Unlocking Godhood: Understanding Max Stats in Elden Ring

The pursuit of ultimate power is a driving force for many Tarnished in Elden Ring. This begs the question: what’s the absolute limit to character stats in this expansive world? The short answer: achieving a state where all eight attributes are at level 99, resulting in an overall character level of 713. But the journey to get there is a marathon, not a sprint, and understanding the mechanics behind stat scaling is crucial. Let’s dive deep into the world of stat caps, rune farming, and the implications of reaching maximum power in the Lands Between.

The Pinnacle: Level 713 and All 99s

Reaching level 713 in Elden Ring is the theoretical ceiling for character progression. This monumental achievement signifies that every single one of the eight core attributes – Vigor, Mind, Endurance, Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane – has been meticulously raised to its maximum value of 99. While the prospect of wielding such immense power is alluring, the path is paved with countless hours of rune farming and unwavering dedication.

Understanding the Stat Caps

Elden Ring, like its predecessors, employs a system of soft caps and hard caps for each stat.

• Soft Caps: These are points where the benefit gained from increasing a stat begins to diminish. You’ll notice that the increase in HP, FP, Stamina, or attack power you get per level gradually decreases as you approach a soft cap.
• Hard Caps: This is the ultimate limit. Past this point, increasing the stat provides virtually no additional benefit. In most cases, the hard cap for stats in Elden Ring is 99.

Knowing these caps is crucial for optimizing your build. Pushing a stat far beyond its soft cap offers a progressively worse return on investment, making it more efficient to distribute those levels elsewhere.

The Rune Grind: A Tarnished’s Endless Task

To reach the coveted level 713, you’ll need a staggering 1,692,558,415 runes. This colossal number necessitates efficient rune farming techniques. Popular methods include:

• The Mohgwyn Palace Approach Ledge: This is one of the most efficient farming spots in the game. By using a ranged attack to trigger the sleeping bird on the cliff edge, you can quickly earn a significant amount of runes.
• The Albinauric Farm: Located in the same area, this method involves using AoE attacks to dispatch groups of Albinaurics.
• Late-Game Bosses: Repeatedly defeating late-game bosses provides substantial rune rewards.

It’s worth noting that using items like the Gold Scarab Talisman and consuming a Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot can further boost your rune acquisition.

What Does Maxing Stats Really Mean?

Reaching level 713 transforms your character into a powerhouse capable of wielding virtually any weapon, casting any spell, and surviving the most brutal encounters. It provides unparalleled flexibility and allows you to experiment with different builds without the need for respecs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Max Stats in Elden Ring

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding maximum stats in Elden Ring, with detailed answers to provide more clarity:

1. Is it actually worth maxing out all stats in Elden Ring?

While it’s a remarkable achievement, practically speaking, no. The investment of time and effort required to reach level 713 far outweighs the benefits gained. Most players find that optimizing their build around a specific playstyle and stopping at a meta level (around 125-150) is more efficient and enjoyable. You can learn more about games and learning at the Games Learning Society.

2. What is the “meta level” in Elden Ring, and why is it important?

The meta level refers to the community-agreed-upon level range for PvP and co-op activities. Currently, the meta level in Elden Ring is considered around 125-150. Staying within this range ensures you can readily find other players to engage with online.

3. Does two-handing a weapon affect the strength stat cap?

Yes, two-handing a weapon effectively increases your strength by 50% for the purpose of meeting weapon requirements. However, the damage scaling hard cap remains at 99, even when two-handing. Some damage types may see soft caps at 20/50/80

4. What happens if I try to level a stat past 99?

The game will simply prevent you from doing so. 99 is the absolute limit for each individual stat, and you cannot exceed it through any means, including talismans or temporary buffs.

5. Can talismans and other equipment boost stats above 99?

While talismans and equipment can certainly increase your stats, they cannot break the hard cap of 99. If your base stat is 94, a talisman that provides +5 to that stat will bring you to the cap of 99, not above it. Any additional bonus beyond that is lost.

6. What is the significance of Vigor in Elden Ring, and when should I stop leveling it?

Vigor is arguably the most important stat in Elden Ring, as it directly impacts your HP. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 40 Vigor by the mid-game and 55-60 Vigor by the end-game. Vigor has a soft cap at 40, with another at 60.

7. Is Arcane only useful for bleed builds?

While Arcane is crucial for bleed builds as it affects bleed buildup, it also impacts item discovery and affects certain sorceries and incantations. It’s worth considering even if you’re not focused on bleed.

8. What are some good rune farming locations for mid-game players?

For mid-game rune farming, consider areas like the Dynasty Mausoleum Midpoint in Mohgwyn Palace, or the Palace Approach Ledge-Road. You can also farm the Vulgar Militia men in the Bestial Sanctum in Caelid.

9. Does NG+ (New Game Plus) affect the stat caps in Elden Ring?

No, the stat caps remain the same in NG+. You still cannot level any stat beyond 99. NG+ primarily increases enemy difficulty and provides access to additional upgrade materials.

10. How does equipment load affect my character, and which stat governs it?

Endurance governs your equipment load, which determines your character’s mobility. Staying below 70% equip load grants you a medium roll, while staying below 30% gives you a light roll. Exceeding 100% results in a “fat roll,” severely hindering your movement.

11. What’s the difference between scaling on a weapon and stat requirements?

Stat requirements are the minimum stat levels needed to wield a weapon effectively. Scaling refers to how much a weapon’s damage increases based on your stat levels. A weapon with “S” scaling in Strength will benefit greatly from high Strength.

12. Are there any hidden stats in Elden Ring that aren’t directly leveled?

Yes, there are several hidden stats, such as Poise, Immunity, Robustness, Focus, and Vitality. These stats resist status effects like stagger, poison, rot, sleep, madness, and death blight, respectively. They are primarily influenced by armor and talismans.

13. What is the hardest boss in Elden Ring, and does maxing stats guarantee victory?

Many consider Malenia, Blade of Miquella, to be the hardest boss in Elden Ring. While maxing stats significantly increases your survivability and damage output, it doesn’t guarantee victory. Skill, strategy, and knowledge of her attack patterns are still essential.

14. How many endings are there in Elden Ring, and does reaching max level influence them?

There are six different endings in Elden Ring, each achieved by completing specific questlines or fulfilling certain conditions. Reaching max level does not directly influence which ending you receive. Your choices and actions throughout the game are the determining factors.

15. Is there any DLC planned for Elden Ring, and could it potentially raise the level cap?

Currently, Shadow of the Erdtree is the announced DLC for Elden Ring, and its details are gradually being revealed. There are hints of new areas, bosses, and mechanics. Whether it will raise the level cap or introduce new stats remains to be seen, but it’s unlikely to completely change the fundamental stat system.

In conclusion, while reaching level 713 and maxing out all stats in Elden Ring is a testament to dedication, it’s not necessarily the most practical or enjoyable way to experience the game. Understanding the stat caps, optimizing your build, and engaging with the community at the meta level are far more effective strategies for conquering the Lands Between.