Elden Ring promises an unparalleled adventure, but if you've never played a Soulslike game before, it can seem a little daunting. This guide will introduce you to the core mechanics of the game to help you explore the Lands Between and become the Lord of Elden.
Who is the best hero type in Elden Ring?
This really depends on your preferred playstyle. How "good" a character is ultimately depends on how they mitigate and deal damage, as well as how they do it.
The character you choose at the start of Elden Ring will have attributes weighted towards different skill sets, but you can level up your character as you wish once you start collecting runes.
Typical designs may focus on:
Strength
These builds focus more on heavier weapons and armor. They usually don't move as fast, but they can take more damage. You'll deal more damage with fewer hits.
Speed
You can move around enemies quickly, use lighter weapons and armor, and focus more on dodging incoming attacks than on dealing damage.
Magic
If close combat isn't your thing, focusing on magic might be the way to go. You'll be able to deal damage from a distance with ranged attacks and apply buffs to avoid taking damage.
What are runes?
At their most basic level, runes are a currency, collected by destroying all manner of humans and beasts in the Lands Between. You'll need them to purchase items from various vendors, level up your weapons, and, perhaps most importantly, level up your character.
Keep in mind that upon death you drop the runes you are carrying. If you die again before you can pick them up, they will also be gone forever, so spend wisely and at the right time.
Fight in Elden Ring
Attack
When armed with a sword and shield, perfect your timing to parry and counter early with weaker enemies. Parrying (by pressing L2) will deflect certain attacks, while a quick counterattack (by pressing R1) will deal massive damage and is very satisfying when executed correctly. Aim for targets where possible. When you've locked on (by pressing R3 at range), you'll see a bright highlight on the selected enemy. This greatly improves your aim when attacking. A strong hero with a powerful weapon means nothing if your attacks keep missing their target! Pay attention to enemy movements and look for openings. Each enemy type has its own attack strategy, and it's important to know when to block and when to attack. Forcing enemies to attack can also make them vulnerable. Develop a sense of your moves. Once you commit to an attack, you're locked in, so choose your timing carefully.
Protection
Defense against attacks is at least as important as landing strikes. Keep your shield up when entering unfamiliar areas to avoid surprise attacks. Some shields are great against physical damage, others against fire or magic - this can be crucial when fighting larger enemies.
Endurance
Stamina management is an important aspect of combat in Elden Ring. Measured by the green bar in the top left corner of the screen, stamina is used when swinging weapons, blocking incoming attacks, sprinting, and rolling or dodging. Although it regenerates automatically, you'll need to choose your moments to defend and attack to avoid depleting it. Stamina regenerates much more slowly when your shield is up.
Stealth
Use the environment to your advantage to sneak past enemies you're not ready to take on, or stab them in the back to deal serious damage.
Ashes of War
New to Elden Ring, Ashes of War can be found throughout the world or by defeating bosses and then equipped with a weapon or shield (depending on the item) in the Site of Grace. Some weapons come with Ashes of War that cannot be removed. Benefits range from granting alternate weapon attacks to ranged attacks that automatically target enemies. Some Ashes use FP, so keep an eye on the blue line when using them.
Survival
Enemy difficulty varies greatly as you travel across the lands. Don't be afraid to back away from particularly challenging encounters and return later after you've honed your skills, leveled up your character, or found new weapons or items.
Elden Ring screenshot - Melina
How do I level up my character in Elden Ring?
You can level up your character at the Site of Grace, where your maid, Melina, will exchange runes for attributes in increasing increments. You can choose which attributes you want to focus on as well, so if you started with a power-focused build but enjoy casting spells, you can improve those attributes here.
Purchasing attributes also increases your character's level, which improves your overall defense stats, allowing you to fight more powerful enemies.
Please note that quantities are limited and dynamic. At the time of ordering, the item may be out of stock. We will notify you in a timely manner in the event that we are unable to fulfill the order.