Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware, is an expansive open-world action RPG that challenges players with intricate environments, formidable enemies, and intricate lore. This comprehensive 2025 guide will help both newcomers and veterans navigate the Lands Between, optimize gameplay, and dominate bosses with step-by-step instructions. By following this Elden Ring guide, you’ll unlock hidden secrets, discover the best weapons, and master strategic combat.
1. Getting Started in Elden Ring
Character Creation
When starting your journey in Elden Ring, your first step is creating a character. You can choose from multiple classes such as Vagabond, Samurai, Confessor, or Astrologer. Each class has unique starting stats, weapons, and armor:
- Vagabond: Balanced stats, good for melee beginners.
- Samurai: Strong with bows and katanas, ideal for ranged and dex builds.
- Confessor: Focuses on faith, ideal for hybrid melee/magic playstyles.
- Astrologer: Powerful in sorceries, fragile in melee combat.
Tips:
- For beginners, Vagabond or Samurai are ideal.
- If you prefer magic, start with Astrologer or Confessor.
- Don’t overthink stats; focus on leveling Vigor, Endurance, and Mind early.
Understanding Elden Ring Combat Basics
Combat in Elden Ring is challenging and requires timing, patience, and knowledge of enemy patterns. Key mechanics include:
- Blocking and Parrying: Timing is crucial. Perfect parries open enemies to critical strikes.
- Dodging: Rolling directionally avoids attacks; timing rolls is critical for survival.
- Stamina Management: Every action consumes stamina. Always leave enough stamina to dodge or block.
- Weapon Skills: Each weapon has unique skills; upgrade them to maximize efficiency.
Pro Tip:
Combine Summons and ranged attacks for difficult areas. Spirit summons can tank hits while you strike from safety.
2. Early Game Tips and Farming
Essential Early Game Locations
To level up efficiently and gather resources, explore these areas:
- Limgrave: The starting region is rich with early enemies, materials, and farming spots.
- Weeping Peninsula: Great for farming Runes and weapons.
- Church of Elleh: Early site of grace to unlock fast travel and basic shops.
Rune Farming
Runes are vital for leveling. For early efficient farming:
- Kill the Tree Sentinel near the starting area for a challenging but rewarding rune farm.
- Defeat groups of weaker enemies near Church of Elleh repeatedly.
- Use the Gold Scarab Talisman to increase Rune gain.
Early Game Gear Recommendations
- Weapons: Longsword, Uchigatana, or Warhammer for versatility.
- Shields: Heater Shield or Buckler for balanced defense.
- Armor: Vagabond or Knight sets provide high defense and poise.
Tip: Upgrade weapons at the Blacksmith using Smithing Stones; a +2 or +3 weapon drastically improves early combat effectiveness.
3. Mid-Game Strategies
Exploring the Lands Between
After gaining confidence, venture into Stormveil Castle and Liurnia of the Lakes. Key tips:
- Scout enemies: Use high ground and bows to assess danger.
- Unlock Site of Grace: These save points are critical for leveling, fast travel, and crafting.
- Collect Materials: Herbs, crafting items, and upgrade materials are scattered.
Boss Walkthroughs: Stormveil Castle
The first major boss is Godrick the Grafted:
- Preparation: Stock up on healing flasks, upgrade your weapon, summon spirits.
- Attack Patterns: Watch for Godrick’s sword combos and fire attacks.
- Strategy: Stay behind him to avoid frontal attacks; punish after he finishes combos.
Pro Tip: Summon the NPC spirit to split his attention, making it easier to land hits.
Mid-Game Weapon & Build Optimization
- Best Weapons: Claymore, Greatsword, Moonveil Katana.
- Magic Builds: Focus on Intelligence or Faith.
- Strength Builds: Upgrade heavy weapons for staggering enemies.
Tip: Mix melee and ranged combat for maximum versatility.
4. Late-Game and Advanced Tactics
Key Late-Game Locations
- Leyndell, Royal Capital: Packed with high-level enemies and loot.
- Mountaintops of the Giants: Critical for endgame story progression.
- Crumbling Farum Azula: Epic vertical map design and challenging bosses.
Boss Strategies
Radahn, General of the Stars (Redmane Festival):
- Equip high mobility armor.
- Summon multiple spirits to divide his attacks.
- Focus on dodging his heavy artillery and counterattack during cooldowns.
Pro Tip: Learn enemy timings. Patience beats brute force.
Hidden Secrets and Collectibles
- Ashes of War: Enhance weapons with unique skills; find hidden locations for rare ones.
- Legendary Weapons: Excalibur-like or unique katanas hidden in caves or behind mini-bosses.
- Crafting Recipes: Rare materials allow crafting potent consumables like Firebombs and Poison Arrows.
Finding Elden Ring hidden weapons and Ashes of War locations can dramatically enhance gameplay. Exploring secret caves and ruins in Elden Ring often yields legendary gear and rare items.
5. Tips for Optimized Leveling and Farming
- Prioritize Stamina and Vigor: Vital for dodging and surviving.
- Repeated Boss Fights: Many bosses drop high Runes and crafting materials on repeated attempts.
- Spirit Summon Utilization: Use summons in risky areas to reduce deaths.
- Secret Farming Spots: Keep an eye on map edges and hidden caves; enemies there often drop rare loot.
Tip: Early Rune farming with the Gold Scarab Talisman and upgrading weapons ensures a smoother transition into mid and late-game areas.
6. Multiplayer and PvP Tips
- Co-op Summoning: Use the Tarnished Faction system to summon allies for tough bosses.
- PvP Combat: Prepare versatile builds; stamina management is more critical against human opponents.
- Invading: Invade regions strategically for loot and experience but expect challenging encounters.
7. Summary and Final Thoughts
Mastering Elden Ring requires patience, strategy, and exploration. By following this guide:
- Efficiently farm Runes and upgrade weapons.
- Conquer major bosses like Godrick and Radahn.
- Discover hidden Ashes of War, legendary weapons, and secret caves.
- Optimize builds for melee, magic, or hybrid playstyles.
With these strategies, any Tarnished can conquer the Lands Between. Remember, Elden Ring rewards curiosity, strategic planning, and persistence.
