How to Play Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide

Elden Ring is a sprawling action-RPG that offers players a world filled with perilous challenges and hidden treasures. As you embark on your journey through the Lands Between, this guide aims to equip you with essential strategies and tips to improve your gameplay experience. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the Soulsborne genre, understanding the core mechanics of Elden Ring is crucial for your success.

1. Choose Your Class Wisely

Elden Ring features a variety of character classes, each with unique attributes and play styles. Your choice of class will influence your combat tactics and progression. Here’s a brief overview of some starting classes:

• Vagabond: A balanced warrior with good HP and strength suitable for melee combat.
• Astrologer: A magic-focused class, perfect for those who prefer spellcasting with high Intelligence.
• Confessor: Versatile class with a mix of melee and faith-based abilities, ideal for hybrid builds.

Consider your preferred playstyle when selecting a class and how you want to develop your character as you progress through the game.

2. Understand the Game Mechanics

The game operates on a few key mechanics that you must grasp early on:

• Stamina Management: Your stamina determines how many actions, such as dodging and attacking, you can perform. Keep a close eye on this bar during combat to avoid being left vulnerable.
• Health Points (HP): Your main vitality gauge. Ensure you heal regularly using flasks, especially after taking damage.
• Runes: These are the currency in Elden Ring, used for leveling up and purchasing items. Collect runes from defeated enemies but be cautious as dying causes you to drop them.

3. Explore the World

Elden Ring’s open world is filled with secrets, from hidden quests to powerful gear. Exploration is key to gaining an advantage. Here are some tips:

• Follow the Guidance of Grace: The golden light beams will direct you toward important objectives but feel free to divert your path to discover hidden sites of grace or loot.
• Venture into Caves and Ruins: These locations often hold valuable resources, rare items, and unique challenges essential for character growth.
• Interact with NPCs: Speaking with non-playable characters can provide you with quests that offer rewards, lore, and essential information about the game.

4. Combat Strategies

Engaging in combat effectively is vital in Elden Ring. Here are some strategies to enhance your fighting abilities:

• Learn Enemy Patterns: Each enemy has distinct attack patterns. Observing their movements can help you time your dodges and counterattacks.



• Use Stealth: Utilize crouching mechanics to sneak up on enemies, allowing for backstabs which deal significant damage.
• Summon Spirits: Early in the game, you’ll gain access to the Spirit Calling Bell. Use it to summon spirits that can aid you in battles, distracting enemies or providing additional firepower.

5. Leveling Up and Attributes

Leveling up your character is a fundamental aspect of progression. Allocate your points to attributes that enhance your chosen playstyle. Here’s a breakdown of key attributes:

• Vigor: Increases your HP, crucial for survivability.
• Endurance: Boosts stamina and equip load, allowing for better gear mobility.
• Intelligence/Faith: Vital for magic users, these attributes increase the potency of your spells and incantations.

Always prioritize attributes that complement your current build while considering future advancements.

6. Prepare for Death

In Elden Ring, death is not the end but a teacher. You will die, but each setback provides a chance to learn and improve:

• Retrieve Lost Runes: After dying, you have the opportunity to return to the site of your death to reclaim your lost runes, but be careful not to die again on your way back.
• Use Death as a Learning Tool: Analyze what led to your defeat, adjust your strategy, and try again with greater knowledge.

Conclusion

How to play Elden Ring involves patience, exploration, and strategy. Embrace the challenge, learn from your experiences, and remember to enjoy the vast world that FromSoftware has crafted. By following this guide, you’re better equipped to navigate the intricacies of Elden Ring, face its formidable foes, and ultimately emerge victorious in your quest. Happy adventuring!