Welcome to the spoiler-free walkthrough for Elden Ring. This guide will provide you with a general direction for your journey, soft caps for stats, and key areas to visit without spoiling the story, bosses, or unexpected events.
General Tips Before You Start
- Explore Thoroughly: If an area feels too difficult, don't hesitate to turn back and explore elsewhere. The game is designed to be nonlinear.
- Level Vigor: Surviving hits is more important early on than dealing massive damage. Aim for 40 Vigor minimum as you approach mid-game.
- Talk to NPCs: Exhaust all dialogue options until they repeat themselves. They often move to new locations afterward.
- Upgrade Your Weapon: Weapon upgrades provide a more significant damage boost than leveling attack stats in the early game. Search for Smithing Stones in mines (indicated by reddish-black holes on your map).
1. Limgrave (The Beginning)
Your journey starts in Limgrave. This lush green area is perfect for getting a feel for the game's mechanics and gathering early essential items.
- Follow the guidance of grace (the golden trails from Sites of Grace) to find the critical path.
- Head south to the Weeping Peninsula before tackling the main legacy dungeon in Limgrave. It's a great place to level up and find sacred tears to upgrade your flasks.
- Clear out the minor dungeons, caves, and catacombs to gather upgrade materials and summons.
2. Liurnia of the Lakes
After completing the main objective in Limgrave, you'll naturally progress to this flooded region.
- Explore the academy in the center of the lake to progress the main questline.
- Check the manor to the northwest for important NPC quests and a major plotline that spans the entire game.
- Be sure to find the map fragments early, as the lake can be disorienting to navigate.
3. Caelid & Beyond
To the east of Limgrave lies Caelid, a dangerous, red-tinted wasteland. It is highly recommended to wait until you are sufficiently leveled before exploring here extensively.
- The southern part of Caelid contains a major festival you will need to participate in to progress certain quests and the main story.
- The northern part (Dragonbarrow) is scaled for late-game. Approach with extreme caution if you venture there early.
- Seek out the various forts in this region to uncover halves of a medallion needed for later progress.