Elden Ring is one of the most ambitious open‑world action RPGs ever created, blending FromSoftware’s signature difficulty with unprecedented freedom. For new players, the Lands Between can feel overwhelming, filled with cryptic mechanics, punishing enemies, and vast landscapes that offer little guidance. This guide is designed to walk you through Elden Ring chronologically and thematically, showing you how to progress efficiently, master combat, explore secrets, and prepare for the endgame.
Across ten detailed sections, you’ll learn how to build your character, explore the world, defeat bosses, upgrade gear, and uncover hidden lore. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran, this “how to” guide will help you thrive in the Lands Between.
1. How to Begin Your Journey: Character Creation and Early Choices
Your adventure begins with character creation. Choosing a starting class is important, but not restrictive. Classes only define your initial stats and equipment; you can evolve into any build later. Beginners often benefit from classes like Vagabond (balanced melee) or Astrologer (magic‑focused).
The Keepsake choice also matters. The Golden Seed is highly recommended, as it grants an extra Flask early on. Alternatively, the Stonesword Key unlocks sealed areas, offering exploration rewards.
Early Game Checklist
- Choose a class that matches your preferred playstyle
- Select Golden Seed as your Keepsake for survivability
- Learn basic controls and experiment with dodge timing
2. How to Explore Limgrave Safely
Limgrave is your first major region, and it sets the tone for exploration. Avoid rushing into Stormveil Castle immediately; instead, roam the fields, discover Sites of Grace, and fight manageable enemies.
Use your mount, Torrent, to traverse quickly and escape danger. Limgrave is filled with caves, catacombs, and Evergaols that provide valuable runes and upgrade materials. Exploring thoroughly ensures you’re strong enough for early bosses.
Exploration Tips
- Unlock Torrent by speaking to Melina at a Site of Grace
- Activate every Site of Grace for fast travel
- Farm runes from soldiers near Gatefront Ruins
3. How to Master Combat Basics
Combat in Elden Ring is punishing but fair. Learning enemy patterns, timing dodges, and managing stamina are critical. Shields can block damage, but dodging often provides better positioning.
Experiment with weapon types. Straight swords offer balance, greatswords deliver power, and spears provide reach. Magic users should practice spacing and FP management.
Combat Fundamentals
- Always watch enemy animations for attack cues
- Use lock‑on wisely; disengage for large bosses
- Mix light and heavy attacks for combos
4. How to Use Torrent Effectively
Torrent is more than a mount—it’s a combat tool. Mounted combat allows you to strike enemies while staying mobile. Against large foes like dragons, fighting on horseback provides safety and reach.
Torrent also enables double jumps, letting you access cliffs, ruins, and hidden areas. Mastering Torrent’s agility is essential for exploration and survival.
Mounted Combat Tips
- Circle enemies to avoid direct hits
- Use hit‑and‑run tactics against large bosses
- Dismount quickly when fighting indoors
5. How to Defeat Early Bosses
Stormveil Castle introduces Margit the Fell Omen, a boss designed to test your skills. Margit punishes reckless attacks, so patience and learning his patterns are key. Summoning Spirit Ashes or NPC allies can help.
Other early bosses, like Tree Sentinel and Flying Dragon Agheel, are optional but rewarding. Defeating them grants powerful weapons and runes.
Boss Strategy Checklist
- Learn attack patterns before committing to damage
- Use Spirit Ashes for distraction
- Upgrade weapons before major fights
6. How to Upgrade Weapons and Gear
Smithing Stones are essential for weapon upgrades. Early stones can be found in Limgrave’s mines and tunnels. Upgrading weapons often matters more than leveling up, as stronger weapons scale better with stats.
Armor is less critical than weapons, but heavier sets provide poise, allowing you to withstand hits. Balance weight with mobility—rolling is more important than tanking.
Upgrade Tips
- Prioritize upgrading one main weapon
- Farm Smithing Stones in caves and mines
- Balance armor weight to maintain fast rolls
7. How to Use Spirit Ashes and Summons
Spirit Ashes are companions you can summon in combat. They range from simple wolves to powerful knights. Upgrading Spirit Ashes at Roderika in Roundtable Hold makes them more effective.
Summons are best used as distractions, drawing aggro while you deal damage. They don’t trivialize fights but provide breathing room.
Recommended Spirit Ashes
- Lone Wolf Ashes (early game)
- Latenna the Albinauric (ranged support)
- Mimic Tear (late game powerhouse)
8. How to Progress Through Midgame Regions
After Stormveil, you’ll enter Liurnia of the Lakes. This vast region emphasizes exploration and magic. Focus on unlocking the Academy of Raya Lucaria, where you’ll face Rennala.
Midgame also introduces tougher enemies and larger dungeons. Take time to strengthen your build, upgrade flasks, and experiment with new spells or weapon arts.
Midgame Checklist
- Explore Liurnia thoroughly before tackling the Academy
- Upgrade Spirit Ashes for tougher battles
- Experiment with Ashes of War for weapon customization
9. How to Prepare for Endgame Challenges
Endgame regions like Leyndell, Mountaintops of the Giants, and Farum Azula are brutal. Enemies hit harder, bosses have complex patterns, and exploration becomes more dangerous.
Preparation is key. Ensure your weapons are fully upgraded, flasks are maximized, and Spirit Ashes are strong. Farming runes in late‑game areas helps boost levels quickly.
Endgame Preparation
- Maximize Flask charges with Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears
- Fully upgrade your primary weapon
- Stock up on consumables and crafting materials
10. How to Choose Your Ending
Elden Ring offers multiple endings based on your choices. Aligning with different NPCs or completing specific questlines determines your fate. Ranni’s questline leads to the Age of Stars, while following the Frenzied Flame results in chaos.
Choosing an ending is not just about mechanics—it reflects your journey. Each ending emphasizes themes of isolation, ambition, or destruction.
Ending Options
- Elden Lord (default ending)
- Age of Stars (Ranni’s questline)
- Lord of Frenzied Flame (chaotic ending)
Conclusion
Mastering Elden Ring requires patience, exploration, and resilience. By following this step‑by‑step guide, you’ll learn how to build your character, explore safely, master combat, upgrade gear, and prepare for the final battles. The Lands Between are unforgiving, but with knowledge and persistence, you can carve your own destiny.
Whether you choose to become Elden Lord, embrace chaos, or follow Ranni into the stars, your journey will be uniquely yours. Elden Ring is not just a game—it is a test of endurance, curiosity, and determination.
