Are You Supposed to Lose the First Fight in Elden Ring? Unpacking FromSoftware’s Subversive Tutorial
Yes and no. In Elden Ring, the first true “boss” you encounter, the Grafted Scion in the Chapel of Anticipation, is designed to seemingly be unbeatable on your first attempt. While it is possible for skilled or exceptionally lucky players to defeat it right off the bat, the game’s narrative and progression are structured around the assumption that you will fall in battle. Dying to the Grafted Scion is not a failure, but rather the catalyst that propels you into the Lands Between and the actual start of your journey. The game even expects you to lose, triggering a cutscene that sets the stage for your Tarnished’s quest for the Elden Ring. It’s a classic FromSoftware trope – a brutal introduction that establishes the world’s unforgiving nature and the player’s initial weakness. However, skilled players are still able to defeat the boss with starter equipment, etc.
Understanding the Grafted Scion: More Than Just a Punching Bag
The Grafted Scion is more than just a glorified punching bag designed to teach you the basics of dying (which, let’s face it, you’ll be doing a lot of in Elden Ring). It serves several crucial narrative and gameplay purposes:
- Establishes the Difficulty: From the outset, Elden Ring throws you into the deep end. The Grafted Scion’s aggressive moveset and high damage output immediately communicate that this is not going to be an easy ride.
- Introduces the World’s Lore: The defeat cutscene hints at the shattered state of the Elden Ring and the conflict raging in the Lands Between. It provides a glimpse into the world’s background and the stakes of your quest.
- Sets the Tone for Exploration: Knowing that even the first boss can easily overwhelm you encourages careful exploration and strategic leveling up before tackling major challenges.
- Rewards Skill (If Possible): If, against all odds, you do manage to defeat the Grafted Scion, you are rewarded with the Ornamental Straight Sword and Golden Beast Crest Shield. These items are a significant boost early in the game, providing a tangible advantage for your resourcefulness and skill. It gives you a very good advantage in the early game for some players, and some are even able to defeat some other early game bosses very early because of it.
The Allure of the Optional: Beating the Unbeatable
While the game is designed for you to lose, the fact that it’s possible to win against the Grafted Scion speaks volumes about Elden Ring’s commitment to player agency. This possibility is what creates interesting discussions and experiences among gamers who are experienced in the FromSoftware franchise. It embodies the core tenets of FromSoftware design:
- Skill-Based Challenge: The game respects skillful players. If you can master the combat mechanics and exploit the Grafted Scion’s weaknesses, you can overcome the odds.
- Rewarding Curiosity: The optional nature of the fight encourages experimentation and exploration. Players who are willing to push their limits may discover powerful early-game equipment.
- Defining Your Own Path: The choice of whether or not to attempt to defeat the Grafted Scion is ultimately yours. This freedom of choice is a recurring theme throughout Elden Ring, empowering players to forge their own destinies.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Elden Ring’s First Fight and Beyond
Here are some frequently asked questions about the first fight in Elden Ring, and how it relates to the rest of the game:
1. What happens if you actually beat the Grafted Scion the first time?
If you manage to defeat the Grafted Scion in the Chapel of Anticipation, you’ll receive the Ornamental Straight Sword and the Golden Beast Crest Shield. This is a powerful reward for such an early fight. Beating the boss will not change any ending in the game whatsoever.
2. Is the Ornamental Straight Sword worth trying to beat the Grafted Scion for?
The Ornamental Straight Sword is a solid weapon early on, especially for Dexterity builds. The Golden Beast Crest Shield also provides decent protection. If you are confident in your skills and want a head start, then yes, it’s worth the attempt.
3. What level should I be to fight Margit, the Fell Omen?
It is generally recommended to be around levels 20-25 before attempting to fight Margit, the Fell Omen, the first major boss. Upgrade your weapon to at least +3 to be able to deal enough damage and beat him effectively.
4. What should I do before fighting Margit?
Explore Limgrave thoroughly. Collect Smithing Stones to upgrade your weapons, find useful Spirit Ashes to summon, and level up your character’s stats according to your chosen build.
5. Are Spirit Ashes essential for beating Margit?
No, Spirit Ashes are not essential, but they can be a tremendous help. They can distract Margit and give you openings to attack.
6. What is the easiest boss in Elden Ring?
The Soldier of Godrick is widely considered the easiest boss, serving as the tutorial boss. He is intended to help new players get familiar with the combat system.
7. How many bosses do I need to beat to finish Elden Ring?
There are roughly 13 mandatory boss fights required to complete the main storyline of Elden Ring. However, this number can vary slightly depending on the choices you make and the paths you take.
8. Is Godrick the Grafted an easy boss?
Godrick the Grafted, while a major boss, is considered easier than Margit. Summoning Nepheli Loux for assistance can make the fight even more manageable.
9. What is the hardest boss in Elden Ring?
Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is widely regarded as the most challenging boss in Elden Ring, due to her aggressive moveset, self-healing abilities, and punishing Waterfowl Dance attack.
10. What happens if I refuse Melina’s offer?
Refusing Melina’s offer will eventually lock you out of progressing further into the game. She provides the item needed to activate the Grand Lift of Rold, a crucial step to reach later areas.
11. What level should I be for Godrick?
The recommended level for Godrick is around level 30-40, with weapons upgraded to +4-+6.
12. What is the hardest area in Elden Ring?
Caelid is generally considered one of the most difficult areas in Elden Ring due to its high enemy density, tough enemies, and the presence of the Scarlet Rot status effect.
13. What weapons are effective against Margit?
Weapons that can quickly break Margit’s posture, such as scimitars, twinblades, and greatswords, are particularly effective. Rapid slashes or heavy attacks can stagger him, opening him up for critical hits.
14. How many players actually beat Elden Ring?
Achievement statistics indicate that nearly 50% of players who started Elden Ring have completed the game at least once, a relatively high completion rate compared to other similar games.
15. What is the best Spirit Ash summon for Margit?
The Jellyfish and the Lone Wolf Ashes are both excellent choices for the Margit fight. The Jellyfish deals poison damage, while the Lone Wolf Ashes provide multiple distractions. Summoning Sorcerer Rogier outside the boss fog is also helpful.
Embracing the Cycle: Death and Rebirth in the Lands Between
Ultimately, the experience of fighting the Grafted Scion encapsulates the core design philosophy of Elden Ring and FromSoftware games as a whole. It teaches you to embrace death as a learning opportunity, to adapt and overcome challenges through perseverance, and to find your own path in a vast and unforgiving world. It’s a subtle tutorial in resilience, preparing you for the countless trials and tribulations that await you in your journey to become the Elden Lord.
Elden Ring, with its challenging gameplay and intricate lore, continues to fascinate and inspire players and scholars alike. To further explore the educational potential of gaming, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society is a great organization.