Welcome to the Lands Between
Elden Ring is one of the most celebrated open-world action RPGs ever made — and one of the most punishing for newcomers. If you've just picked it up and found yourself dying repeatedly in the first few minutes, you're not alone. This guide will walk you through the essentials so you can stop struggling and start exploring.
Choosing Your Starting Class
Your starting class determines your initial stats and playstyle. Don't stress too much — every class can eventually build toward any style — but here's a quick breakdown:
- Vagabond – Best for beginners. High Vigor and Strength make it tough and straightforward.
- Astrologer – Great for players who prefer ranged magic attacks and keeping distance.
- Warrior – Dual-wielding style, higher Dexterity. Fun but slightly harder to manage early.
- Prophet – Faith-based caster. Powerful later, but a tougher start.
Recommendation for beginners: Start as a Vagabond. The extra health and armor give you more room for learning enemy patterns.
The Golden Rule: Explore First, Fight Later
Unlike linear games, Elden Ring rewards exploration. If a boss is destroying you, go elsewhere. The open world is designed for you to level up, find better gear, and come back stronger. Never feel like you're stuck — you're just not ready for that area yet.
Leveling Up: Runes Are Everything
You level up at Sites of Grace using Runes. When you die, you drop your Runes where you fell — you get one chance to retrieve them. Key tips:
- Spend Runes before attempting dangerous areas or bosses.
- Focus on leveling Vigor (health) early — aim for at least 40 points.
- Farm the early area near the Church of Elleh for quick Rune grinding.
Combat Basics You Must Master
Elden Ring's combat looks complex but follows clear rules once you understand them:
- Dodge timing — Roll into enemy attacks rather than away. Iframes (invincibility frames) are what save you.
- Stamina management — Never exhaust your stamina bar during a fight. Save enough to dodge incoming hits.
- Guard counters — Block an attack, then immediately hit with a heavy attack for bonus damage and stagger.
- Backstabs — Sneak behind enemies and press the light attack button for massive critical damage.
Essential Early-Game Items to Find
| Item | Where to Find | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Torrent (Spirit Steed) | Speak to Melina at a Site of Grace | Essential for traversal and mounted combat |
| Flask of Wondrous Physick | Third Church of Marika | Powerful consumable buff flask |
| Lone Wolf Ashes | Given by Renna early on | Summon wolf companions in boss fights |
| Smithing Stone [1] | Scattered throughout Limgrave | Upgrade your weapon for big damage boosts |
Final Tips Before You Dive In
- Always upgrade your weapons at the Smithing Table near the Church of Elleh — a +3 weapon beats most early-game bosses.
- Read item descriptions; lore clues often point you toward important locations.
- Co-op is available — summon golden summon signs near boss doors to get help from other players.
- Don't skip the tutorial dungeon. It teaches vital mechanics and contains useful gear.
Elden Ring is hard, but it's fair. Every death teaches you something. Take your time, explore freely, and the Lands Between will open up into one of the greatest gaming experiences available today.