration, and combat. With this comprehensive guide, you now have all the tools to conquer the Lands Between and restore the Elden Ring. Remember to stay patient, learn from your mistakes, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.