Elden Ring is a sprawling, intricate masterpiece that blends open-world freedom with the brutal challenge of the Souls formula Elden Ring Items. Whether you're completely new to FromSoftware's games or a veteran looking for a smoother start, this guide offers key early-game advice to help you survive, thrive, and ultimately conquer the Lands Between.

1. Character Creation:First Choices That Matter

Your journey begins with character creation-a deceptively simple yet crucial part of Elden Ring. While you can change your name, gender, and appearance later on, your chosen class and keepsake are permanent.

Best Starting Classes

 Astrologer:Perfect for ranged spellcasting. Starts with strong magic and high Intelligence.

 Samurai:Great early-game armor, a longbow, and the deadly Uchigatana. Balanced for melee and range.

 Confessor:A hybrid class suitable for faith-based magic and swordplay. Ideal for a paladin-style build.

Remember, classes only define your starting stats and gear-any character can grow into any role, but gear doesn't come easy, so choose a class that aligns with your desired playstyle.

Best Keepsakes

Your keepsake is a one-time bonus item. Top picks include:

 Golden Seed:Adds an extra flask use early-fantastic for survivability.

 Stonesword Key:Opens imp-gated areas hiding valuable loot.

 Lands Between Rune:Gives a gold rune for a quick level-up.

Avoid the Crimson Amber Medallion (health talisman) since it's easily found early on.

2. Early Game Progression:Getting Set Up

Once you've taken your first steps, you'll quickly reach the Church of Elleh, an important early hub.

Must-Have Purchases from the Church Merchant

 Torch:Essential for dark dungeons.

 Crafting Kit:Unlocks item crafting-key for survival and versatility.

 Telescope:Optional, but useful for scouting.

 From here, head north to Gatefront Ruins, where you'll:

 Meet Melina:She gives you Torrent, your spectral steed.

 Obtain the Whetstone Knife:Allows application of Ashes of War to weapons.

 Return to the Church of Elleh after some progress to meet Renna, who provides:

 Spirit Calling Bell:Enables use of Spirit Ashes, powerful AI companions.

 Lone Wolf Ashes:Your first Spirit Summon.

3. Surviving Combat:Gear, Strategy, and Torrent

Essential Gear

Get the following to make your early journey easier:

 Brass Shield (from Gatefront guards):100% physical block.

 Demi-Human Queen's Staff:Great for early magic users (Weeping Peninsula).

 Barricade Shield Ash of War (Knight's Cavalry):Excellent for defensive builds.

 Glintstone Phalanx Ash of War:Superb magic support skill.

Combat Tips

 Avoid full-frontal group assaults-use stealth and backstabs.

 Check every corner:Enemies often ambush from above or behind.

 Kite tough enemies:Attack, retreat, and reset aggro when needed.

 Use consumables:Bombs, buffs, and coatings are incredibly powerful.

 Torrent:Your Combat Ally

 Use mounted combat for bosses like dragons or field enemies.

 Weightless Armor:While mounted, armor weight doesn't affect movement. Mages can wear heavy gear for survivability.

 Sprint Smart:Torrent's dash consumes stamina-use it wisely.

4. Exploration:The Game's True Reward

Elden Ring rewards players who explore every nook and cranny.

Stone Sword Key Imp Gates

Unlock hidden rooms or dungeons. Always buy these keys when found at merchants.

Catacombs

 Contain Grave and Ghost Glovewort:Upgrade Spirit Ashes.

Solve puzzles by:

 Riding fire traps upwards.

 Finding hidden ladders.

 Hitting illusory walls.

 Caves and Tunnels

 Rich in Smithing Stones for weapon upgrades.

 Look for midway lift jumps to secret rooms or items.

 Towers and Rises

 Award Memory Stones (extra spell slots).

 Solve puzzles like:

 Finding turtle spirits (Wise Beasts).

 Using gestures.

 Crossing invisible bridges marked by faint trails or cliff edges.

 Militia Camps and Forts

Don't skip them. They often hide:

 Strong weapons or gear.

 Quest-related items.

 Spirit Summon upgrades.

5. Navigating Progression:Where to Go First

Elden Ring gives minimal guidance. NPC dialogue and item descriptions hint at paths, but it's easy to feel lost.

Recommended Route

1.Limgrave

2.Weeping Peninsula

3.Stormhill

4.Stormveil Castle (your first major Legacy Dungeon)

5.Liurnia of the Lakes

6.Use a progress route tracker to keep your journey structured and avoid getting overwhelmed.

Stuck?

 Revisit NPCs for dialogue updates.

 Read item descriptions in your Key Items tab.

 Bookmark the Elden Ring Wiki-especially NPC questlines and progression guides.6. Upgrading > Leveling

New players often waste early levels. Instead of pumping stats blindly, upgrade your weapons and Spirit Ashes first.

Upgrade Priorities

 Vigor:More health = more forgiveness.

 Endurance:Equip heavier armor and stamina management.

 Main Damage Stat:Choose one-Strength, Dexterity, Faith, or Intelligence.

 Don't spread your stats too thin. Specialize and invest deeply.

Weapon Scaling and Affinities

You can:

 Change a weapon's scaling via Ashes of War.

 Match gear to your stat focus.

 Find Smithing Master Hewg at Roundtable Hold to perform these upgrades.

 Bell Bearings

Found in late-game or on fallen NPCs, Bell Bearings can be given to Twin Maiden Husks at Roundtable Hold to unlock vendor access to upgrade materials.

7. Managing NPCs and Quests

NPC quests in Elden Ring are incredibly detailed and easy to break. Missing a single step or moving the story too far forward may cause:

 NPCs to vanish.

 Entire questlines to fail.

 Tips to Stay on Track

 Talk to NPCs often and revisit them after major boss fights.

 Explore old areas again after each new region is unlocked.

 Take notes or use the wiki to track progress.

 Dead NPCs often drop their gear or Bell Bearings for continued access to their wares.

You can also:

 Give sorcery scrolls to an NPC in Liurnia (no death flags).

 Atone for sins (e.g., attacking NPCs) at the Church of Vows in East Liurnia.

8. Final Thoughts:Embrace the Journey

Elden Ring is massive, complex, and absolutely stunning in its depth. It's not a game you rush-it's a world you live in.

To truly enjoy it:

 Don't worry about being underleveled.

 Avoid skipping dialogue.

 Don't be afraid to summon help.

 Bookmark guides, but follow your curiosity.

The game has dozens of secrets, multiple endings, and character builds for every playstyle imaginable. Whether you're a stealthy dagger-wielding rogue, a lightning-slinging prophet, or a brute with a colossal club Elden Ring Runes buy, Elden Ring lets you become whatever you dream.

So, gather your flask, summon Torrent, and prepare to die-and grow-again and again.