Don't Let the Difficulty Scare You Off

Elden Ring has a reputation for being punishing, and while that reputation is earned, it's also a game that rewards patience and curiosity. If you're brand new to the Soulslike genre — or just new to Elden Ring specifically — this guide will help you start strong and avoid the most common beginner mistakes.

Choosing Your Starting Class

Your starting class shapes your early game experience, but it doesn't lock you in permanently. Here are some good options for beginners:

  • Vagabond – High Vigor and Strength, great for tanky melee builds. Most forgiving for newcomers.
  • Astrologer – A magic-focused class that lets you deal damage from range, reducing close-quarters difficulty.
  • Hero – Excellent Strength stat for heavy weapons; straightforward and effective.

Avoid the Wretch class as a beginner — it starts with no armor and low stats across the board.

The Golden Rule: Explore First, Fight Later

Elden Ring is an open world. If you hit a wall — a boss you can't beat, an area that destroys you — go somewhere else. The map is vast and there are always other areas to explore, levels to gain, and weapons to find. Many players miss this and repeatedly bash their head against a single obstacle.

Essential Early Game Tips

  1. Level Vigor early. HP is survival. Aim for at least 40 Vigor before end-game areas.
  2. Always carry Flasks. Upgrade your Sacred Flask at Sites of Grace whenever you have Golden Seeds or Sacred Tears.
  3. Use Ashes of War. These weapon skills can completely change how a weapon plays. Experiment freely.
  4. Don't ignore Spirit Ashes. Summoning spirit companions during boss fights is a legitimate and powerful strategy.
  5. Roll into attacks. Learning enemy patterns and timing your dodge (iframes) is the core skill of the game.

Sites of Grace: Your Best Friend

Sites of Grace are checkpoints scattered throughout the Lands Between. Always activate every one you find — they restore your flasks, respawn enemies, and let you level up. The golden glow pointing from each site hints at where you should head next, which is useful when you feel lost.

Managing Runes (Don't Hoard Them)

Runes are both currency and experience. If you die, you drop all unspent runes at the location of your death. You get one chance to retrieve them. Don't stockpile huge amounts of runes — level up or buy items whenever you have enough. Losing a large stack early on is demoralizing.

First Boss Recommendation

Skip Margit the Fell Omen (the first "main" boss) if you're struggling. Head to Stormfoot Catacombs or explore Limgrave's underground caves to level up. You can also reach optional bosses in Weeping Peninsula to the south — they offer excellent rewards for early characters.

Final Advice

Elden Ring is a game about learning, not about speed. Every death teaches you something. Take your time, read item descriptions, explore every corner, and don't be afraid to look up the location of a specific item if you're stuck. The experience is absolutely worth the effort.