Can the Average Person Beat Elden Ring? A Tarnished’s Guide to Victory
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Yes, the average person can absolutely beat Elden Ring. While Elden Ring has a reputation for being brutally difficult, that reputation is often overblown and doesn’t tell the whole story. It’s challenging, yes, but not insurmountable. With the right approach, a bit of patience, and a willingness to learn, even players who aren’t traditionally “good” at action games can conquer the Lands Between and claim the title of Elden Lord. The keys to success lie in understanding the game’s mechanics, utilizing its resources, and embracing the freedom it offers.
Understanding the Challenge and Your Options
Elden Ring is not about lightning-fast reflexes or superhuman button-mashing. It’s about strategic combat, exploration, and resource management. The game punishes recklessness but rewards careful planning and thoughtful execution. Unlike some games that force you down a linear path with rigid difficulty spikes, Elden Ring gives you the freedom to explore, level up, and find equipment that suits your playstyle.
Think of it as a vast, intricate puzzle. Some pieces will be immediately apparent, while others require exploration and experimentation to uncover. Struggling with a particular boss? Don’t bang your head against the wall repeatedly. Instead, explore a different region, level up your character, find a powerful new weapon, summon spirit ashes to aid you in battle, or even call in a human co-op partner. The game offers a multitude of solutions, allowing you to tailor the difficulty to your own capabilities.
Embracing the Grind (and the Freedom It Affords)
A common misconception is that “getting good” at Elden Ring requires mastering complex combat techniques. While skill is certainly beneficial, it’s not the only path to victory. Leveling up your character and improving your equipment can significantly impact your effectiveness in combat. The vast open world is filled with opportunities to grind for runes (the game’s currency) and find powerful weapons, armor, and talismans.
Don’t be afraid to spend time exploring the world and completing side quests. Not only will this make you stronger, but it will also give you a better understanding of the game’s lore, mechanics, and secrets. Every encounter, every item, and every location has the potential to teach you something valuable. Furthermore, the game encourages experimentation. Try different weapons, spells, and builds to find what works best for you. You might be surprised at how much easier the game becomes once you find a playstyle that clicks.
Summoning Assistance: A Tool, Not a Crutch
Elden Ring offers a robust summoning system that allows you to call on both AI-controlled spirit ashes and human co-op partners for assistance in battle. Some players view summoning as a form of cheating or “making the game too easy.” However, it’s an integral part of the game’s design and a legitimate strategy for overcoming difficult challenges.
Spirit ashes, in particular, can be incredibly helpful for solo players. These summoned allies can distract enemies, deal damage, and provide valuable support. There are dozens of different spirit ashes to find and upgrade, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Experiment with different ashes to find the ones that complement your playstyle.
Human co-op partners can provide even greater assistance. Playing with a friend or a skilled stranger can make even the most challenging bosses feel much more manageable. Coordinating your attacks, sharing healing resources, and reviving each other can turn the tide of battle.
The Power of Patience and Persistence
Ultimately, beating Elden Ring requires patience and persistence. You will die. A lot. But each death is an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and improve your strategy. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Instead, analyze what went wrong, adjust your approach, and try again.
The feeling of overcoming a difficult boss after numerous attempts is incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to your determination and your ability to adapt and learn. Remember that Elden Ring is designed to be challenging, but it’s also designed to be fair. With enough effort, anyone can conquer the Lands Between and claim their place as Elden Lord. And if you are interested in game-based learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Elden Ring harder than other Souls games?
That depends on your playstyle. Experienced Souls players might find it easier due to familiarity with the mechanics. However, the open world and various options for character progression make Elden Ring more approachable for newcomers.
2. What if I’m really bad at action games?
Elden Ring offers various tools to compensate for lack of skill. Summoning spirits and players, using overpowered builds, and exploring to overlevel your character make the game beatable even for players with limited experience in action games.
3. How many hours does it take to beat Elden Ring?
For an average player focusing on the main story, expect around 60-80 hours. Completionists can easily spend 100+ hours exploring everything the game has to offer.
4. What’s the best starting class for beginners?
The Vagabond is generally recommended for its balanced stats and access to decent starting armor. The Confessor is another solid choice with strong starting incantations.
5. Should I look up guides or play blind?
That’s a personal choice. Playing blind can be more rewarding, but guides can prevent frustration. A good compromise is to only consult guides when truly stuck.
6. What’s the ideal level to beat the game?
Most players finish the game around level 120-150, but this can vary depending on your build and playstyle.
7. Is it okay to use summons?
Absolutely! Summons are an intended game mechanic and a valuable tool for overcoming difficult challenges. Don’t feel ashamed for using them.
8. What’s the hardest boss in Elden Ring?
Opinions vary, but Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is widely considered one of the most difficult bosses in the game. The final boss is also known for its difficulty.
9. How do I level up quickly?
Look for rune farming spots, such as the Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum or the Palace Approach Ledge-Road in Mohgwyn Palace. Early game, killing the caravan outside the Gatefront ruins is a good start.
10. What are some essential tips for beginners?
- Explore the open world thoroughly.
- Upgrade your weapons regularly.
- Experiment with different builds and playstyles.
- Learn enemy attack patterns.
- Don’t be afraid to run away and regroup.
11. Can I respec my character?
Yes, you can respec your stats by using a Larval Tear after defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon at the Raya Lucarian Academy.
12. What’s the best weapon in Elden Ring?
There’s no single “best” weapon. It depends on your build and playstyle. Some popular choices include the Rivers of Blood, the Moonveil Katana, and the Blasphemous Blade.
13. Is Elden Ring worth the hype?
For most players, yes. It’s a massive, rewarding, and unforgettable gaming experience.
14. What does “git gud” mean?
It’s a meme originating from Dark Souls, meaning “get good.” It encourages players to improve their skills and overcome challenges through practice.
15. Is there online multiplayer in Elden Ring?
Yes, you can summon other players for co-op play or invade other players’ worlds for PvP combat.