Unlocking Speed: The Secrets to Running Faster in Elden Ring

In the unforgiving Lands Between of Elden Ring, speed isn’t just an advantage – it’s a necessity. Whether you’re dodging the wrath of a colossal boss, escaping a PvP encounter, or simply traversing the vast open world, your movement speed can be the difference between victory and a swift demise. But what actually makes you run faster in Elden Ring? The answer is multifaceted, but in short, no attribute directly increases your character’s base run speed. Instead, your Equip Load is the primary factor determining your movement speed, roll speed, and invincibility frames.

Decoding Equip Load and Movement Speed

Elden Ring employs a system where the weight of your equipped gear impacts your character’s mobility. This “weight” is represented by your Equip Load, which is a percentage based on how much you are carrying relative to your maximum Equip Load capacity. This capacity is directly influenced by your Endurance stat. The higher your Endurance, the more weight you can carry without being encumbered.

There are four distinct Equip Load categories, each affecting your movement speed and dodge roll:

• Light Load (Under 30%): This allows for the fastest movement speed and the longest roll distance with the most invincibility frames, making dodging attacks considerably easier.
• Medium Load (30% to 70%): This is a balanced approach, offering a decent movement speed and roll distance, though slightly reduced compared to Light Load. It is by far the most used as players enjoy using armor.
• Heavy Load (70% to 100%): This significantly reduces movement speed and roll distance, making it much harder to evade enemy attacks. Invincibility frames are also decreased.
• Overload (Over 100%): This makes you unable to roll at all. Your movement speed becomes extremely slow, essentially rendering you a sitting duck in combat.

To run faster, therefore, the key is to manage your Equip Load. You have two main options:

1. Reduce your equipped weight: Equip lighter armor, weapons, and shields. Consider removing armor entirely for maximum speed (though at the cost of defense).
2. Increase your maximum Equip Load: Level up your Endurance stat to carry more weight without crossing the threshold into heavier Equip Load categories.

It’s important to note that no other stat directly affects your character’s base running speed. While Dexterity influences casting speed, and Arcane affects item discovery, neither will make you run faster across the Lands Between.

Beyond Running: Other Aspects of Speed

While the core question centers on running, it’s worth noting that Dexterity indirectly contributes to the overall feel of speed in combat, particularly for builds that rely on casting sorceries and incantations.

• Casting Speed: Every point in Dexterity slightly increases the casting speed of spells. While the increment might seem negligible, stacking Dexterity can lead to noticeably faster spellcasting, allowing for quicker reactions and more fluid combat. It’s generally believed that around 70 Dexterity is where casting speed is maximized.
• Weapon Scaling: While Dexterity increases the damage of certain weapons, which may lead to quicker enemy defeats, it does not directly increase your character’s running speed.

Endurance: The Unsung Hero

While not directly tied to running faster, Endurance provides the stamina necessary to sprint. Running, attacking, dodging, and blocking all consume stamina. The higher your Endurance, the larger your stamina pool, allowing you to sprint for longer periods and perform more actions in rapid succession. It enables you to “run” faster as you can sprint for a longer duration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Dexterity make me run faster in Elden Ring? No, Dexterity does not directly increase your character’s running speed. It affects casting speed and weapon scaling but has no impact on your base movement speed.

2. What stats affect my roll speed and distance? Your roll speed, distance, and invincibility frames are entirely dependent on your Equip Load. Lighter Equip Loads (below 30%) offer the fastest rolls with the most invincibility frames.

3. How can I increase my Equip Load capacity? Leveling up your Endurance stat will increase your maximum Equip Load, allowing you to carry heavier gear without being encumbered.

4. Is it better to wear heavy armor and move slowly, or light armor and move quickly? It depends on your playstyle. Heavy armor offers higher defense but reduces mobility. Light armor provides greater speed and agility but leaves you more vulnerable.

5. What is the best Equip Load percentage for my character? The “best” Equip Load depends on your build and preferences. Light Load (under 30%) is ideal for highly mobile builds. Many builds will land around Medium Load (30% to 70%).

6. Does leveling Strength increase my Equip Load? No, Strength does not affect Equip Load. Equip Load is exclusively tied to the Endurance stat.

7. Are there any Talismans that can increase my Equip Load? Yes, there are several Talismans that increase your Equip Load. The Elden Ring Wiki provides a comprehensive list of these items and their effects. One example is the Erdtree’s Favor talisman.

8. Does removing all my armor make me run faster? Yes, removing all armor will reduce your Equip Load, potentially allowing you to reach the Light Load category and run faster.

9. Does my character move slower in water or other environments? Yes, certain environments like deep water or swamps can impede movement speed, regardless of your Equip Load.

10. Does being over-encumbered affect my stamina regeneration? While it doesn’t directly affect your stamina regeneration, being over-encumbered makes dodging harder, which can indirectly impact your stamina management.

11. If I have high Endurance but still move slowly, what’s wrong? Even with high Endurance, you’ll move slowly if your Equip Load exceeds 70%. Check your equipment and consider equipping lighter gear.

12. Does status effects like Frostbite slow down my movement speed? Yes, certain status effects like Frostbite can significantly slow down your movement speed temporarily.

13. Is there any way to temporarily increase my Equip Load? Some spells and consumables can temporarily boost your Endurance, indirectly increasing your Equip Load capacity. The Great-Jar’s Arsenal talisman greatly increases Equip Load as well.

14. How does sprint speed tie in with running speed? Sprint speed is the maximum running speed achievable. Your equip load determines how easily you can reach and maintain this maximum speed.

15. I am not sure if Dex build or Str build will best benefit me. How do I decide? A Dexterity build often compliments magic and quick attacks, while a Strength build benefits from powerful, slow weapons. Ultimately the decision is a matter of personal preference.

Conclusion: Mastering Movement in the Lands Between

While the allure of Elden Ring lies in its challenging combat and intricate world, mastering movement is crucial for survival. Understanding the relationship between Equip Load, Endurance, and your character’s agility is paramount. No single attribute makes you run faster in a straightforward manner, but optimizing your Equip Load allows you to navigate the Lands Between with speed and precision. Embrace the principles outlined in this guide, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a true Elden Lord, swift and unstoppable. Understanding the nuances in game design is one of the many concepts explored at the Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org.