FromSoftware’s Elden Ring has become a monumental entry in the world of action RPGs, blending the unforgiving difficulty of the Soulsborne series with a vast, open-world experience. With its intricate lore, challenging enemies, and deep mechanics, mastering this game requires skill, strategy, and patience. This guide will take you through a step-by-step journey on how to excel in Elden Ring—from character creation to defeating the final boss.
Introduction
Elden Ring presents players with a rich, immersive world filled with dangerous enemies, cryptic puzzles, and a level of difficulty that can be daunting for even seasoned players. This article will walk you through essential tips and strategies to master the game, covering topics such as character creation, early game progression, combat techniques, and more. Each section is designed to help you progress through the game efficiently while enjoying every step of the journey.
1. How to Choose the Right Starting Class
Choosing the right starting class is crucial in Elden Ring. Your class determines your initial stats, equipment, and playstyle, but you can build upon it as you progress.
Key Classes to Consider
- Vagabond: Ideal for players who want a balanced, melee-focused experience.
- Astrologer: For magic-focused players who prefer a long-range, spell-casting approach.
- Samurai: Perfect for those who value speed, agility, and a mix of ranged and melee combat.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Class
Each class has distinct advantages. For example, Vagabond offers high health and strength early on, while Astrologers can dominate enemies from afar but struggle with defense. Samurai provides excellent mobility but requires precise timing to be most effective. Regardless of your choice, you can adapt and enhance your character throughout the game.
2. How to Survive the First Few Hours in Limgrave
Limgrave, the starting area of Elden Ring, can be overwhelming for new players. It’s full of dangerous enemies and hidden secrets.
Exploring Limgrave
- Start Small: Don’t rush into tough battles. Begin by exploring the smaller caves and ruins to gather early game loot.
- Look for Sites of Grace: These are your save points and serve as a place to level up, rest, and recharge your flasks.
- Acquire a Mount: Early in the game, you’ll get your mount, Torrent, which allows for fast travel and mounted combat. Make sure to use Torrent to explore larger areas safely.
Facing the First Boss: Margit, the Fell Omen
Margit will likely be the first major boss you encounter. His attacks are fast and powerful, but patience and dodging at the right time will be your key to success. Don’t hesitate to grind for levels and upgrade your gear before taking him on.
3. How to Level Up Effectively
As you collect Runes from defeated enemies, leveling up becomes crucial to surviving Elden Ring’s brutal challenges.
Attribute Distribution
- Strength and Dexterity: Focus on these for melee weapons.
- Intelligence and Faith: Vital for magic-based characters.
- Endurance and Vigor: Always increase these to improve your stamina and health.
Farming Runes
One of the best ways to level up early is by farming weaker enemies in areas like the Weeping Peninsula. Runes drop frequently, and you can quickly gather enough to boost your stats without too much risk.
4. How to Master Combat
Combat in Elden Ring is highly strategic, requiring a mix of timing, dodging, and understanding enemy patterns.
Dodging and Rolling
- Timing is Key: Knowing when to roll is crucial. Roll too early, and you’ll still get hit; too late, and it’s game over.
- Managing Stamina: Keep an eye on your stamina bar. Don’t roll or attack too often, or you’ll leave yourself vulnerable.
Weapon Scaling and Upgrading
Weapon scaling refers to how much a weapon’s power increases based on your stats. Upgrading weapons is equally essential, as it drastically boosts their damage potential. Smithing Stones, found throughout the world, are needed to upgrade weapons at a Smithing Table.
5. How to Approach Multiplayer and Co-op
Elden Ring offers a unique multiplayer system where you can summon players to help you or invade others.
Co-op Play
- Summoning Allies: Using the Furlcalling Finger Remedy, you can summon other players to help you take on tough bosses.
- Phantom Assistance: Allies appear as phantoms and can assist in battle, but they leave once the boss is defeated.
Invasion and PvP
You can also invade other players’ worlds using the Bloody Finger. Keep in mind, invasions are challenging, and you’ll need to be well-prepared with strong weapons and tactics to succeed.
6. How to Explore and Find Hidden Areas
Elden Ring is filled with secrets, hidden paths, and areas you might miss on a first playthrough.
Searching for Hidden Walls
Some dungeons feature hidden walls that lead to treasure or shortcuts. Use your weapon or interact with suspicious-looking walls to reveal these secrets.
The Importance of Exploration
Many powerful items and weapons are tucked away in remote areas. Take the time to explore every corner of the map—whether it’s a hidden cave or a rooftop in a ruin, you’ll be rewarded for your curiosity.
7. How to Defeat Mid-Game Bosses
As you progress through Elden Ring, bosses become more complex, and their attack patterns are harder to predict.
Key Boss Strategies
- Red Wolf of Radagon: His fast-paced magic attacks require quick dodging. Stay mobile and strike when you have an opening.
- Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon: Focus on taking out her minions first before going for heavy hits.
Using Spirit Ashes
Spirit Ashes are a valuable tool in tougher boss fights. These are NPC summons that can aid in battle, distracting enemies and dealing damage.
8. How to Build Your Character for Late-Game Success
By the time you reach the later stages of Elden Ring, your character should be specialized in a particular build.
Choosing a Build
- Melee Tank: Focus on Strength, Vigor, and Endurance. Heavy armor and large weapons like Greatswords are ideal.
- Magic Build: Intelligence and Faith are key here. Equip high-level spells and staffs for maximum damage.
- Hybrid Build: Combining melee and magic can be effective but requires careful stat balancing.
Best Late-Game Gear
As you get closer to the final bosses, make sure to upgrade your gear and find powerful weapons like the Moonveil Katana or Blasphemous Blade.
9. How to Tackle the Final Bosses
The final bosses in Elden Ring are some of the most challenging in gaming history. Preparation and persistence are vital.
Strategies for Godrick the Grafted
Godrick has long, telegraphed attacks, but they deal massive damage. Learn his patterns and strike after he finishes his combos.
Facing the Elden Beast
The Elden Beast, the game’s final boss, will test everything you’ve learned. Its enormous size and area-of-effect attacks make dodging difficult. Equip high-resistance gear and summon Spirit Ashes to draw its attention.
10. How to Achieve the Best Endings
Elden Ring features multiple endings based on your choices throughout the game.
Key Ending Paths
- Age of Fracture: The most straightforward ending.
- Age of Duskborn: Achieved by completing Fia’s questline.
- Lord of Frenzied Flame: A more sinister ending unlocked by meeting the Three Fingers.
Post-Game Content
Even after finishing the game, Elden Ring offers New Game+ mode, allowing you to carry over your stats and items to tackle the game again with increased difficulty.
Conclusion
Mastering Elden Ring is no easy feat. It requires careful planning, perseverance, and the ability to learn from mistakes. From choosing the right class and progressing through Limgrave to defeating challenging bosses and unlocking hidden areas, this guide has outlined key strategies to ensure your success in the Lands Between. As you continue your journey, remember that exploration, patience, and a bit of bravery will take you far in the world of Elden Ring.
