How Many Times Can You Start Elden Ring? The Definitive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The Lands Between call to you, Tarnished. The question isn’t if you’ll answer, but how many times you’ll answer. So, how many times can you start Elden Ring? The answer is effectively limitless. You can create up to ten different characters from scratch, each with their own separate save file. Furthermore, after completing the game with any character, you unlock New Game Plus (NG+), which allows you to replay the game with that character while retaining most of your progress. You can cycle through New Game Plus up to Journey 7 (NG+7). Beyond NG+7, the difficulty no longer increases. So, while you can technically continue into NG+8, NG+9, and beyond, the challenge remains the same as NG+7. In essence, you have ten initial character slots, each capable of reaching at least eight distinct playthroughs (the initial game plus seven NG+ cycles), offering near-infinite possibilities.
Understanding Your Options: New Characters vs. New Game Plus
The decision of whether to start a completely new character or embark on New Game Plus is a fundamental one for any Elden Ring player. Both options present unique advantages and cater to different player preferences.
Starting a New Character
Creating a new character offers a clean slate. You begin from the very beginning, choosing a class, assigning stats, and navigating the early game once more. This is ideal for players who:
- Want to experience a different build from the ground up.
- Desire the challenge of the early game and enjoy the progression system.
- Want to try a different starting Keepsake item for a fresh start.
- Feel their current character is unsalvageable or that they’ve made irreparable mistakes in their build.
- Enjoy the freedom of making different choices throughout the story and potentially unlocking new endings without affecting their existing character.
Embracing New Game Plus
New Game Plus offers a markedly different experience. You retain your levels, most of your equipment, and your knowledge of the world, allowing you to tackle challenges with a significant advantage. This is perfect for players who:
- Want to continue their existing build and further optimize their character.
- Desire to experience missed content, such as uncompleted questlines or unexplored areas.
- Seek to unlock alternative endings without the grind of leveling a new character.
- Crave a greater challenge, as enemies in New Game Plus are significantly stronger.
- Enjoy feeling overpowered in the early game and progressing through content at a faster pace.
The Appeal of Multiple Playthroughs
Elden Ring’s design actively encourages multiple playthroughs, regardless of whether they are on new characters or through NG+. The sheer scope of the game, coupled with the branching storylines and diverse build options, means that a single playthrough can only scratch the surface of what the game has to offer. Exploring these different facets requires dedication and time, but the rewards are well worth the effort. The Games Learning Society also recognizes the value of repeated play in mastering complex systems. For more information, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly carries over into New Game Plus?
In New Game Plus, you keep your:
- Character level and stats.
- Most equipment: Weapons, armor, talismans, Ashes of War, and Spirit Ashes.
- Consumable items: Cookbooks, notes, and crafting materials.
- Flask upgrades: Sacred Tears and Golden Seeds.
- Map exploration (but Sites of Grace must be reactivated).
You do not keep:
- Key items: Story-related items, such as secret medallion pieces, quest-specific items, and Great Runes.
- Sites of Grace: You’ll need to reactivate them all.
- Stonesword Keys: These need to be re-earned.
2. How much harder does Elden Ring get in New Game Plus?
Enemies in NG+ have significantly increased health and damage output. The difficulty increase is most noticeable in the early game. Each subsequent NG+ cycle increases the difficulty further, up to NG+7. After that, the difficulty caps.
3. How many endings does Elden Ring have, and can I get them all on one character?
Elden Ring has six distinct endings, but you can only achieve one ending per playthrough. Therefore, you’ll need to play through the game multiple times (either on the same character in NG+ or with different characters) to unlock all endings.
4. Is it better to start a new character or go to New Game Plus if I want to try a different build?
It depends. If you want a completely fresh experience and enjoy the early game challenge, start a new character. However, if you prefer to respec your existing character and benefit from your high level and powerful equipment, NG+ might be a better choice. You can respec your stats after defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon.
5. What is the maximum level you can reach in Elden Ring?
The maximum level in Elden Ring is 713. This requires capping all eight stats (Vigor, Mind, Endurance, Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane) at 99. Reaching this level requires an immense amount of rune farming and multiple playthroughs.
6. Does starting a new game delete my old character?
No, starting a new game does not delete your old character. Elden Ring allows you to create up to ten different characters, each with its own separate save file.
7. What should I do before starting New Game Plus?
Before starting NG+, consider:
- Completing any unfinished quests or areas.
- Defeating optional bosses like Malenia, Blade of Miquella, to acquire their Remembrance.
- Upgrading your preferred weapons to their maximum level.
- Stocking up on important items like Smithing Stones and crafting materials.
- Purchasing any items you might need later from merchants, such as Stonesword Keys.
8. What is the ideal level to start New Game Plus?
There’s no “ideal” level, but most players finish their first playthrough around level 120-150. The higher your level, the easier NG+ will be, but the challenge scales with you.
9. Do I lose my map progress in New Game Plus?
You retain your map discoveries, but you need to re-activate all Sites of Grace in NG+.
10. Can I change my appearance in Elden Ring?
Yes, you can change your appearance at any time by using the Clouded Mirror Stand in the Roundtable Hold after defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon.
11. What are the best builds for New Game Plus?
Popular NG+ builds include:
- Strength builds utilizing colossal weapons.
- Faith builds focusing on powerful incantations.
- Intelligence builds casting devastating sorceries.
- Dexterity builds with katanas and dual-wielding setups.
The “best” build depends on your playstyle and preferences. Experiment and find what works best for you.
12. Should I accept or refuse Melina’s accord?
You must accept Melina’s accord to progress the story, level up, and acquire Torrent, your spectral steed. Refusing her will essentially lock you out of the main game progression.
13. Do enemies drop more Runes in New Game Plus?
Yes, enemies drop significantly more Runes in NG+ than in the first playthrough. This makes leveling up and acquiring equipment much faster.
14. What is a “soft cap” and “hard cap” in Elden Ring?
A soft cap is a point where the returns on investing points into a stat diminish significantly. A hard cap is the point where further investment provides almost no benefit. Knowing these caps can help you optimize your build. Consult online resources for specific stat caps.
15. Can I have multiple saves in Elden Ring?
While you can’t have multiple saves per character, you can have up to ten different characters, each with its own save file. This effectively gives you ten separate playthroughs running concurrently.
In conclusion, Elden Ring offers nearly limitless replayability. Whether you crave the challenge of starting anew or the power of a leveled character facing tougher foes, the Lands Between await your return. The number of times you can start Elden Ring is only limited by your dedication and desire to explore its vast and intricate world. So, Tarnished, pick up your weapon and prepare to embark on another journey. The Erdtree calls!