Welcome to the Lands Between
Elden Ring is one of the most celebrated action RPGs of recent years, blending the punishing-but-rewarding combat of FromSoftware's Soulsborne lineage with an open world designed by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. If you're just starting out, the sheer scale of the game can feel overwhelming. This guide will give you the foundation you need to push forward with confidence.
Choosing Your Starting Class
Your starting class determines your initial stat spread and equipment, but it doesn't lock you into a playstyle forever. Here's a quick breakdown of popular starting choices:
- Vagabond – High Vigor and Strength; great for beginners who want survivability and melee combat.
- Astrologer – Intelligence-focused; ideal if you want to use powerful sorceries from a distance.
- Samurai – Balanced Dexterity build with a katana; one of the strongest early-game classes overall.
- Wretch – Starts with balanced stats but no gear; for experienced players who want full control.
For most newcomers, Vagabond or Samurai are the safest picks due to their high starting health and reliable weapons.
Core Stats Explained
| Stat | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Vigor | Increases your HP — always worth leveling early. |
| Endurance | Raises Stamina and equipment load capacity. |
| Strength / Dexterity | Primary offensive stats for physical weapons. |
| Intelligence / Faith / Arcane | Power stats for magic, incantations, and bleed/poison builds. |
Essential Early-Game Tips
- Level Vigor first. Dying in one or two hits is the fastest way to get frustrated. Aim for at least 40 Vigor before the mid-game.
- Don't skip Limgrave. The starting zone is packed with rune-farming spots, useful weapons, and the brilliant Stormveil Castle legacy dungeon.
- Use your map fragments. Golden icons on your minimap mark map fragment locations — grab them to reveal the full area layout.
- Rest at Sites of Grace often. They save your progress, reveal nearby points of interest, and let you level up.
- Summon Ashes of War. Spirit Ashes (like the Lone Wolf Ashes) let you call in AI companions to distract bosses — use them freely.
Understanding the Open World
Unlike traditional FromSoftware games, Elden Ring gives you the freedom to explore in any direction. If a zone or boss feels too difficult, leave and come back later. The open world is designed to let you gain levels and gear elsewhere before tackling a tough challenge.
Prioritize exploring caves, catacombs, and ruins — they contain Ashes of War, upgrade materials (Smithing Stones), and key items that will power up your build considerably.
Combat Fundamentals
- Rolling (i-frames): Timing your dodge through enemy attacks is the core survival mechanic. Practice it constantly.
- Guard Counter: After blocking an attack, immediately press Heavy Attack for a powerful riposte — great for shield users.
- Stance Breaking: Some weapons (colossal swords, heavy attacks) stagger enemies. Land two heavy attacks to break their stance and perform a critical hit.
Final Thoughts
Elden Ring rewards patience, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from every death. Don't rush the story — explore thoroughly, experiment with different weapons, and enjoy the world. The Lands Between have countless secrets waiting for those who look carefully.