Elden Ring: Conquering the Lands Between Guide

Elden Ring is an adventure of massive proportions, filled with difficult bosses, intricate combat mechanics, and a world that constantly keeps you on edge. The rewards, however, are worth every challenge, and if you find yourself stuck or needing a little guidance, we're here to help. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you discover the most essential tips, tricks, and strategies, making your journey through the Lands Between a little less overwhelming. Whether you're stuck on a boss fight or searching for that elusive weapon, we've got you covered!

Elden Ring Tips: A Beginner's Guide

The sheer complexity of Elden Ring can make the learning curve steep, but fear not! Here are some vital tips to get you started:

Take Your Time Exploring: Elden Ring is a vast, open-world game, and exploration is key to surviving. Don't rush to the next boss or area-there are many secrets to uncover, including hidden items, weapons, and areas that can help you progress.

Be Patient with Combat: Combat in Elden Ring is more about timing than just button-mashing. Master dodging, attacking at the right moments, and learning enemy patterns to emerge victorious.

Rest at Sites of Grace: These spots replenish your health, magic, and flask count, and serve as fast travel points. They're your lifeline when things get tough.

Don't Ignore Upgrades: Whether it's weapons, armor, or your Flask, upgrading your gear will significantly increase your survivability. Don't neglect smithing stones, and be sure to seek out sites to upgrade your Estus Flask.

Learn to Use Ashes of War: These give your weapons special abilities and can drastically improve your combat skills. Experiment with them to find the one that suits your playstyle.

Classes and Keepsakes: The Heart of Your Build

Elden Ring offers a wide range of classes, each with its strengths, weaknesses, and playstyles. Here's a breakdown to help you decide what's right for you:

Strength Builds: If you enjoy being up close and personal, strength-based classes like the Vagabond or Hero are ideal. These builds focus on heavy, high-damage weapons and taking hits from enemies. Expect a more tanky, slower style of play.

Dexterity Builds: For players who prefer faster, more agile combat, dexterity builds such as the Samurai or Bandit are excellent choices. These builds focus on speed, precision, and skill-based combat.

Intelligence and Faith Build: If you're drawn to magic, consider classes like the Astrologer (for Intelligence) or the Prophet (for Faith). Magic offers both direct damage and supportive abilities, adding a lot of versatility to your arsenal.

Hybrid Builds: Feel free to mix and match classes to create a unique build. Elden Ring gives you the freedom to combine magic and physical prowess, so don't hesitate to experiment and find a playstyle that works for you.

Keepsakes play a vital role in your early game, offering bonus stats, abilities, and advantages. When choosing a keepsake, prioritize Golden Seed or Sacred Flask for more healing options, especially in the beginning stages. Others, like the Prisoner's Chain, can help if you're aiming for a more balanced build.

Key Quests and NPCs

Melina and other NPCs will guide you through the journey, but understanding their importance can enhance your experience.

Melina's Accord: Accept Melina's offer early in the game. She provides you with the ability to level up your character, which is crucial for progressing through the game. Always prioritize leveling your character's key stats based on your build (Strength for melee, Intelligence for magic, etc.).

The Elden Ring Horse: A key mobility tool, the Torrent mount can be summoned at any time to speed up exploration and help you escape tough encounters. Make sure you unlock it early, as it's essential for navigating the world more efficiently.

The Grafted Scion: The first boss of the game that you can defeat, though it's a tough challenge. For most, it's a learning experience about how the combat works and how the early game scales with difficulty.

Boss Guides

One of the most famous aspects of the Elden Ring is its tough, challenging bosses. Here's a rundown of some of the early-game bosses that you'll want to prepare for:

Tree Sentinel: This boss can be encountered early in the game. He is a tough, mounted opponent, but you can choose to avoid him or return when you're stronger. Tip: His attacks are powerful but predictable, so use your horse for mobility and wait for him to leave openings.

Godrick the Grafted: Known as a major roadblock for many players, Godrick is a multi-phase boss with a lot of attacks to avoid. The key here is to watch his wind-up animations and time your dodges and strikes. Tip: Focus on avoiding his grab attacks in Phase 2, and use any magic or ranged options you have to stay at a distance.

Elden Ring is a game that rewards patience, perseverance, and the courage to ask for help when needed. Be sure to make the most of your Elden Ring runes, Elden Ring items, and summons, and never hesitate to dive into community resources when you're battling legendary bosses or uncovering hidden treasures.