Can a Noob Play Elden Ring? A Tarnished Guide to the Lands Between
Yes, a noob can absolutely play Elden Ring. While Elden Ring, the sprawling action RPG from FromSoftware, has a reputation for difficulty, it’s also surprisingly approachable for newcomers to the “Souls-like” genre. Don’t let the internet gatekeepers scare you off! While a steep learning curve exists, the game provides numerous tools and avenues for players of all skill levels to find success and enjoyment in the Lands Between. Elden Ring is designed to be challenging, not insurmountable. So, grab your weapon, Tarnished, and prepare to become Elden Lord!
Elden Ring: Difficulty and Accessibility
The perception of Elden Ring’s difficulty often precedes it. For experienced “Souls” players, the game offers a familiar challenge with intricate combat, demanding boss encounters, and a cryptic world ripe for exploration. However, Elden Ring distinguishes itself through its open-world structure. Unlike previous FromSoftware titles, you’re not forced down a linear path. Struggle against a particular boss? No problem! Explore a different area, level up, find new equipment, and return later, stronger and better prepared.
This freedom dramatically impacts accessibility. New players can avoid particularly difficult encounters early on and focus on building their skills and understanding the game’s mechanics. The inclusion of Spirit Ashes, summonable AI allies, provides further assistance in tough fights, allowing players to experience challenging content without feeling entirely overwhelmed. These options, along with a robust multiplayer system that allows you to summon other players for co-op assistance, make Elden Ring a far more forgiving experience than its predecessors, even with no difficulty setting.
Essential Tips for Noobs in Elden Ring
- Explore Everything: The open world is packed with secrets, hidden dungeons, and valuable resources. Don’t rush through the main story; take your time to discover what the Lands Between has to offer.
- Level Up Vigor: Increasing your Vigor stat (health) early on is crucial for survival. It allows you to make more mistakes and learn from them without constantly being one-shotted by enemies.
- Experiment with Builds: Elden Ring offers a vast array of weapons, armor, spells, and skills. Try different combinations to find a playstyle that suits you.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Summon: Spirit Ashes are incredibly helpful, especially for new players. Experiment with different summons to find those that complement your build and playstyle.
- Learn Enemy Patterns: Patience is key in Elden Ring. Observe enemy attack patterns and learn when to dodge, block, or parry.
- Use the Map: Mark the map with points of interest, such as vendors, dungeons, or challenging enemies. This helps you keep track of your progress and plan your next adventure.
- Co-op is Your Friend: Summoning other players for co-op assistance can make difficult bosses much more manageable. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Accept Death: You will die. A lot. It’s a core part of the Elden Ring experience. Learn from your mistakes and try again.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Look Up Guides: While it’s tempting to go in blind, sometimes a little guidance can be helpful, especially if you’re stuck on a particular boss or quest. Use resources like the GamesLearningSociety.org to help learn from others in a constructive way.
What’s the best class for beginners in Elden Ring?
- Vagabond: A simple starting class for melee builds.
- Astrologer: A magic class for beginners to learn spell casting.
- Prisoner: A hybrid class for players to experiment with mixed builds.
Common Misconceptions About Elden Ring
One common misconception is that Elden Ring is only for hardcore gamers. This is simply not true. While the game can be challenging, it’s also deeply rewarding and offers a sense of accomplishment rarely found in other games. Another misconception is that you need to be incredibly skilled at combat to succeed. While skill is certainly helpful, strategic thinking, resource management, and exploration are equally important.
Final Thoughts
Elden Ring is a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience that can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels. With its open world, diverse build options, and multiplayer features, it’s more accessible than many other “Souls-like” games. So, if you’re a “noob” who’s been hesitant to try Elden Ring, don’t be afraid to take the plunge. You might just surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Elden Ring for New Players
Is Elden Ring too hard for casual gamers?
No, Elden Ring is not too hard for casual gamers. The game’s open-world structure and numerous customization options allow players to tailor the experience to their skill level. You can explore at your own pace, level up, and find helpful items to overcome challenges.
Do I need to have played other Souls games to enjoy Elden Ring?
No, you do not need to have played other Souls games to enjoy Elden Ring. While familiarity with the genre may provide a slight advantage, Elden Ring is designed to be accessible to new players. The game’s tutorial and open-world structure help ease newcomers into the experience.
What is the best starting class for a beginner?
The Vagabond is often recommended as the best starting class for beginners due to its balanced stats and focus on melee combat. The Astrologer is another good option if you want to try magic builds.
Can I change my character’s class or stats later in the game?
Yes, you can re-spec your character’s stats later in the game by talking to Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, after defeating her in the Academy of Raya Lucaria.
How important is exploration in Elden Ring?
Exploration is extremely important in Elden Ring. The open world is filled with hidden dungeons, valuable items, and challenging enemies. Exploring thoroughly can significantly enhance your character’s power and make the game easier.
What are Spirit Ashes, and how do they help?
Spirit Ashes are summonable AI companions that can assist you in combat. They provide additional damage, draw enemy aggro, and can be invaluable in challenging boss fights. You collect Spirit Ashes throughout the game.
How does multiplayer work in Elden Ring?
Elden Ring features both cooperative and competitive multiplayer. You can summon other players to assist you in boss fights or explore the world together. You can also be invaded by other players who seek to defeat you.
Is Elden Ring a heavily optimized game to run on PC?
Elden Ring is moderately demanding on PC, but it is not as taxing as some other recent AAA titles. Ensure your system meets the minimum or recommended specifications for the best performance.
Can you play Elden Ring offline?
Yes, you can play Elden Ring offline. However, playing offline will disable multiplayer features, such as summoning other players for co-op assistance.
What happens if I refuse Melina’s accord at the beginning of the game?
If you refuse Melina’s accord at the beginning of the game, you will not be able to level up or use Torrent, the spectral steed. However, you can reconsider Melina’s offer at any time by resting at a Site of Grace.
How long does it take to beat Elden Ring?
The length of time it takes to beat Elden Ring varies depending on your playstyle and completionist tendencies. On average, it takes around 50-70 hours to complete the main story, but a completionist run can easily exceed 100 hours.
Is it possible to skip boss fights in Elden Ring?
Yes, it is possible to skip some boss fights in Elden Ring. The open world allows you to explore different areas and bypass certain encounters. However, some boss fights are necessary to progress through the main story.
What do I do if I get stuck on a boss?
If you get stuck on a boss, try exploring other areas, leveling up, finding new equipment, or summoning other players for co-op assistance. Learning the boss’s attack patterns is also crucial.
Are there any friendly NPCs in Elden Ring?
Yes, there are many friendly NPCs in Elden Ring. These characters can provide valuable information, quests, or items. Some notable friendly NPCs include Blaidd, Ranni the Witch’s shadow, and various merchants.
Can Elden Ring be hacked?
Yes, Elden Ring can be affected by hackers, although measures are in place to combat this. Hackers may invade your game and cause crashes or other issues. It is important to be cautious when playing online and to report any suspicious activity. Consider joining a community like the Games Learning Society to learn safe online gaming practices.