Elden Ring tips can mean the difference between a frustrating death loop and a triumphant boss kill. FromSoftware’s massive open-world action RPG doesn’t hold players’ hands, it throws them into the Lands Between and expects them to figure things out. Whether someone is picking up the game for the first time or returning after a break, the right strategies make all the difference. This guide covers essential Elden Ring tips that help players build stronger characters, fight smarter, and explore more effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Choose a starting class that matches your playstyle, and pick the Golden Seed keepsake for an early flask advantage.
- Master combat fundamentals like dodge timing, guard counters, and jump attacks to handle tough bosses more effectively.
- Explore Limgrave and the Weeping Peninsula thoroughly before tackling major bosses to gain levels and better gear.
- Spend your runes before risky encounters to avoid losing progress, and save Golden Rune items for when you need them.
- Use Spirit Ashes and multiplayer summons freely—they’re built-in Elden Ring mechanics designed to help you overcome difficult fights.
- These essential Elden Ring tips help new and returning players build stronger characters and fight smarter in the Lands Between.
Choose the Right Starting Class and Keepsake
The starting class in Elden Ring sets the foundation for every build. Each class begins with different stats, weapons, and armor. Players should pick a class that matches their preferred playstyle.
For melee-focused players, the Vagabond offers high Vigor and Strength with solid starting armor. The Samurai works well for those who want a mix of melee and ranged options, thanks to its katana and longbow. Magic users should consider the Astrologer for sorceries or the Prophet for incantations.
The Wretch class starts at level 1 with no equipment. It’s a blank slate that appeals to experienced players who want full control over stat distribution. New players should avoid this option.
Keepsakes matter too. The Golden Seed adds an extra flask charge early on, a significant advantage. The Stonesword Key unlocks optional areas with valuable loot. These Elden Ring tips about class and keepsake selection give players a stronger start without wasting early resources on corrections.
Master Combat Fundamentals
Combat in Elden Ring punishes button-mashing. Players need to learn enemy patterns, manage stamina, and time their attacks.
Dodging and Rolling
The dodge roll provides invincibility frames (i-frames) during its animation. Rolling into attacks often works better than rolling away. Players should practice the timing until it becomes instinct.
Guard Counters
After blocking an attack with a shield, pressing the heavy attack button triggers a guard counter. This move deals significant poise damage and often staggers enemies. It’s one of the most useful Elden Ring tips for shield users.
Stamina Management
Every action, attacking, dodging, blocking, costs stamina. An empty stamina bar leaves players vulnerable. They should always keep some stamina in reserve for emergency dodges.
Jump Attacks
Jump attacks deal extra poise damage. They’re excellent for breaking enemy stances and creating openings. Many veteran players consider jump attacks essential for tough fights.
These Elden Ring tips transform combat from chaotic scrambling into calculated exchanges. Players who master these fundamentals will find even difficult bosses manageable.
Explore Thoroughly Before Tackling Bosses
Elden Ring rewards exploration. The open world contains weapons, armor, spells, and upgrade materials scattered across every region. Players who rush to bosses often find themselves under-leveled and under-equipped.
Limgrave, the starting area, has dozens of optional dungeons, caves, and ruins. Each location offers unique loot and runes for leveling. Players should clear most of Limgrave before attempting Stormveil Castle.
The Weeping Peninsula south of Limgrave provides even more content for early-game characters. It contains one of the best early weapons, the Winged Scythe, and several straightforward bosses that grant solid rune rewards.
Map fragments reveal the terrain of each region. Players should prioritize finding these fragments to plan their exploration routes. Sites of Grace often point toward important locations through their guiding light.
These Elden Ring tips about exploration ensure players gain enough power before major story encounters. A few extra hours of exploration can save countless hours of frustration against difficult bosses.
Manage Your Runes Wisely
Runes serve as both currency and experience points in Elden Ring. Players lose their runes upon death and get one chance to retrieve them. Losing a large rune stack hurts.
Smart players spend their runes before risky encounters. They level up, buy consumables, or purchase upgrade materials instead of hoarding runes. This habit prevents devastating losses.
The Golden Rune items found throughout the world don’t need immediate use. Players can save these consumables and activate them only when they need runes for a specific purchase or level-up. It’s a safe way to store value.
Some Elden Ring tips focus on rune farming. The area near the Bestial Sanctum in Caelid contains enemies worth over 1,000 runes each. Later in the game, the Mohgwyn Palace offers even better farming spots with enemies worth 2,000+ runes.
Players should also watch their rune count before exploring dangerous areas. If they’re close to a level-up, it’s worth returning to a Site of Grace to spend those runes first.
Leverage Spirit Ashes and Summons
Spirit Ashes let players summon AI companions during certain fights. These summons draw enemy attention, deal damage, and create openings for the player to attack or heal.
Players receive the Spirit Calling Bell early in the game from Renna at the Church of Elleh. This item enables Spirit Ash use. Missing this NPC means players can buy the bell later from the Twin Maiden Husks at Roundtable Hold.
The Lone Wolf Ashes come with the bell and work well for early content. The Jellyfish Ashes inflict poison and tank hits effectively. Later, players can find powerful options like the Mimic Tear, which copies the player’s build.
Spirit Ashes require FP to summon. Players should allocate enough Mind to use their preferred summons. Upgrading Spirit Ashes at Roderika in Roundtable Hold significantly increases their effectiveness.
For especially difficult bosses, players can also use multiplayer summons. Gold summon signs near boss doors let players bring in real allies. These Elden Ring tips about summons help players overcome seemingly impossible encounters.
The game doesn’t penalize players for using summons. They’re a built-in mechanic meant to be used. Players struggling with a boss should absolutely take advantage of Spirit Ashes and cooperative play.
