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Introduction
FromSoftware’s Elden Ring is an expansive, richly detailed action RPG that blends the punishing mechanics of the Soulsborne series with an open-world twist. Set in the mystical Lands Between, players must navigate treacherous terrains, face intimidating bosses, and uncover deep lore. With so much to do, it can be overwhelming, especially for new players. This guide will walk you through ten essential stages of your journey—from beginner tips to advanced strategies—so you can become the Elden Lord with confidence.
1. Starting Out: Choosing Your Class & Keepsake
Every journey begins with character creation. While Elden Ring allows for deep customization later on, your starting class and keepsake can impact your early experience significantly.Choosing the Right Class
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Beginners may want to opt for the Vagabond for its high Vigor and defense.
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Magic users can try Astrologer, perfect for ranged spellcasting.
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If you're confident in your skill or like a challenge, Wretch gives you full control over stat distribution from level 1.
Picking a Keepsake
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The Golden Seed is highly recommended for extra healing early on.
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Stonesword Key unlocks special areas later.
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Lands Between Rune grants runes for early leveling, but is a one-time benefit.
Tip: Don’t stress too much—every class can eventually use all weapons and spells through leveling.
2. First Steps in Limgrave: Learning the World
Once you’re in the Lands Between, Limgrave is your sandbox. It’s a perfect area to learn mechanics, test combat styles, and explore freely.Explore, Don’t Rush
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Avoid the main path at first. Explore side dungeons like the Groveside Cave or Coastal Cave.
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Grab the Map Fragment from pillars on roads to unlock the area’s map.
Key Items to Find Early
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Flask of Wondrous Physick at the Third Church of Marika.
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Torrent, your spirit horse, from Melina after resting at Sites of Grace.
Tip: Talk to NPCs and exhaust dialogue—they often give items or side quests.
3. Combat Basics & Mastering Mechanics
Understanding Elden Ring’s combat is essential. Timing, stamina, and patience are everything.Combat Fundamentals
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Always keep an eye on your Stamina bar—it’s used for attacking, dodging, and blocking.
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Dodging is more effective than blocking for many bosses.
Weapon Skills & Ashes of War
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Each weapon comes with a Skill—press L2/LT to use it.
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You can swap skills using Ashes of War, allowing you to customize your moveset.
Combat Styles:
- Melee Build: Emphasize Strength or Dexterity. Use heavy weapons or katanas.
- Magic Build: Focus on Intelligence or Faith. Spells offer powerful ranged attacks.
- Hybrid Build: Use a mix—great for flexibility in tough fights.
4. Leveling Up & Stat Management
As you earn runes, you’ll need to decide how to level up. Stat choices affect your gear and playstyle.Understanding Stats
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Vigor: HP—critical for survivability.
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Endurance: Stamina and equip load.
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Strength/Dexterity: For physical weapons.
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Intelligence/Faith/Arcane: For magic builds.
Soft Caps Matter
Stats begin to give diminishing returns after certain points:
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Vigor soft cap: 40
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Strength/Dexterity: 55
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Intelligence/Faith: 80
Tip: Use the Respec feature later in the game to adjust your build after experimenting.
5. Spirit Summons & Allies in Battle
Spirit Ashes are one of Elden Ring’s most powerful new features. They allow you to summon AI allies to help during tough fights.How to Use Spirit Ashes
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Obtain Spirit Calling Bell from Renna at the Church of Elleh (nighttime event).
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Equip Spirit Ashes at your equipment menu.
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Can only be summoned near Rebirth Monuments (look for tombstone icons on screen).
Top Early Spirit Ashes
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Lone Wolf Ashes: Balanced and mobile.
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Skeletal Militiamen: Revive unless struck down when fallen.
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Banished Knight Oleg: Powerful but consumes more FP.
Upgrade Tip: Use Roderika at Roundtable Hold to upgrade Spirit Ashes.
6. Exploring Dungeons, Catacombs & Legacy Dungeons
While the open world is vast, don’t overlook its intricate dungeons and ruins.Dungeon Types
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Mini Dungeons: Short and reward Spirit Ashes or weapons.
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Catacombs: Contain Grave Gloveworts for upgrading Spirit Ashes.
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Legacy Dungeons: Like Stormveil Castle—complex, massive areas similar to Dark Souls levels.
Dungeon Rewards
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Boss fights give Remembrances, Talisman Pouches, or Unique Spells.
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Secret walls and hidden paths often hide strong loot.
Tip: Hit suspicious walls or listen for distinct sounds—many areas hide illusory walls.
7. Mid-Game Progression & Gear Optimization
As you move past Stormveil and into Liurnia, Caelid, and Altus Plateau, you’ll need to refine your build and gear.
Upgrade Weapons
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Visit Smithing Master Hewg at the Roundtable Hold.
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Use Smithing Stones or Somber Smithing Stones for special weapons.
Best Mid-Game Talismans
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Radagon’s Scarseal: +Strength but takes more damage.
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Carian Filigreed Crest: Reduces FP cost of skills.
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Green Turtle Talisman: Boosts stamina recovery.
Build Adjustment: Try mixing armor sets for the best balance between Poise and Weight.
8. Boss Strategies & Overcoming Difficulty Spikes
Bosses are the heart of Elden Ring’s challenge. Preparation is key.
General Boss Tactics
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Learn patterns—every boss telegraphs their moves.
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Use Summons to draw aggro while you strike from behind.
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Use Elemental Weaknesses—try Fire against tree enemies or Magic against armored foes.
Notable Boss Tips
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Margit the Fell Omen: Use Spirit Summon + Magic. Buy Margit’s Shackle from Patches.
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Radahn: Summon all available NPCs and ride Torrent to stay mobile.
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Rykard: Use Serpent-Hunter weapon in the boss arena.
Tip: If a boss feels impossible, explore elsewhere. Leveling up or finding better gear can make a huge difference.
9. Endgame Areas & Final Boss Prep
The final areas—Mountaintops of the Giants, Consecrated Snowfield, and Crumbling Farum Azula—are filled with deadly enemies and final gear upgrades.
Preparation
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Bring upgraded weapons +10 or more.
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Level your Spirits to max using Great Ghost Glovewort.
Final Bosses
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Godfrey, First Elden Lord: Aggressive melee—use Bleed or Poison.
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Radagon/Elden Beast: Equip Holy-resistant gear and spells like Blessing of the Erdtree.
Must-Have Items
- Physick Flask Mix: Combine healing with boost to damage or poise.
- Black Knife Tiche: Excellent Spirit Ash for endgame.
10. New Game Plus & Replayability
After beating the final boss, you can begin New Game+, retaining most of your gear, levels, and Spirit Ashes.
What Carries Over?
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Weapons, armor, spells, items.
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Upgrades, Spirit Ashes, Runes (but bosses drop more in NG+).
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Quest progress resets.
Why Replay?
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Choose different endings (e.g. Ranni's Ending, Frenzied Flame).
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Try new builds—Faith builds feel very different from Strength.
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Access new quests or areas you missed on your first playthrough.
Tip: Do optional content before NG+, like Mohgwyn Palace, Malenia and completing NPC quests.
Conclusion
Whether you are focused on the main story or seeking to uncover every secret, Elden Ring rewards curiosity and perseverance. Keep leveling up, adapt your strategy when necessary, and embrace the journey that awaits in the ever-shifting world of the Lands Between.
Final tip: Stay patient, trust your instincts, and remember—every death is a lesson. The road to becoming Elden Lord is long, but with these tips and guides, you’re on the right track.
