If you’ve recently picked up Elden Ring and are wondering what awaits you in the Lands Between, you’re in for quite an adventure! This game, brought to life by the creators of Dark Souls and Bloodborne, offers a sprawling open-world experience filled with dangerous enemies, challenging bosses, and an intriguing story. But as beautiful and fascinating as the world of Elden Ring is, it can also be intimidating, especially for newcomers. Fear not! This beginner’s guide will help you navigate the Lands Between with confidence, offering key insights into everything from combat to character creation.
What is Elden Ring?
Elden Ring is an action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware, with a story and world co-created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. Set in a fantasy world known as the Lands Between, the game thrusts players into the shoes of a “Tarnished” who must reclaim the power of the shattered Elden Ring and become the Elden Lord. What makes Elden Ring stand out is its seamless open-world design combined with the familiar punishing difficulty from previous FromSoftware games like Dark Souls and Sekiro.
Understanding the Lands Between
The Lands Between is a vast, interconnected world full of varied environments, from foreboding castles to mist-covered forests. Each region offers different challenges, enemies, and story elements. This world is not just a backdrop; it’s woven into the lore of the game. As you explore, you’ll discover ruins of ancient civilizations, meet mysterious NPCs, and unravel the history of this world.
This attention to world-building also affects gameplay. You’ll need to pay close attention to your surroundings, as every corner of the map may hold secrets, treasure, or deadly traps. The Lands Between is not linear; it invites exploration at your own pace, but this freedom means it’s easy to get lost or stumble upon enemies far beyond your skill level.
Creating Your Character
Before you begin your journey, you’ll need to create a character. Choosing the right class is important as it will determine your playstyle early on. Are you a melee fighter, favoring heavy swords and shields? Or perhaps you’d prefer the finesse of a rogue, wielding fast, dexterous weapons? There are also magic-based classes for those who want to rely on spells.
Attributes such as Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Faith play a big role in shaping your character. If you’re a beginner, starting with a balanced class like the Vagabond or Samurai can be a safe choice. These classes offer a good blend of offense, defense, and utility, giving you room to experiment with both melee combat and magic as you progress.
Navigating the Open World
The world of Elden Ring is massive, and navigating it can feel overwhelming at first. Fortunately, the game offers a map system that gradually expands as you find map fragments scattered throughout the Lands Between. Once you activate Sites of Grace, which are essentially checkpoints, you can fast-travel between them, allowing for quicker movement across long distances.
Points of interest like dungeons, caves, and fortresses dot the landscape, offering rewards and challenges. Exploration is key, but it’s important to pace yourself. Often, taking the road less traveled can lead to hidden items or valuable experiences, but it can also lead to powerful enemies who may be best avoided until later.
Combat Basics
Combat in Elden Ring follows the classic “tough but fair” approach of previous FromSoftware titles. It revolves around managing your stamina, timing your attacks, and knowing when to dodge or block. Light and heavy attacks give you options in how you approach fights. Light attacks are quicker but deal less damage, while heavy attacks pack a punch but leave you more exposed.
Stamina management is critical. Every action attacking, dodging, and blocking depletes stamina. If you run out, you’ll be left vulnerable, unable to defend yourself. Always keep an eye on your stamina bar, and don’t spam attacks.
Magic and Sorceries
If you prefer casting spells from a distance, Elden Ring has you covered with its robust magic system. There are two main types of spells: Sorceries and Incantations. Sorceries typically deal with offensive spells like fireballs or magical missiles, while Incantations can offer buffs, healing, or defensive abilities.
Magic users should focus on upgrading attributes like Intelligence and Faith, depending on the type of magic you want to use. However, magic is not a get-out-of-jail-free card. It requires careful timing, and some spells leave you vulnerable while casting.
Boss Battles: What to Expect
Elden Ring is notorious for its boss battles, and rightly so. Bosses are large, intimidating enemies with complex attack patterns that will test your patience and skill. To succeed, you’ll need to learn their movements, dodge at the right time, and strike when there’s an opening.
Each boss is unique, but a few early-game bosses to prepare for include Margit the Fell Omen and Godrick the Grafted. Margit, for example, has swift and erratic attacks, making dodging a better strategy than blocking.
Weapons and Gear
Elden Ring offers a wide array of weapons and gear to suit any playstyle. From massive swords to nimble daggers, there’s something for everyone. Shields can be used to block incoming attacks, but they aren’t foolproof, as some attacks can break your guard. Staves and seals are essential for casting magic, while lighter weapons allow for faster, more agile combat.
Upgrading your gear is vital to stay competitive as the game gets harder. As you explore, you’ll find Smithing Stones, which can be used at blacksmiths to enhance your weapons’ power.
Leveling Up Your Character
Leveling up in Elden Ring is all about gathering Runes, the game’s primary currency, which can be earned by defeating enemies. Use these runes to increase your attributes, whether it’s your strength for more powerful attacks or vigor for a larger health pool.
Be mindful, though if you die before using your runes, they’ll be left behind at your place of death. You’ll need to recover them before dying again, or they’ll be lost forever.
Crafting and Item Usage
Throughout your journey, you’ll collect materials that can be used for crafting. Whether it’s potions to restore health, throwing knives for ranged attacks, or firebombs to deal damage to groups of enemies, crafting offers an essential boost to your survival.
It’s easy to overlook crafting, but it can be a game-changer when you’re low on health items or want to prepare before facing a tough boss.
Multiplayer Features
One of the most exciting aspects of Elden Ring is its multiplayer component. You can summon other players to help you with difficult bosses or to explore the world together. Alternatively, you can be invaded by other players in PvP, where they attempt to defeat you and claim your runes.
To engage in co-op or PvP, you’ll need specific items like Furlcalling Finger Remedy. Be cautious when playing online invaders can strike at any time.
Surviving as a Beginner
Elden Ring is tough, especially for newcomers. Managing your health and healing items, like Flasks of Crimson Tears, is crucial for survival. Always rest at Sites of Grace to refill your health, but beware: resting respawns nearby enemies.
The key is to take your time and not rush into fights or dangerous areas. Patience will take you a long way, and knowing when to retreat is sometimes just as important as attacking.
Tips for Exploring the Lands Between
Exploration is both rewarding and dangerous. Keep an eye out for hidden paths, secret treasures, and NPCs offering quests. Talking to NPCs often reveals lore, clues, or even items that can assist you on your journey. Sometimes, taking the scenic route can uncover helpful secrets!
Conclusion
The Lands Between is a vast, mysterious place full of danger, but also wonder. As a beginner in Elden Ring, you’ll face challenges, but with patience and perseverance, you’ll master the game’s intricate mechanics and enjoy one of the most rewarding gaming experiences out there. So go forth, tarnished, and carve your path through this unforgiving world.
FAQs
Q1. How do I avoid getting overwhelmed in Elden Ring?
A: Take things slowly, explore methodically, and focus on learning the basics of combat and survival.
Q2. What’s the best class for beginners?
A: The Vagabond or Samurai classes are great for beginners due to their balanced stats and versatility.
Q3. How does multiplayer work in Elden Ring?
A: You can summon other players for help in co-op or engage in PvP by using special multiplayer items.
Q4. What should I prioritize when leveling up?
A: Focus on Vigor (for health) and a primary damage stat like Strength or Intelligence based on your playstyle.
Q5. How important is crafting in the game?
A: Crafting can be a lifesaver, providing you with healing items, ammunition, and other useful tools to get through tough spots.