Elden Ring is an open-world game full of hard fights, big secrets, and a huge map to explore. FromSoftware made it in 2022, and the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC came in 2024. It has sold millions of copies and won many awards. New players often die a lot, but that’s normal. This guide uses simple English and real tips from top sites like IGN, Fextralife, and player forums. It helps beginners start strong and veterans master the DLC. No wrong info – all checked from 2024-2025 guides.
Why Elden Ring Feels So Hard (And How to Fix It)
The game tests your skills. Enemies hit hard, you lose runes when you die, and bosses have fast moves. But dying teaches you patterns. Top tip: Stay calm. Watch moves, roll at the right time, and try again.
Always level Vigor first. It gives more health. Get it to 30 fast, then 40-60. Low Vigor means one-hit deaths. Don’t rush bosses. Explore for gear and levels.
Don’t Fight Everything
Run past big groups. Crouch (L3) to sneak. Backstab for big damage. Save fights for single enemies.
Starting Out: Character Creation and First Moves
Choose a Good Starting Class
Classes set your early stats and gear. You can change later, but pick smart.
- Vagabond: High health, good for melee newbies. Starts with sword and shield.
- Samurai: Fast katana, bow for range. Bleed builds rock.
- Confessor: Faith for heals and buffs. Easy paladin path.
Skip pure mage (Astrologer) if new – melee is safer early.
Tutorial Cave: Learn Basics Here
After picking class, you’re in a cave. Fight slow foes. Practice:
- R1: Quick attack.
- R2: Heavy smash.
- Circle/B: Roll dodge – time for safe frames.
- Lock-on: R3 for bosses.
Jump off the cliff end – safe drop. Ghost tutor teaches more.
Get Torrent and Level Up
Ride north on roads. At Church of Elleh, buy Crafting Kit from merchant. Rest at graces till Melina appears (3 rests). She gives Torrent horse and level menu. Pump Vigor to 20 now.
Combat Basics: Dodge, Block, and Win
Roll toward attacks – not back. It closes distance for hits.
Stamina is Key
Green bar runs out from attacks, rolls, blocks. Wait for regen. Roll uses less than block.
Shields and Counters
Grab Brass Shield from Gatefront Ruins. 100% block. Block then R2 for Guard Counter – huge damage safe.
Parry: L2 as enemy swings, then R1 riposte. Practice on soldiers.
Horse Combat
Torrent for open fights. Dodge arrows, jump attacks. Fast travel everywhere.
Explore Limgrave: Early Power Spots
World is open – follow gold grace lines but detour for loot.
Grab Map Fragments
Steal from golden pillars on roads. Fills your map.
Must-Do Early Spots
- Gatefront Ruins: Brass Shield, soldiers for runes.
- Groveside Cave: Two-Handed Sword, Beastman boss easy.
- Coastal Cave: Demi-Human boss, Tailoring Tools.
- Stormfoot Catacombs: Erdtree Watchdog, Golden Rune.
Church of Elleh: Crafting Kit (300 runes).
Safe Farming
Kill Gatefront soldiers on horse. 1000+ runes per loop. Level to 25-30.
Rainbow Stones
Craft or buy. Drop off cliffs – if breaks, don’t jump. Saves deaths.
Leveling and Builds: Get Strong Fast
Early Path
Vigor 40 > damage stat (Str/Dex/Fai/Int) > Endurance. Farm Gatefront or Agheel Lake dragon (level 25+).
Top Beginner Builds (Level 50-100)
| Build | Key Stats | Weapons | Why It Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colossal Strength | 50 Vig, 50 Str | Greatsword (Castleward Tunnel), Giant-Crusher later | Staggers everything, easy hits. |
| Bleed Samurai | 50 Vig, 40 Dex, 25 Arc | Uchigatana (start), Rivers of Blood later | Bleed chunks bosses. |
| Faith Paladin | 50 Vig, 50 Fai | Golden Halberd (Limgrave), Blasphemous Blade | Heals on kill, fire melts. |
| Frost Mage | 50 Vig, 50 Int | Dark Moon GS (Ranni quest) | Freeze slows foes. |
Upgrade weapons +3 at Church smith. Smithing Stones from tunnels.
Spirit Ashes: Summon Help Always
Gold summon signs outside bosses. Early: Lone Wolves (Renna at Church night).
- Jellyfish: Tanks, poisons.
- Mimic Tear (Nokron): Copies you – best ever.
Upgrade at Roundtable Hold with Roderika (Stormhill quest). Needs Gloveworts from caves.
Beat Early Bosses: Step-by-Step
Margit the Fell Omen
Level 25+, +3 weapon. Summon Rogier/Jellyfish. Jump heavies stagger. Use Margit’s Shackle (Patches quest) twice phase 1. Roll hammer slams toward you.
Godrick the Grafted (Stormveil)
Sneak side path past Grafted Scion. Level 30+, bleed works. Phase 2: Fire pots on arm. Summon Nepheli.
Tree Sentinel (Optional Early)
Level 20, horse fight. Poke back legs, dodge charge.
Boss rule: Learn phase 1, use Physick (Opaline bubble), bait attacks.
Advanced Veteran Tips: DLC and Beyond
Prep for Shadow of the Erdtree
Beat Mohg (Varre quest). Enter level 150+, 60 Vigor. Collect Scadutree Fragments (like golden seeds) for DLC power. First near Gravesite Plain.
Revered Spirit Ashes for summons.
Pro Tricks
- Jump heavies: Break poise.
- Ashes of War: Swap at sites (Bloody Slash early).
- Buffs: Flame Grant Me Strength, greases.
- Two-hand: 1.5x Str boost.
DLC/Vet Builds (Level 150+)
| Build | Stats | Weapons/Talismans | Why OP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloodfiend Bleed | 60 Vig, 60 Arc | Bloodfiend Arm, Lord of Bloods Exultation | Bleed ignores DLC defenses. |
| Lightning Faith | 60 Vig, 80 Fai | Bolt of Gransax, Electrify Armament | Safe range, stuns. |
| Frostbite Int | 60 Vig, 80 Int | Adula’s Moonblade | Freeze + shatter bosses. |
Secrets: Don’t Miss These
Illusory Walls
Hit shiny/cracky walls. Reveals chests, bosses.
- Raya Lucaria: 6 walls, lore items.
- Black Knife Catacombs: Assassin boss, dagger.
NPC Quests
Talk every time, exhaust dialogue.
- Ranni: Best ending, Moonlight GS.
- Roderika: Spirit upgrades.
- Varre: Early Mohgwyn farm.
Hidden Loot
- Whetstone Knife (Gatefront cellar): Ashes of War.
- Golden Seeds: Churches for flasks.
Mistakes to Skip
- Hoard runes – spend or lose.
- Overlevel one stat – balance.
- Ignore upgrades – +10 > level 100.
- Skip caves – best stones/gear.
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Keep Playing, Tarnished!
Patience wins. Beginners: Clear Limgrave, Vigor first. Veterans: 60 Vigor, Scadutree full. Explore, summon, upgrade. NG+ awaits. You’ve got the full guide – master it!
About the Author
Mary Correa is a content writer with 9 years of experience. She loves writing about luxury villas and travel. Her articles are easy to read and full of exciting ideas. Mary helps readers discover amazing places to visit and stay. When she’s not writing, she enjoys exploring new destinations.
