Welcome to the Lands Between — Don't Panic

Elden Ring is From Software's most accessible Soulsborne game yet — but "accessible" is relative. New players frequently feel overwhelmed in the early hours. The good news? The game rewards curiosity, patience, and preparation. These ten tips will help you avoid the most common pitfalls.

1. Explore Before You Rush Bosses

Elden Ring is an open world. If a boss is destroying you, go explore somewhere else. You'll find new weapons, level up, and return stronger. There is almost always a path forward that isn't the direction killing you.

2. Runes Are Meant to Be Spent

New players often hoard runes out of fear of losing them. Don't. Level up or buy items whenever you accumulate a meaningful amount. Runes sitting unspent are runes that can be lost to an embarrassing death.

3. Learn to Dodge, Not Block

Unless you're running a dedicated shield build, dodging is generally more reliable than blocking early on. Learn enemy attack patterns and practice rolling through (not away from) attacks for i-frames.

4. Talk to Every NPC — Repeatedly

NPCs in Elden Ring often have multiple dialogue lines and questlines that unfold over time. Talk to them until they repeat themselves, and revisit them after major events. Missing NPC quests means missing some of the best storytelling in the game.

5. Use Spirit Ashes

Spirit Ashes are summoned companions that can distract enemies and deal damage. They are not a crutch — they are a core mechanic. Upgrading your Spirit Ashes at the Roundtable Hold makes them dramatically more effective.

6. The Map Requires Map Fragments

Your map starts almost entirely blank. Map Fragments are found at glowing pillars scattered across each region. Grab them early so you can navigate effectively. They're usually near Sites of Grace.

7. Smithing Stones Are Everywhere

Upgrading your weapon is more impactful than leveling your character in the early game. Smithing Stones are found throughout the world and can also be purchased from merchants once you find their Bell Bearings.

8. Don't Neglect Your Flask

You can upgrade both the number of Sacred Flasks and their healing power. Golden Seeds (found near golden saplings) increase your flask count; Sacred Tears (found in churches) increase their potency. Prioritize both.

9. Stealth Is a Valid Strategy

You can crouch to enter stealth mode and sneak past or backstab enemies. Many encounters — especially in legacy dungeons — become far more manageable when you thin enemy numbers quietly before engaging.

10. Death Is Part of the Design

You will die hundreds of times. That's not failure — it's the tutorial. Each death teaches you something about an enemy, a trap, or your own build's weaknesses. Embrace it, adapt, and keep moving forward.

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

  • ✅ Spend runes often — don't hoard
  • ✅ Level Vigor early (it raises your HP)
  • ✅ Upgrade weapons at a blacksmith
  • ✅ Use Spirit Ashes on tough bosses
  • ✅ Explore everywhere — the world rewards curiosity
  • ❌ Don't try to fight every enemy at full strength
  • ❌ Don't ignore NPC dialogue

Armed with these fundamentals, you're ready to take on the Lands Between. Good luck, Tarnished.