This Elden Ring Beginners Guide covers everything you need to know to start your adventure. Elden Ring is an epic open-world RPG by FromSoftware, known for its challenging combat and deep exploration. Whether you’re new to FromSoftware games or a seasoned veteran of Dark Souls, Bloodborne, or Sekiro, this guide will help you confidently navigate the Lands Between.
Table of Contents
Choosing Your Origin (Starting Class)
Your first big choice is your starting class, or origin. This choice affects your starting stats and equipment, giving you a general direction for your early game. But remember, you can customize your character as you play.
- Vagabond: A good choice for beginners. They have high health and balanced stats, good for melee combat with heavy weapons.
- Warrior: If you like agile combat, this class has high Dexterity and starts with twin scimitars for fast attacks.
- Hero: This origin focuses on raw power, with high Strength and Vigor, perfect for wielding axes and tanking hits.
- Bandit: This class uses ranged combat, with high Arcane and Dexterity, starting with a bow.
- Astrologer: If you want to use magic, this class has high Intelligence and Mind, great for sorceries.
- Prophet: Another magic-focused class, but with more Faith for incantations like healing and elemental attacks.
- Samurai: A strong fighter who starts with a katana (that causes Bleed) and a longbow, offering both melee and ranged options.
- Prisoner: A mix of Dexterity and Intelligence, good for players who want to combine melee combat with magic.
- Confessor: Another hybrid option, balancing Faith and Strength, starting with both incantations and melee skills.
While the Deprived class is an option, it’s best for experienced players seeking a challenge.
Ultimately, choose the class that fits how you want to play. You can overcome any challenge with any class with the right approach.
Best Keepsake (Starting Gift)
Selecting a keepsake helps you early on. The Golden Seed is generally the best choice for beginners as it enhances your survival by increasing the number of healing and FP-restoration flasks you have. While other keepsakes like the Crimson Amber Medallion (increases health) or the Stone Sword Key (unlocks specific areas) are useful, they don’t have as immediate an impact as the Golden Seed.
Essential Early-Game Tips
Complete the Cave of Knowledge (Tutorial)
Completing the Cave of Knowledge is crucial as it introduces you to Elden Ring’s mechanics. This area teaches you fundamental skills, such as dodging, blocking, and guard counters. Even experienced players should complete this tutorial to grasp Elden Ring’s unique gameplay features.
Exploring Limgrave
Early exploration in Limgrave significantly benefits your adventure. Start by visiting the Sites of Grace, especially those at The First Step and the Gatefront Ruins. Merchant Kale at the Church of Elleh sells critical items like the Crafting Kit and the Torch. At the Gatefront Ruins, you’ll also find valuable tools such as the Map Fragment, Brass Shield, and the Whetstone Knife, essential for customizing weapons with Ashes of War.
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Meeting Important NPCs
Meeting NPCs early on can shape your Elden Ring experience. Melina is particularly vital, as she allows you to level up and grants you Torrent, a spectral steed essential for exploration. Merchant Kale provides key early-game items, and meeting Ranni the Witch at night after obtaining Torrent is crucial for unlocking Spirit Summons.
Combat and Character Progression
Combat in Elden Ring is about timing, strategy, and adaptability. Balance your attacks between quick light strikes and stronger heavy attacks. Dodging and blocking are equally crucial; maintaining a medium equip load is typically optimal for beginners, balancing mobility and defense. Carefully observe enemy patterns and learn when to counter or retreat.
Managing Runes and Leveling Up
Runes are the central currency for progression, obtained from defeated enemies or exploration. Spend runes regularly on leveling up at Sites of Grace. Prioritize increasing Vigor (health) and Endurance (stamina) early. Magic users should focus on Intelligence or Faith, while melee players should focus on Strength or Dexterity based on their weapon type.
Crucial Items and Upgrades
Flasks of Tears
Your Flasks of Tears are essential for survival, allowing you to heal and restore FP. Regularly upgrade these flasks using Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears found around the world. Customizing the number of Crimson Tears (health) and Cerulean Tears (FP) charges based on your build will greatly enhance your effectiveness.
Weapon Upgrades and Ashes of War
Upgrading your weapons significantly boosts damage output. Smithing Stones, found in mines and dropped by enemies, are essential for weapon upgrades. Ashes of War further customize your weapons, adding unique abilities and improving attribute scaling. Experimentation with different Ashes of War is key to discovering effective strategies.
Using Spirit Ashes Effectively
Spirit Ashes summon spectral allies to assist you in combat, making difficult encounters more manageable. Acquire the Spirit Calling Bell from Ranni or purchase it later from the Twin Maiden Husks. Experiment with different Spirit Ashes, such as Lone Wolf Ashes, to find those that complement your playstyle best.
The Crafting System
Crafting is a valuable feature that lets you create consumable items like ammunition and offensive items. Begin crafting by purchasing the Crafting Kit from Merchant Kale at the Church of Elleh. Gathering crafting materials regularly will provide you with necessary supplies during exploration and combat.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes to have a smoother experience:
- Skipping the tutorial area (Cave of Knowledge).
- Ignoring NPC dialogue and item descriptions.
- Failing to get the Crafting Kit and Torch early from Merchant Kale.
- Trying to fight the Tree Sentinel too early.
- Not finding and using Map Fragments.
- Forgetting to equip Torrent to the quick item menu.
- Spreading stat points too thinly across multiple attributes.
- Relying solely on character level and not upgrading weapons.
- Being afraid to experiment with different weapons, Ashes of War, and spells.
- Getting discouraged and giving up too easily after dying repeatedly.
- Attacking NPCs unnecessarily.
Key Strategies for Success
Avoid common beginner pitfalls by regularly upgrading weapons and focusing your character build. Prioritize exploration to find valuable resources and don’t hesitate to retreat if a battle becomes overwhelming. Utilizing stealth can significantly improve your survival chances by allowing you to approach enemies strategically or avoid combat altogether. Finally, embrace experimentation with different combat strategies, weapons, and spells to discover the playstyle that suits you best.
Embark on your journey in Elden Ring with confidence, knowing that the Lands Between hold great challenges but also incredible rewards for those who persevere.
