Welcome to our ultimate ‘Elden Ring: Beginner’s Guide,’ your go-to resource for conquering the mysterious and captivating world of Elden Ring. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the action-RPG genre, our guide will arm you with the knowledge you need to thrive in this epic adventure. Journey through crucial subtopics including Understanding Game Mechanics, First Area Walkthrough, Early Game Strategies, Essential Items and Where to Find Them, and Tips for Your First Boss Fight. Dive in and become the hero of your own Elden Ring saga!
Understanding Game Mechanics
Elden Ring is a sprawling game filled with mystery and excitement. To master it, you need to get familiar with its mechanics. Here’s a breakdown to help you on your journey.
Energy Bars
1. Health (HP)
Your Health Bar is at the top left. This shows how much damage you can take before you die. Always keep an eye on it!
2. Stamina
Stamina is essential for almost everything: attacking, blocking, dodging, and running. If it runs out, you can’t do much, so manage it wisely. The green bar under your health shows your stamina.
3. Focus Points (FP)
FP is used for magic and weapon skills. It’s the blue bar below your stamina. Without FP, casting spells or using special weapon abilities is impossible. You can refill FP with items called Ashen Estus Flasks.
Combat Basics
1. Light and Heavy Attacks
- Light Attacks: Fast and consume less stamina.
- Heavy Attacks: Slower but deal more damage. Hold the heavy attack button for even more damage.
2. Dodging
Dodging is critical for avoiding enemy attacks. Timing is everything. Hit the dodge button just before an attack lands.
3. Blocking
Raise your shield to block incoming attacks. Blocking uses less stamina than dodging but not all damage can be blocked.
4. Parrying
Parrying is a high-risk, high-reward move. Time it just right to deflect an attack and leave your enemy open for a powerful riposte.
Exploration and Items
1. Bonfires
Bonfires are your checkpoints. Resting here restores health, stamina, and FP, but it also respawns most enemies. Use them for fast travel too.
2. Loot and Crafting
Search every nook and cranny for items. You can find weapons, armor, and materials for crafting. Crafting can make your adventuring life a lot easier by creating useful items like healing potions.
3. NPCs and Quests
Non-playable characters (NPCs) offer quests, advice, and lore. Talk to them whenever you can. Some quests impact the story and can be very rewarding.
Skills and Upgrades
1. Leveling Up
Gain experience points (runes) by defeating enemies. Spend runes at bonfires to level up your stats, like Health, Stamina, and Strength.
2. Weapon Upgrades
Upgrade your weapons at a blacksmith. Materials for upgrades are scattered throughout the world. A stronger weapon could be the difference between victory and defeat.
3. Magic and Miracles
Magic uses FP and is divided into Sorceries and Miracles. Sorceries require Intelligence, while Miracles need Faith. Choose what fits your playstyle.
Multiplayer Mechanics
1. Co-op Play
Invite friends or random players to join your game. This can make tough battles more manageable. You’ll need special items called summon signs to do this.
2. PvP (Player vs. Player)
Other players can invade your game. Be prepared for human opponents, who can be a lot trickier than AI enemies. Winning PvP battles can grant unique rewards.
Understanding these core mechanics will set you up for success in Elden Ring. Keep experimenting, and don’t get discouraged by failures—the game is designed to be challenging yet rewarding. Happy adventuring!
Elden Ring: Beginner’s Guide
First Area Walkthrough
Welcome, Tarnished! Ready to embark on your epic journey in Elden Ring? The first area can be a bit daunting, but don’t sweat it. We’ve got your back. Let’s break down how to make it through unscathed.
1. Waking Up in the Chapel of Anticipation
You start your journey in the Chapel of Anticipation. Take a moment to admire the eerie beauty, then grab your starting weapon and head out. You’ll face your first enemy pretty quickly: a Grafted Scion. This guy is tough, but don’t worry about beating him. Losing here is expected and sets up the story. If you do manage to defeat him, you’ll get some cool loot. Either way, you’ll move forward.
2. Exploring the Cave of Knowledge
After your inevitable “death,” you’ll awaken in the Cave of Knowledge. This serves as a basic tutorial area. Use this time to get familiar with the controls and mechanics. Practice attacking, blocking, and evading. If you have any questions about specific actions, this is the time to resolve them.
Optionally, you can skip this by finding an elevator that leads directly to the next part of the game. But if you’re new, we recommend going through it.
3. Stepping Into Limgrave
Once you exit the cave, you’ll find yourself in the vast, open world of Limgrave. Take a moment to enjoy the view; it’s breathtaking. Your first goal here should be heading to the Church of Elleh, visible in the distance. It’s a safe zone where you can collect some essential items.
4. Meeting Your First NPCs
On your way to the church, you’ll meet an NPC named Varre. Chat with him to get some context on your quest. He’s a bit cryptic but offers valuable information.
At the Church of Elleh, you’ll find a merchant named Kalé. He sells useful items and gear. Don’t miss the Site of Grace here, which functions like a checkpoint where you can rest and level up.
5. The First Mini-Boss: Tree Sentinel
If you wander the path, you’ll find a hulking knight on horseback known as the Tree Sentinel. This guy is no joke and will likely crush you if you’re unprepared. It’s best to avoid him for now unless you’re feeling exceptionally brave. Sneak past him or go around the long way to continue exploring the area.
6. Wolves in the Wild
In the nearby woods, you’ll encounter groups of wolves. They work well together and can quickly gang up on you. Try to lure them one-by-one to avoid being overwhelmed. Use your attacks wisely and don’t forget to block or dodge.
7. The Gatefront Ruins
Progress further, and you’ll find the Gatefront Ruins. This place is crawling with soldiers, so move carefully. Stealth is your friend here. Use sneak attacks to take down enemies silently. Clear this area, and you’ll find a valuable map fragment showing more of Limgrave.
8. Finding Torrent, the Spirit Steed
After you’ve cleared the ruins, you’ll come across another Site of Grace. When you rest here, a mysterious maiden named Melina will approach you. She offers you the ability to summon Torrent, your trusty steed. Accept this gift; Torrent will be incredibly helpful for navigating the vast terrain.
9. Ready for Your Next Steps
With your Spirit Steed by your side and new abilities unlocked, you’re well-prepared to wander deeper into Limgrave. Continue to level up, collect weapons, and chat with NPCs to gain more insight into the world of Elden Ring. Your adventure has just begun, and there’s so much more to discover.
So, get out there, Tarnished. The Lands Between await you. Defeat enemies, avoid the big baddies (for now), and uncover the mysteries of Elden Ring. Good luck!
Early Game Strategies
Getting started in Elden Ring can feel overwhelming due to its vast open world and challenging enemies. But fear not, young Tarnished! With a little guidance, you’ll soon be exploring like a pro. Here are some early game strategies to help you on your quest.
1. Choose Your Starting Class Wisely
Your chosen class will influence your early gameplay experience. For beginners, classes like the Vagabond or Samurai are excellent choices. These classes offer balanced stats and decent starting gear, giving you a solid foundation to build upon.
2. Get to Know Your Controls
Before diving into combat, spend some time familiarizing yourself with the game’s controls. Practice rolling, blocking, and attacking in a safe area. Understanding how to dodge and parry effectively can be the difference between life and death.
3. Explore and Collect Items
Elden Ring’s world is full of hidden treasures. Take your time to explore the environment, especially early on. You might find useful items like healing flasks, weapons, and crafting materials. Don’t rush to the next main quest location, as you might miss valuable gear or runes.
4. Level Up Smartly
As you defeat enemies and bosses, you’ll earn runes. Visit Sites of Grace (which act as checkpoints) to level up your character. Early on, focus on increasing your Vitality (health) and Endurance (stamina), as these will help you survive longer in battles. Balancing these with your preferred weapon’s required stats is key.
5. Upgrade Your Equipment
Don’t neglect your gear! Upgrading your weapons can make a huge difference. Look for blacksmiths who can strengthen your weapons with materials you’ve collected. Even a modest weapon can become incredibly powerful if sufficiently upgraded.
6. Summon Spirits for Help
Some areas in the game allow you to summon spirits to aid you in combat. These spirits can distract enemies and provide much-needed assistance during tough fights. These summons can be a lifesaver, especially when learning the bosses’ patterns and attacks.
7. Learn Enemy Patterns
Enemies in Elden Ring have specific patterns and behaviors. Spend some time observing them to understand when to attack and when to defend. Each enemy type has a learning curve, and patience will serve you well in mastering them.
8. Use the Stealth Mechanic
Elden Ring introduces a robust stealth system. Use crouch to sneak up on enemies and perform critical strikes from behind. This tactic is especially useful when you’re outnumbered or low on health, as it can give you an advantage or help you bypass difficult encounters entirely.
9. Rest and Respawn Wisely
Keep an eye on your surroundings and remember the locations of Sites of Grace. Resting at these spots will restore your health and flasks but will also respawn enemies, so use them judiciously. Resting is crucial for maintaining your resources, but doing so at the wrong time can reset your progress in a tricky area.
10. Know When to Retreat
Sometimes the best strategy is knowing when to retreat. If you find an area or enemy too challenging, retreat and level up or find better gear. There’s no shame in backing off to fight another day.
11. Make Friends with NPCs
Engage with Non-Player Characters (NPCs) you encounter. Some will offer side quests, sell useful items, or even join you on part of your journey. NPCs can provide lore and hints that might prove invaluable.
12. Stay Patient and Persistent
Elden Ring’s difficulty is part of its allure. Take your time, learn from each defeat, and persistent effort will eventually lead to sweet victories. Every failure is a step closer to mastering the game.
With these strategies, you’ll blaze through the early game with confidence. Remember, every Tarnished started just like you—persevere, and you’ll soon become a legendary hero in the Lands Between. Happy adventuring!
Beginner’s Guide: Essential Items and Where to Find Them
In the vast, mysterious world of Elden Ring, survival often hinges on gathering the right items. Whether you’re a newbie just diving in or a seasoned adventurer, knowing where to find crucial items can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a rundown of must-have essentials and their locations.
Flask of Crimson Tears
The Flask of Crimson Tears is your primary way to heal and stay alive during battle. You start with a couple of these, but you can find more Flask upgrades (known as Golden Seeds) scattered around the game world.
Where to Find
- First Step Grace Site: Head north from the First Step Grace, and you’ll find a Golden Seed near the glowing tree.
- Stormhill Shack: Check near the storm-battered shack along the road leading to Stormveil Castle.
Flask of Cerulean Tears
While the Crimson Tears heal your health, the Flask of Cerulean Tears restores your magic (FP). Upgrades can be found in the form of Sacred Tears.
Where to Find
- Third Church of Marika: This church is found in Limgrave. The Sacred Tear is placed near a statue within the church.
- Callu Baptismal Church: Another Sacred Tear awaits you here. But prepare to face some enemies guarding it!
Spirit Calling Bell
Summoning spirits to aid in battle can tip the scales in your favor. The Spirit Calling Bell is a unique item for this purpose.
Where to Find
- Roundtable Hold: Melina will guide you to the Roundtable Hold after resting at a Site of Grace. Speak to Renna at the Church of Elleh, and she will bestow the Spirit Calling Bell upon you.
- Merchant at the Isolated Merchant’s Shack: If you miss getting it from Renna, you can buy it from the isolated merchant in the Weeping Peninsula.
Torrent’s Whistle
Torrent is your trusty steed, enabling you to traverse the Lands Between swiftly and efficiently.
Where to Find
- Gatefront Ruins: After activating the Site of Grace at Gatefront Ruins, Melina will appear and grant you the Spectral Steed Whistle to summon Torrent anytime.
Cookbooks
Cookbooks are essential for learning new crafting recipes, which can enhance your gameplay experience by allowing you to make healing items, throwable weapons, and more.
Where to Find
- Nomadic Merchant: Found near Limgrave’s waypoint ruins, you can purchase cookbooks here to expand your repertoire.
- Dungeons and Caves: Keep an eye out for these during your exploration, particularly in chests and as rewards for defeating mini-bosses.
Maps Fragments
Maps help you navigate Elden Ring’s world more effectively, showing you the lay of the land and marking crucial locations.
Where to Find
- Map Steles: These are large stone pillars commonly found along major routes. Look for them in each new area you explore. For example, you can find one in the center of Limgrave.
Stonesword Keys
These are used to unlock sealed pathways and rooms, often hiding valuable loot.
Where to Find
- Scavenging: These are scattered throughout the world. A known easy spot is the Fringefolk Hero’s Grave, near the starting area of the game.
- Merchants: Various merchants sell them sparingly. For example, you can buy one from the Patches the Hyena located in Murkwater Cave.
Ashes of War
These items grant special skills to your weapons, giving you an edge in combat.
Where to Find
- Gael Tunnel: Found in the Caelid region, navigate the tunnel to find the Ash of War inside a chest guarded by tough enemies.
- Knight Bernahl: Located at the Warmaster’s Shack, Knight Bernahl sells several unique Ashes of War.
By tracking down these essential items, you’ll be better prepared to face the challenges of Elden Ring’s sprawling world. Good luck, Tarnished, and may your bravery be rewarded!
Tips for First Boss Fight
The first boss fight in Elden Ring can be a real challenge, especially if you’re new to the game. But don’t worry! Here are some tips that’ll help you survive and beat that first boss.
1. Know Your Enemy
Before diving headfirst into the battle, take a moment to observe the boss’s movements and attack patterns. Most bosses have a rhythm to their attacks that you can learn. Watch how they move, when they strike, and when they leave themselves open. This information is crucial for planning your own moves.
2. Dodge, Don’t Block
Blocking might be your first instinct, but in Elden Ring, dodging is often more effective. Bosses hit hard, and your stamina bar can only take so much. Dodging uses less stamina and can completely avoid damage if timed right. Roll to the side or through attacks to stay on your feet.
3. Use Your Environment
Sometimes, the arena where you fight can help you just as much as your weapons and spells. Look around: are there pillars to hide behind? Elevations to jump off of? Use these features to gain an advantage. They can give you cover or help avoid powerful attacks.
4. Mind Your Stamina
Your stamina is everything in a boss fight. You’ll need it for dodging, attacking, and blocking. If you run out, you’ll be left vulnerable. Make sure to manage your stamina by not overextending. Attack a few times, then back off to let your stamina recharge.
5. Healing Wisely
Knowing when to heal can make or break the fight. Don’t chug your healing flask right after getting hit if the boss is right on top of you. Wait for a safer moment—like when the boss is winding down from an attack or when you’ve managed to create some distance.
6. Summon Help
Elden Ring is designed to be played with others if you need it. You can summon NPCs (non-playable characters) or even other players to help you with tough boss fights. Look for summon signs near the boss arena or use items that let you call for help.
7. Upgrade Your Gear
If you’re struggling, it might be worth upgrading your gear. Level up your weapons at the blacksmith and make sure you’re wearing the best armor you can find. Even a small boost in your attack power or defense can make a big difference.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Grind
If the boss is just too strong, consider spending some time grinding. Go back to earlier areas and farm some runes (the game’s currency) to level up your character. Sometimes, a few extra levels can give you the edge you need.
9. Use Consumables
Don’t forget about items in your inventory. Buffs, status effects, and bombs can give you the upper hand. Firebombs, for example, can do significant damage if you can find an opening to use them. Check what you have and experiment with different items.
10. Stay Calm
Finally, keep your cool. It’s easy to get frustrated, but staying calm and focused is the key. Remember, it’s a game, and practice makes perfect. Learn from each attempt, and don’t give up.
Good luck! With these tips, you’re sure to overcome that first boss and move on to even greater challenges in Elden Ring. Happy gaming!