Elden Ring: Everything You Lose (and Keep!) in New Game Plus
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.
So, you’ve conquered the Lands Between, claimed your Elden Throne (or perhaps shattered the Elden Ring entirely!), and the credits have rolled. Now, the itch for more adventure is kicking in, and New Game Plus (NG+) beckons. But before you dive back in, swinging your colossal sword and flinging spells like a seasoned Tarnished, let’s talk about what exactly you’ll be leaving behind. Knowledge is power, after all, and knowing what disappears will help you prepare for your next journey.
Essentially, moving into NG+ is like a fresh start, but with the muscles, memories, and many of your tools from your previous life. You are going back to your journey, but there are some things that you lose on the way.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you lose when starting Elden Ring’s New Game Plus:
- Sites of Grace (Lost, But Not Forgotten): While all the Sites of Grace are reset, meaning you have to rediscover them, the good news is that the map remains populated with any dungeons, cities, or points of interest you uncovered in your previous playthrough. This saves you a huge amount of time and effort in re-exploring the world.
- Great Runes: Those powerful shards of the Elden Ring you claimed from defeated Demigods? Gone. You’ll have to re-acquire them by defeating the same bosses again.
- Key Items: A significant category. Any item used to progress the story or unlock specific areas is reset. This includes:
- Keys (obviously!).
- Stonesword Keys used in the world. Although Stonesword Keys stay in your inventory, any areas unlocked with them will be sealed again, making the keys necessary to be used.
- Imbued Sword Keys: You can use the three keys again, but any teleporters used will be reset.
- Bell Bearings (Mostly): This is a tricky one. Most Bell Bearings are not carried over. This means you’ll lose the ability to purchase upgrade materials and other helpful items from the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold unless you re-acquire the appropriate bearings in your new playthrough. However, as of Patch 1.05, some Bell Bearings are kept by the Twin Maiden Husks in NG+. The specifics of which Bell Bearings are kept vary depending on the patch. Be sure to check a current guide for the most up-to-date list!
- Quest Progress: All NPC questlines are reset. Prepare to re-encounter familiar faces and make (potentially) different choices this time around.
- Main Quest Progress: Naturally, your progress towards the final boss is wiped. You’ll be embarking on the path to becoming Elden Lord (or something else entirely) all over again.
- Opened Areas: Places you used Keys to get into. Even though the keys will return, the spots will be re-locked again.
New Game Plus Elden Ring: Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about what to expect in NG+? Here are some of the most common concerns addressed:
Will I lose my levels in New Game Plus?
Absolutely not! Your character level, stat distribution, and all your hard-earned progress in that department carries over. All that farming won’t be for naught! Remember, the maximum level you can achieve in Elden Ring is 713, requiring over a billion runes.
Do I keep my weapons and armor?
Yes! This is the best part. All your weapons, armor, talismans, spirit ashes, and even your trusty steed Torrent, will be waiting for you in NG+. You’ll be able to immediately jump back into the fray with your preferred build.
Do Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones respawn?
Yes! While you keep all the Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones you’ve collected, you’ll be able to find them again in the world. This is great news for those looking to experiment with different weapon upgrade paths. Remember, there are a limited number of Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones (13) and Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones (8) per playthrough, so plan your upgrades carefully!
What about my Flask of Wondrous Physick?
Both your Flask of Wondrous Physick and your Flasks of Crimson Tears and Cerulean Tears carry over. This includes any upgrades you’ve made to their potency and capacity using Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears. Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears do respawn.
Do I lose my cookbooks?
Nope! All your cookbooks and crafting recipes are preserved. You’ll be able to craft all your favorite consumables from the get-go.
Do Larval Tears respawn in New Game Plus?
Yes! Larval Tears are essential for re-specing your character, and thankfully, they respawn in NG+. This allows you to experiment with different builds and optimize your character for the challenges ahead.
Do I get more runes in New Game Plus?
Yes, enemies and bosses drop significantly more runes in NG+. This makes leveling up and upgrading your gear much faster.
How much harder is New Game Plus?
Enemies in NG+ have increased health and damage. However, with your upgraded character and gear, you should be well-equipped to handle the increased difficulty. Each subsequent NG+ cycle increases the difficulty until you reach NG+7, which is the maximum difficulty.
What happens if I refused Melina in my first playthrough?
You will be locked out of leveling up and getting Torrent in your first playthrough. Refusing Melina means losing access to essential game mechanics.
Does the Frenzied Flame ending carry over to New Game Plus?
While you keep any cosmetic changes resulting from the Frenzied Flame, the Frenzied Flame ending itself does not carry over. You’ll have the opportunity to pursue a different ending in NG+. You keep the burns on your character but you can remove them in character creation.
What is the best level to stop at for PvP?
The currently accepted “meta level” for PvP in Elden Ring is around level 125. However, this is just a guideline, and you can choose to level up further if you prefer.
What does “maidenless” mean?
In the context of Elden Ring, “maidenless” refers to a Tarnished who lacks a Maiden to guide them on their quest. It can also be used as an insult or a general term of derision.
What is SL1 difficulty?
SL1 difficulty stands for Soul Level 1, which means completing the game without leveling up. This is considered one of the most challenging ways to play Elden Ring.
Do Bell Bearings stay in New Game Plus?
As of Patch 1.05, some Bell Bearings are kept by the Twin Maiden Husks in New Game+. All other Bell Bearings are not kept in New Game+. Check current guides for the most up-to-date list.
What is the difference between NG+6 and NG+7?
NG+7 is the final difficulty plateau in Elden Ring. There is no increase in difficulty or rewards beyond NG+7. Therefore, NG+6 is just one step before the hardest difficulty. Remember you can visit GamesLearningSociety.org for a complete list of what is lost in new game plus.
Conclusion
Elden Ring’s New Game Plus offers a fantastic opportunity to revisit the Lands Between with your fully powered Tarnished, discover new secrets, and perhaps even forge a different destiny. While you lose certain key items and quest progress, the vast majority of your character’s power and possessions carry over, allowing you to face the increased challenges with confidence. So, embrace the challenge, Tarnished, and embark on your next unforgettable journey!