Welcome to the Lands Between — Don't Panic

Elden Ring is one of the most rewarding open-world RPGs ever made, but it doesn't hold your hand. If you've died five times before reaching the first Site of Grace, you're in good company. This guide will give you the foundational knowledge to stop flailing and start exploring with purpose.

Choosing Your Starting Class

Your starting class shapes your early game experience significantly. Here's a quick breakdown of the best picks for new players:

  • Vagabond: The safest all-rounder. High HP, good armor, and a reliable sword. Ideal if you want to learn without constantly dying to chip damage.
  • Astrologer: Strong ranged magic makes early enemies much more manageable. Fragile, but powerful at a distance.
  • Hero: Axe-wielding bruiser with high Strength. Great for players who enjoy heavy, satisfying hits.
  • Wretch: Only choose this if you want a challenge — you start nearly naked with a club.

The Golden Rule: Explore Sideways, Not Straight

Elden Ring's open world is designed to reward lateral exploration. If you hit a wall — a boss that wrecks you repeatedly — don't bash your head against it. Head in a different direction. The game is full of optional areas with better gear, levels, and Ashes of War that will make that boss much more manageable later.

Core Survival Tips

  1. Level Vigor early. Vigor = HP. Dying in two hits is often a Vigor problem, not a skill problem. Aim for at least 25 Vigor before progressing to mid-game areas.
  2. Two-hand your weapon. Hold Triangle/Y to two-hand. This increases damage and can change your moveset. Use it often.
  3. Manage your stamina bar (the green bar). Running out of stamina mid-fight leaves you completely exposed. Always keep some in reserve for rolling.
  4. Roll through attacks, not away. Dodge rolling into an enemy's swing is almost always safer than rolling backward. Learn the timing.
  5. Use Torrent wisely. Your spectral steed is great for crossing open areas and fighting mounted enemies, but dismounting for tight spaces and boss arenas is usually smarter.

Don't Ignore These Early Game Areas

Before rushing to Stormveil Castle (the first major legacy dungeon), make sure you:

  • Explore all of Limgrave and Weeping Peninsula — both are packed with items, weapons, and rune farms.
  • Visit the Church of Elleh at night to meet Renna and unlock Spirit Ashes (summonable allies — incredibly useful).
  • Complete Murkwater Cave to unlock Patches as a merchant.
  • Farm runes in the Gatefront Ruins area to get a few early levels under your belt.

Using Spirit Ashes — Your Secret Weapon

Spirit Ashes let you summon AI allies during boss fights and in certain dungeons. The Lone Wolf Ashes (three wolves) are often given to players early and remain useful throughout much of the game. They draw aggro, split boss attention, and give you critical breathing room. Don't skip them out of pride — FromSoftware put them in the game for a reason.

Final Thoughts

Elden Ring is hard, but it's fair. Almost every death teaches you something. Stay curious, keep exploring, and resist the urge to follow a walkthrough step-by-step on your first run — the sense of discovery is half the magic. Good luck, Tarnished.