Summary
Just starting out in Elden Ring? Don’t panic. This guide covers everything a new Tarnished needs to know—from choosing your class to surviving your first boss fight. With 21 must-know tips, this beginner’s guide will help you navigate the brutal beauty of the Lands Between like a seasoned warrior.
1. Don’t Stress Over Class Choice
When you start the game, you’ll choose a starting class like Samurai, Vagabond, or Astrologer. These only determine your starting stats and gear—not your long-term fate.
Pro tip: Pick a class that matches your preferred style (melee, magic, ranged), but don’t worry—you can respec later.
2. Focus on Leveling One or Two Stats Early
Avoid spreading points across all stats. Pick a primary damage stat and invest there:
- Strength/Dexterity for melee
- Intelligence for sorcery
- Faith for incantations
You’ll deal more damage and unlock better gear scaling faster.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Run Away
If an enemy feels impossible, retreat. You’re not meant to win every fight early on. Come back stronger later with better weapons, armor, and levels.
4. Get Torrent as Soon as Possible
After resting at Gatefront Ruins, Melina gives you Torrent, your ghostly horse.
Torrent makes exploration faster and even allows mounted combat. Learn to summon and ride quickly—it’ll save your life more than once.
5. Use the Map Strategically
Elden Ring doesn’t mark everything for you. Explore and collect Map Fragments to uncover new regions. Use custom markers to track:
- Caves and bosses
- Locked areas
- NPC quest locations
6. Explore Limgrave Before Stormveil Castle
Limgrave is packed with secrets. Before tackling Margit and Stormveil, check out:
- Groveside Cave
- Dragon-Burnt Ruins
- Church of Elleh
- Coastal Cave
Get stronger before diving into the first legacy dungeon.
7. Upgrade Your Weapons, Not Just Yourself
Upgrading your main weapon boosts power more than leveling up does.
Find Smithing Stones in mines and hidden caves. Get your weapon to +3 or higher before big fights.
8. Summon Spirit Ashes in Tough Battles
Spirit Ashes are AI companions that help during boss fights. Early in the game, you’ll get the Lone Wolf Ashes—equip and use them often.
You’ll need the Spirit Calling Bell, given to you by Renna at night at the Church of Elleh.
9. Try Different Weapons
Don’t stick to your starter weapon forever. Elden Ring offers:
- Bleed weapons
- Greatswords
- Daggers
- Magic-infused tools
Experiment with styles to find what feels best.
10. Parrying Is Optional, Not Mandatory
Parrying feels amazing when it works—but it’s tough to master. If you’re not comfortable:
- Use a 100% physical block shield
- Focus on dodging and rolling
- Use ranged attacks or summons
11. Don’t Hoard Runes
Use your runes to level up often. Holding onto thousands of runes is risky—you lose them on death if you can’t return to your bloodstain.
Use Golden Runes from inventory when safe to level up.
12. Upgrade Your Healing Flasks
Find Golden Seeds to increase flask charges and Sacred Tears to boost flask power.
Visit the Third Church of Marika early to grab an easy Sacred Tear.
13. Carry a Torch or Buy a Lantern
Dark areas hide enemies and treasures. Early on, buy a torch or better yet, get a lantern from the Nomadic Merchant in Liurnia—it clips to your belt.
14. Read Item Descriptions
Elden Ring hides lore and game mechanics in item tooltips. Before discarding or ignoring anything, read:
- Weapons
- Key Items
- Talismans
This can help unlock quests and boost performance.
15. Resting at a Site of Grace Resets the World
Resting:
- Refills flasks
- Resets enemies
- Lets you level up and equip new gear
Use it often, but be strategic—cleared areas will repopulate.
16. Talk to NPCs More Than Once
NPCs like Blaidd, Ranni, and Alexander often progress their quests through repeated conversations.
Always speak to them multiple times and after major game events.
17. Crafting Is Actually Useful
Don’t ignore crafting. You can make:
- Firebombs
- Poison knives
- Bolts and arrows
- Status cures
Buy the Crafting Kit from Kale at Church of Elleh early on.
18. Use Map Markers Like a Quest Log
Since there’s no built-in quest tracker, use markers to:
- Track NPCs
- Remember locked doors or fog walls
- Mark important finds
Your map becomes your lifeline.
19. Come Back to Hard Bosses Later
Stuck on Margit or a Crucible Knight?
- Explore other areas
- Farm runes
- Upgrade gear
- Use summons
The game encourages you to walk away, then return more powerful.
20. Clear Side Dungeons for Great Loot
Even tiny dungeons often reward:
- New Ashes of War
- Talisman slots
- Upgrade items
- Rare weapons
Prioritize any cave, catacomb, or mine you come across.
21. Enjoy the Journey (and the Deaths)
Elden Ring is about exploration, curiosity, and overcoming challenge.
Dying is part of the experience. Laugh, try new builds, and experiment. Every mistake is a lesson—and every victory is well-earned.
Final Thoughts
There’s no “right” way to play Elden Ring. With these 21 beginner-friendly tips, you’ll be able to build confidence, avoid frustration, and have more fun in the Lands Between.
Whether you’re slashing with a katana or casting meteorites from the sky—embrace the challenge.
Welcome to Elden Ring, Tarnished. Your legend begins now.
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External Resources
What class should I choose as a beginner in Elden Ring?
Pick a class that matches your preferred playstyle: melee (Vagabond, Samurai), ranged (Astrologer), or hybrid. You can respec later, so early choice isn’t permanent.
How should I level up stats as a new player?
Focus on one or two primary stats for your build: Strength/Dexterity for melee, Intelligence for sorcery, or Faith for incantations. Avoid spreading points too thin.
When should I get Torrent?
Obtain Torrent as soon as Melina gives it after resting at Gatefront Ruins. Mounted travel speeds exploration and helps in mounted combat.
How do I survive my first boss fight?
Use Spirit Ashes to summon companions, upgrade your weapons, and don’t be afraid to retreat. Farming runes and leveling up before a tough fight is key
Should I upgrade weapons or stats first?
Upgrading your main weapon generally boosts damage more than leveling stats. Collect Smithing Stones and aim for +3 or higher before challenging bosses.
How do I keep track of quests in Elden Ring?
Use map markers as a quest log to track NPCs, locked doors, fog walls, and important items. Revisit NPCs multiple times to progress their questlines.
Is crafting useful for beginners?
Yes. Early crafting allows you to make firebombs, poison knives, arrows, and status cures. Purchase the Crafting Kit from Kale at Church of Elleh.
How do I explore effectively?
Explore Limgrave thoroughly before tackling Stormveil Castle. Collect map fragments, mark key areas, and revisit challenging zones after leveling up.
What should I do if I can’t beat a boss?
Come back later after upgrading weapons, leveling up, and summoning Spirit Ashes. Elden Ring encourages patience and strategic retreat.
How do I make the most of Sites of Grace?
Resting at Sites of Grace refills flasks, resets enemies, lets you level up, and equips new gear. Use them strategically to manage resources and checkpoints.
