Elden Ring Complete Beginner’s Guide
Welcome to the Lands Between, Tarnished! Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s latest masterpiece, brings fresh open-world elements to the souls-like formula. This guide will help newcomers get started quickly and avoid common pitfalls.
🎯 Class Selection Guide
Choosing the right class at the beginning is crucial for newcomers:
Recommended Beginner Classes
| Class | Characteristics | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Samurai | Balanced development, has bow | Want to experience various combat styles |
| Vagabond | High HP, heavy armor | Prefer direct confrontation |
| Prisoner | High Intelligence, mage path | Want to play as a spellcaster |
If this is your first souls-like game, strongly recommend choosing Samurai or Vagabond for their higher error tolerance. ::
⚔️ Basic Combat Techniques
Core Combat Philosophy
graph TB A[Observe Enemy] --> B[Find Attack Opening] B --> C[Precise Attack] C --> D[Timely Dodge] D --> AImportant Combat Points
- Always maintain stamina: Keep at least 1/3 stamina for dodging
- Learn to lock onto targets: Press R3 to lock, makes combat more precise
- Master guard counters: Press L2 at the moment of enemy attack
- Use summons wisely: Spirit Ashes can effectively share damage
Dodge Timing Chart
| Enemy Type | Best Dodge Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large Bosses | Moment attack windup ends | Watch weapon raising motion |
| Small Enemies | When attack effects appear | React quickly |
| Mage Enemies | 0.5 seconds before spell release | Can roll through spells |
🗺️ Exploration Essentials
Must-Visit Important Locations
1. Gatefront Ruins
- Location: Near starting area
- Important Items: Crafting Kit, map fragment
- Enemies: Tree Sentinel (recommend returning later)
2. Waypoint Ruins
- Location: South of Limgrave
- Reward: Powerful sorceries
- Difficulty: Medium
3. Stormveil Castle
- Location: First major objective
- Boss: Godrick the Grafted
- Recommended Level: 25-30
📈 Leveling Strategy
Early Attribute Allocation Suggestions
Melee Build
Priority: 1. Vigor → Raise to 25-30 2. Main weapon attribute → 20 3. Endurance → 20-25 4. Other attributes → Based on equipment needsMage Build
Priority: 1. Vigor → 20-25 2. Intelligence → 30-40 3. Mind → 25-30 4. Endurance → 15-20Rune Farming Tips
Death causes loss of carried runes. Remember to return to death location or spend them with NPCs. ::
Efficient Rune Farming Locations:
- Ball Enemy Location: Outside Caelid waypoint (1415 runes each)
- Soldier Farm: Gatefront Ruins (safe and stable)
- Crow Farm: War-Dead Catacombs (requires bow, extremely efficient)
🛡️ Equipment Recommendations
Early Game God-Tier Equipment
Weapon Recommendations
-
Bloodhound’s Fang
- Acquisition: Defeat Bloodhound Knight
- Features: Bleed effect, effective against most enemies
- Suitable for: Dexterity builds
-
Greatsword
- Acquisition: Caelid caravan
- Features: High damage, large attack range
- Suitable for: Strength builds
-
Glintstone Staff
- Acquisition: Waypoint Ruins
- Features: Can cast sorceries
- Suitable for: Intelligence builds
Armor Recommendations
- Chain Mail Set: Balanced defense and weight
- Knight Set: High physical defense
- Sorcerer Robes: High magic defense
🏰 Boss Strategy
Godrick the Grafted (First Main Boss)
Phase One Strategy:
- Attack both feet, sufficient damage triggers knockdown
- Attack head during knockdown for massive damage
- Stay away from AOE attack range
Phase Two Strategy:
- Godrick attaches dragon head, attack patterns change
- Dragon breath has large range, requires side rolling
- Continue foot-targeting strategy
Stay patient, don’t be greedy! This is the iron rule of souls-like games. ::
🎒 Inventory Management
Important Item Explanations
| Item Name | Purpose | Acquisition Method |
|---|---|---|
| Lantern | Removes rot status | Defeat Cleanrot Knight |
| Crafting Kit | Craft items | Gatefront Ruins |
| Spectral Steed Whistle | Summon Torrent | Gatefront Front |
| Flask | Restore HP | Starting equipment |
Crafting Priority
- Arrows: Essential for ranged attacks
- Neutralizing Boluses: Counter poison swamps
- Fire Grease: Add fire damage to weapons
- Healing Items: Life insurance in combat
🌟 Exploration Tips
Finding Hidden Elements
- Illusory Walls: Attack suspicious wall surfaces with weapons
- Hidden Chests: Watch for light spots on the ground
- NPC Quests: Talk to NPCs multiple times, some questlines are long
- Sites of Grace: Prioritize unlocking sites in each area
Death Isn’t Scary
Remember, in Elden Ring:
“Death is part of the learning process. Every failure brings you closer to success.”
Don’t get discouraged by death - it’s part of the game’s design.
🎮 Advanced Combat Techniques
High-Level Combat Skills
- Jump Attacks: R1 in air, can deal higher damage
- Charged Attacks: Hold R2, higher damage but requires timing
- Critical Hits: R1 from behind for massive damage
- Mounted Combat: Use Torrent’s mobility advantage
Magic Usage Tips
- FP Management: Magic consumes FP, needs blue flasks to replenish
- Spell Selection: Switch different spells based on situation
- Distance Control: Maintain safe distance when casting
🏆 Conclusion
Elden Ring is a game that requires patience and practice. Don’t expect immediate success - enjoy the process of exploration and growth. Every Tarnished has their own path, so find your playstyle!
May your journey in the Lands Between be smooth, and may you become the Elden Lord soon!
Facing difficulties? Feel free to discuss in the comments - let’s conquer the Lands Between together!