Beginner's Guide to Elden Ring

New to Elden Ring? This guide covers everything you need to survive the Lands Between.

Getting Started

  • 1Pick Vagabond or Samurai for your first playthrough.
  • 2Do NOT fight the Tree Sentinel at the start. Come back later.
  • 3Follow the Sites of Grace guidance (golden trails) to progress the story.
  • 4Explore Limgrave thoroughly before heading to Stormveil Castle.
  • 5Level Vigor to 20-25 early. Survivability is more important than damage.

Runes & Leveling

  • 1Runes are both currency and experience. Spend them before risky areas.
  • 2If you die, you drop all runes. Reach your death spot to recover them.
  • 3Level at any Site of Grace by talking to Melina.
  • 4Focus on Vigor first, then your primary damage stat (STR/DEX/INT/FTH).
  • 5Use Golden Runes from inventory for safe rune income.

Combat Basics

  • 1Learn to dodge roll. Rolling has invincibility frames (i-frames).
  • 2Do not spam attacks. Manage your stamina bar carefully.
  • 3Guard counters (block then heavy attack) deal massive poise damage.
  • 4Jump attacks are powerful for breaking enemy poise.
  • 5Backstabs deal critical damage. Circle behind enemies when possible.

Exploration Tips

  • 1Use Torrent (your horse) for faster exploration. Summon with the Spectral Steed Whistle.
  • 2Look for Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears to upgrade your flasks.
  • 3Map fragments are found at stone pillars shown on your map.
  • 4Dungeons (caves, catacombs, tunnels) contain valuable loot and bosses.
  • 5Check behind illusory walls by attacking them. They are common.

Essential Early Game

  • 1Get your flask from the Church of Elleh after getting Torrent.
  • 2Visit the Roundtable Hold (fast travel hub) after resting at a few graces.
  • 3Upgrade your weapon at the smithing table. Weapon upgrades matter more than levels.
  • 4Spirit Ashes (summons) are unlocked from Renna at the Church of Elleh at night.
  • 5The Mimic Tear and Black Knife Tiche are the best spirit ashes in the game.