Is a Second Playthrough of Elden Ring Worth It? Absolutely. Here’s Why.
The Lands Between beckon, Tarnished. You’ve conquered the Elden Beast, claimed your throne, and seen one of the many possible endings. But the question lingers: is a second playthrough of Elden Ring really worth it? The answer, unequivocally, is yes. Elden Ring, a masterpiece of open-world design and challenging combat, is practically built for multiple playthroughs. The sheer scope of the game, the myriad of secrets, and the diverse character builds available mean that a single run barely scratches the surface of what this incredible title has to offer. Prepare to embark on a new journey, uncovering what you missed and experiencing the game in a whole new light.
The Unfathomable Depth of Replayability
Elden Ring isn’t just long; it’s dense. Every nook and cranny of the map holds secrets: hidden bosses, unique weapons, cryptic quests, and lore fragments that piece together a fascinating and often heartbreaking narrative. Your first playthrough is likely focused on survival and progressing the main storyline. A second playthrough allows you to delve deeper, explore areas you skipped, and truly appreciate the masterful world-building that FromSoftware is known for.
Furthermore, Elden Ring’s character building system is remarkably flexible. You can transition from a strength-focused warrior to a nimble dexterity build, or become a powerful mage wielding incantations and sorceries. Each build drastically alters the gameplay experience, forcing you to learn new strategies and adapt to different combat styles. A second playthrough gives you the opportunity to experiment with these builds and discover playstyles that you might have previously overlooked.
New Game Plus: More Than Just a Repeat
Elden Ring’s New Game Plus (NG+) isn’t a simple restart. It allows you to carry over your character’s level, weapons, armor, talismans, and spells from your previous playthrough. This gives you a significant advantage in the early game, allowing you to breeze through areas that once posed a significant challenge.
However, NG+ also introduces increased difficulty. Enemies hit harder and have more health, forcing you to continue to refine your skills and optimize your build. This increased challenge adds a layer of excitement and prevents the game from feeling stale. It also encourages you to seek out even more powerful equipment and master your chosen playstyle.
Discovering Missed Content and Alternative Endings
The branching storylines and interconnected quests in Elden Ring are incredibly complex. It’s highly likely that you missed entire questlines or important NPC interactions during your first playthrough. A second playthrough offers the chance to experience these hidden stories and unlock different endings. Each ending offers a unique perspective on the events of the game and sheds light on the lore of the Lands Between.
For example, you might have missed Ranni’s questline, which leads to the “Age of Stars” ending, or the Frenzied Flame ending, which requires a series of challenging encounters and a significant moral decision. Exploring these different paths adds significant depth to the overall narrative and provides a compelling reason to return to the game.
Experimenting with Builds and Playstyles
As mentioned earlier, Elden Ring’s character building system is incredibly versatile. A second playthrough allows you to truly experiment with different builds and discover playstyles that you might have previously overlooked.
Want to try a pure Faith build, wielding powerful incantations and healing magic? Or perhaps you’re interested in a bleed build, relying on rapid attacks and status effects to overwhelm your enemies? The possibilities are endless, and each build offers a unique and rewarding gameplay experience.
The Community Perspective and Further Learning
The Elden Ring community is incredibly active and passionate. Sharing experiences, builds, and discoveries is a core part of the game’s appeal. Joining online forums, watching YouTube videos, and engaging with other players can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your second playthrough.
Furthermore, consider the educational aspect of gaming. The Games Learning Society explores how games can be used as tools for learning and development. Exploring Elden Ring from different perspectives, mastering its combat, and deciphering its intricate lore are all valuable learning experiences. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the intersection of games and education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Elden Ring Second Playthroughs
1. What exactly carries over into New Game Plus?
You retain your character’s level, all weapons, armor, talismans, spells, crafting materials (excluding key items), and consumables. Great Runes are not carried over; you must re-acquire them in NG+. Map progress is reset, and you’ll need to rediscover Sites of Grace.
2. Does the difficulty increase significantly in NG+?
Yes, enemies have increased health and damage output. However, your higher level and powerful gear from your first playthrough will initially offset this. The difficulty increase becomes more noticeable as you progress.
3. Are there any new items or bosses in NG+?
There are no new items or bosses exclusive to NG+. The main draw is the increased difficulty and the opportunity to experience missed content.
4. Should I level up a lot before starting NG+?
It’s beneficial to level up as much as possible before starting NG+, but it’s not strictly necessary. Focus on stats relevant to your chosen build and optimize your equipment. Aim for at least level 120-150.
5. Can I respec my character in NG+?
Yes, you can respec your character in NG+ using Larval Tears, just as you could in your first playthrough. This allows you to experiment with different builds without having to create a new character.
6. How many NG+ cycles are there in Elden Ring?
Elden Ring’s difficulty caps out at NG+7. After that, the difficulty remains the same.
7. Is it worth starting a new character instead of doing NG+?
This depends on your preference. Starting a new character allows you to experience the early game with a completely different build and approach the world with fresh eyes. NG+ allows you to continue progressing your existing character and tackle the game with more power.
8. Are there any specific quests or items I should focus on collecting before starting NG+?
Collect all the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones and Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones you can find to fully upgrade your favorite weapons. Also, complete any unfinished questlines to avoid missing out on rewards.
9. Can I change my character’s appearance in NG+?
Yes, you can change your character’s appearance at the Roundtable Hold using the mirror, just as you could in your first playthrough.
10. What are the benefits of completing multiple NG+ cycles?
Completing multiple NG+ cycles allows you to acquire more upgrade materials, perfect your builds, and master the game’s combat. It’s also a good way to challenge yourself and see how far you can push your character.
11. How do I start New Game Plus in Elden Ring?
After defeating the final boss and choosing an ending, you will be given the option to start NG+ when interacting with a Site of Grace in the Roundtable Hold. Note that you can delay starting NG+ indefinitely if you wish to explore further or gather more items.
12. Does the story change at all in NG+?
The main story remains the same, but your understanding of the lore and the characters’ motivations will likely be deeper after your first playthrough. This allows you to appreciate the nuances of the narrative in a new way.
13. What’s the best build for a second playthrough?
There’s no single “best” build. Experiment with different builds based on your preferences. Popular choices include Faith builds, Intelligence builds, and builds that focus on status effects like bleed or frostbite.
14. Is it easier to get all the achievements/trophies in NG+?
It can be, especially for achievements/trophies related to multiple endings. NG+ allows you to quickly reach the end of the game and unlock different endings without having to replay the entire game from scratch each time.
15. Is there an ideal level to be at before starting NG+?
While there isn’t a strict ideal level, aiming for level 120-150 will provide a comfortable starting point. This allows you to handle the increased difficulty while still having room to grow and develop your character further.
In conclusion, a second playthrough of Elden Ring is an incredibly rewarding experience. It allows you to delve deeper into the game’s world, experiment with different builds, uncover missed content, and experience the game in a whole new light. So, Tarnished, embrace the challenge and return to the Lands Between. The Elden Ring awaits.