Elden Ring’s vast open world and challenging combat can be overwhelming, even for seasoned Soulsborne players. Whether you’re just starting or revisiting the Lands Between, these crucial tips will help you avoid common pitfalls, maximise your effectiveness in combat, and uncover hidden mechanics that many players miss.
Combat & Survival Strategies
Prioritise Vigor Early
Your health pool is your lifeline. Investing in Vigor early prevents frustrating one-shot deaths from bosses and tough enemies. Many players regret neglecting this stat when facing late-game challenges.
Master Dodging Mechanics
Rolling isn’t just about evasion, it’s about timing. Spamming dodge wastes stamina and leaves you vulnerable. Instead, learn enemy attack patterns and roll into swings to maximise invincibility frames.
Stagger Enemies with Jump Attacks
Two-handed jump attacks deal heavy posture damage, breaking enemy guards and opening them up for critical strikes. This tactic is especially effective with colossal weapons.
Manage Stamina Wisely
Blocking drains stamina and prevents regeneration. Lower your shield between enemy combos to recover faster -many new players fall into the trap of holding block too long.
Leverage Status Effects
Bleed, Frostbite, and Poison can shred enemy health bars. Dual-wielding weapons with these effects accelerates buildup, making them devastating against bosses.
Exploration & Progression
Track Lost Runes with the Compass
When you die, your compass points toward your dropped runes, a lifesaver in sprawling areas where retracing steps is difficult.
Fast Travel Efficiently
You can teleport from almost anywhere (except combat or underground dungeons). Don’t waste time running back to Sites of Grace, use the map instead.
Nighttime Brings Unique Enemies
Some foes, like the Night Cavalry, only appear after dark. Adjusting the time of day can unlock rare encounters and loot.
Upgrade Spirit Ashes
Roderika at Roundtable Hold enhances your Spirit Ashes, making them far more potent in battle. Don’t overlook this, strong summons like Mimic Tear can trivialise tough fights.
Experiment with Ashes of War
Weapon skills (e.g., Hoarfrost Stomp, Bloody Slash) can redefine your playstyle. Swap them freely using Whetblades to adapt to different challenges.
Character & Build Optimisation
Weapon Scaling Matters More Than Base Damage
A weapon with high stat scaling (B, A, or S rank) often outperforms “stronger” weapons when paired with the right build. Check scaling grades before committing upgrades.
Respec After Defeating Rennala
Once you beat Rennala in Raya Lucaria, Larval Tears allow you to reallocate stats. Save them for major build changes rather than minor tweaks.
Balance Your Flask Allocation
Tailor your Crimson and Cerulean Flask distribution to your build. Magic users often undervalue FP flasks early on, adjust ratios at any Site of Grace.
Crafting Is Surprisingly Useful
Items like Preserving Boluses (cures Scarlet Rot) or Sleep Pots can turn the tide in difficult zones. Always loot materials while exploring.
Quality-of-Life & Advanced Tactics
Talk to NPCs Repeatedly
Many quests and lore revelations require exhausting an NPC’s dialogue. Don’t walk away after one interaction.
Hidden Walls Exist (But Are Rare)
Some illusory walls conceal secrets, but they’re scarce. Look for player messages or subtle environmental clues instead of attacking every surface.
Use Torrent Strategically
In open-world boss fights, hit-and-run tactics on horseback can exploit slow enemies. Dismounting mid-combat also dodges attacks seamlessly.
Back Up Saves Before Key Decisions
Certain quests have irreversible outcomes. On PC, manually back up saves; console players should consider cloud backups before major choices.
Elden Ring rewards patience, adaptability, and attention to detail. By applying these tips, from Vigor investment to smart summon upgrades, you’ll overcome challenges more smoothly and uncover the game’s deeper layers. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran, these insights will help you conquer the Lands Between with confidence.
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