Rebirth in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide to Respeccing Your Tarnished
Rebirthing, or respeccing, in Elden Ring is a powerful mechanic that allows you to fundamentally alter your character’s build by resetting your attribute points. This process enables you to experiment with different playstyles, adapt to new challenges, or rectify early-game decisions you may now regret. In essence, it gives you a second chance to mold your Tarnished into the formidable champion you envision. When you choose to be reborn, your character’s level and attribute points are essentially rolled back to their starting state, forcing you to reallocate each point to reach your current level. This reset gives you complete freedom to create a build that best suits your preferences or the challenges you face, all while preserving your current level and overall progress.
Understanding the Rebirth Mechanic
The heart of the rebirth mechanic lies in the Great Rune of the Unborn, obtained by defeating the demigod boss Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon. This rune, when equipped, allows you to interact with Rennala again in her boss arena, triggering the rebirth option. During rebirth, you’re presented with the standard leveling screen. Here, all your accumulated attribute points are stripped away, and you’re once again at the starting point of your character’s build, typically at the base class stats you initially selected when you first started the game. You then reassign your points from “square one” which can be time-consuming but also allows for very specific builds to be crafted.
Why Respec in Elden Ring?
There are several reasons why a player might choose to undergo rebirth:
- Experimentation: Elden Ring offers a vast array of weapons, spells, and equipment, each requiring different stat investments. Rebirth allows you to try new builds without having to start a new game from scratch.
- Adapting to New Challenges: Some bosses or areas may be easier to navigate with a specific type of build. Rebirthing allows you to adjust your stats to better handle a particular encounter or challenge.
- Rectifying Mistakes: Early in the game, it’s easy to invest attribute points in ways that don’t fully synergize with your desired playstyle. Rebirth offers a chance to correct these initial missteps.
- Optimizing Your Build: As you learn more about the game, you might discover that your current build isn’t optimal for your chosen role or that you could be utilizing your stats much better. Rebirth allows for this optimization.
- Fun and Variety: For players who enjoy creating unique and fun builds, rebirth can become a core part of the gameplay experience, allowing you to constantly switch it up.
The Great Rune of the Unborn
The Great Rune of the Unborn is not just a key to the rebirth mechanic, it also reflects the lore and character of Rennala. This special rune allows you to perform a perfect rebirth, enabling a complete reallocation of stats. Once you have defeated Rennala, you must equip the Great Rune of the Unborn in your inventory and then interact with Rennala in her boss arena to undergo rebirth. It should be noted that the rune itself does not grant a stat bonus; instead, it is a necessary component in the process of changing your build.
Important Considerations
Before undergoing rebirth, there are a few crucial things to keep in mind:
- You Need a Larval Tear: Each rebirth requires a consumable item called a Larval Tear. These items can be found throughout the world and are typically obtained from defeated enemies or in specific locations, though their availability is limited in number per playthrough. Plan your build carefully to make the most of each rebirth opportunity and to not have to farm these.
- No Respeccing Restrictions: While there are no level restrictions or limitations on when you can respec, make sure you have enough Larval Tears to carry out your plans.
- Attribute Minimums: Rebirth will not lower your starting stats (i.e., the stats that define the class you selected at the start of the game). This ensures that your build remains within the confines of your initial class framework.
- Careful Planning: It’s beneficial to plan out your desired build beforehand. This avoids the need to undergo multiple respecs, wasting precious Larval Tears.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rebirth in Elden Ring
1. What exactly gets reset during rebirth?
During rebirth, your character’s attribute points are reset, and your level reverts to its starting state. You keep all of your levels but all of the attribute points you have added over time are reset to the starting attributes of your character. This means you must redistribute them to reach your current level again. You do NOT lose any items, weapons, spells, armor, or progress.
2. Where do I find Larval Tears?
Larval Tears can be found throughout the world, and there’s a limited amount of them available per playthrough. Some are located in hidden areas, some are dropped by specific enemies, and others are given as rewards for completing certain tasks. It is recommended to research their specific locations online before planning to respec multiple times.
3. Can I respec infinite times?
No, you cannot respec an infinite number of times due to the limited availability of Larval Tears per playthrough. While you can obtain more in each NG+, the numbers remain limited. Be mindful of their scarcity and plan your respecs wisely.
4. What happens if I don’t have enough Larval Tears?
You will not be able to undergo rebirth if you do not have a Larval Tear. Be sure to check your inventory before you interact with Rennala, if you are missing the necessary item, rebirth will not be available.
5. Does respeccing impact my game progression?
No, respeccing does not impact your game progression. You keep all progress, including map discoveries, boss defeats, and quest completions. It only changes your character’s stat distribution.
6. Does my character level reset when I rebirth?
Your character’s current level does not reset. However, it does reset in the sense that your levels, which you gained by increasing attribute points, are removed, and you must use the attribute points you have to reach your current level again. In the end, the numbers will be the same.
7. Can I revert back to my previous stat distribution after rebirth?
There is no “undo” option after a rebirth. You must respec again if you do not like your new build, requiring another Larval Tear. So, make sure you are happy with the build and have it properly planned out before proceeding.
8. Is there a level requirement for rebirth?
There is no level requirement for rebirth, which allows you to respec at any point in the game, as long as you have access to Rennala and a Larval Tear.
9. How do I start the rebirth process?
To start the rebirth process, you need to defeat Rennala, then equip the Great Rune of the Unborn, and have a Larval Tear in your inventory. Next, simply return to Rennala’s boss arena and interact with her. The option to “Rebirth” will be available.
10. Does respeccing cost anything other than a Larval Tear?
No, respeccing only requires a Larval Tear. There are no other costs in terms of runes or other items.
11. Are there any negative consequences to rebirthing?
There are no negative consequences to rebirthing other than the loss of one Larval Tear and the time it takes to reallocate the stats. However, you get to start the game again within your existing game.
12. Does the Great Rune of the Unborn provide any other benefits besides rebirthing?
No, the primary function of the Great Rune of the Unborn is to enable the rebirth mechanic. Once equipped, it allows you to interact with Rennala to initiate the respec process. It does not grant any other passive bonuses like some of the other Great Runes.
13. Can I respec my starting class?
No, rebirthing does not change your starting class. The minimum values of your base stats will remain the same no matter how many times you respec. This means you cannot turn your Vagabond into a Prophet even with rebirthing.
14. Is it better to respec in the late game or early game?
There is no ‘best’ time to respec. You should respec whenever you feel it is necessary to better approach the game’s challenges. Many players do this at later stages when they have access to end-game weapons and spells, as it allows for very powerful builds.
15. Does respeccing affect my achievements or trophies?
No, respeccing does not affect your achievements or trophies. The only thing affected is your character’s stat distribution, which you have full control over.
In conclusion, the rebirth mechanic in Elden Ring is a crucial tool for experimentation, build optimization, and adapting to the game’s diverse challenges. Understanding how it works and its limitations, will help any Tarnished on their journey through the Lands Between. This mechanic makes the game very fun, allowing for constant exploration and adjustments, to ultimately create the ultimate Elden Lord.