Elden Ring: What Should You Prioritize in the Lands Between?

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Elden Ring is a massive, intricate, and often unforgiving game. Your early priorities should revolve around exploration, character development focused on a manageable weapon style, and gathering essential resources. Specifically, focus on increasing your Vigor to survive more encounters, finding a weapon type you enjoy and upgrading it, and exploring Limgrave and the Weeping Peninsula thoroughly to collect Golden Seeds, Sacred Tears, and crafting materials. This foundation will allow you to tackle more challenging areas and bosses with a greater chance of success.

Building a Foundation: Essential Early-Game Priorities

Elden Ring doesn’t hold your hand. Success hinges on establishing a strong foundation early on. Here’s a breakdown of critical areas to prioritize in the initial hours:

Vigor, Vigor, Vigor!

This cannot be stressed enough. Vigor directly translates to health points, and more health means you can survive more hits. The early game is brutal, and enemies deal significant damage. Investing heavily in Vigor early on – aiming for at least 40 by mid-game – is the single most important thing you can do to improve your survivability and enjoy the game more. Don’t get tempted to pump damage stats immediately; staying alive is paramount.

Weapon Choice and Upgrading

Experiment with different weapon types to find something that suits your playstyle. Consider factors like attack speed, range, and the weapon’s skill (Ash of War). Once you’ve found a weapon you like, prioritize upgrading it at a blacksmith. Smithing Stones are scattered throughout the world, particularly in mines and caves. Even a few upgrade levels can significantly boost your damage output, making early bosses much more manageable. The ruins east of the Church of Elleh contain a tunnel that’s great for early level upgrade materials.

Exploration and Resource Gathering

Elden Ring rewards exploration. Take your time to thoroughly explore Limgrave and the Weeping Peninsula. These starting areas are packed with valuable items like Golden Seeds (increase Flask charges), Sacred Tears (increase Flask healing power), and crafting materials. Don’t be afraid to stray from the main path; hidden caves, ruins, and encampments often contain valuable loot and secrets. Mark interesting locations on your map for future investigation.

Spirit Ashes: Your Early Companions

Spirit Ashes are summons that can aid you in combat. Acquiring and upgrading Spirit Ashes should be a high priority. The Lone Wolves are available very early, but consider exploring for others. They can provide valuable distractions and additional damage, making challenging encounters significantly easier. Roderika at the Stormhill Shack is an NPC worth speaking to for this purpose.

Learning Enemy Patterns

Elden Ring’s combat is demanding, requiring patience and observation. Pay attention to enemy attack patterns and telegraphs. Learn when to dodge, block, or parry. Don’t be afraid to die repeatedly – each death is a learning opportunity. Understanding enemy behavior is crucial for surviving and overcoming challenging encounters.

Mid-Game Focus: Expanding Your Horizons

As you progress, your priorities will shift from mere survival to building a more powerful and versatile character.

Optimizing Your Build

By mid-game, you should have a better understanding of your preferred playstyle. Focus on allocating stats that synergize with your chosen weapon and combat style. For example, if you’re using a strength-based weapon, continue to invest in Strength and Vigor. If you’re a magic user, prioritize Intelligence, Mind (for FP), and Vigor. Respeccing is possible later in the game, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Exploring New Regions

Once you’ve thoroughly explored Limgrave and the Weeping Peninsula, venture into new regions like Liurnia of the Lakes. Each region offers new challenges, enemies, and rewards. Be prepared to adjust your strategy and adapt to new environments. Some regions will be too difficult initially, requiring you to level up further before returning.

Weapon Arts and Skills

Experiment with different Ashes of War to find skills that complement your weapon and playstyle. Weapon Arts can provide powerful attacks, buffs, or utility options. Mastering your weapon’s skill is crucial for dealing significant damage and overcoming challenging enemies. Find the appropriate Whetstone Knife to customize weapons to your stats.

Strengthening Your Spirit Ashes

As you face tougher challenges, you’ll need to upgrade your Spirit Ashes to keep them effective. Collect Grave Glovewort and Ghost Glovewort to upgrade your Spirit Ashes at Roderika in the Roundtable Hold. Experiment with different Spirit Ashes to find those that are most effective against specific enemy types and bosses.

Late-Game Considerations: Fine-Tuning and Endgame Preparation

In the late game, the focus shifts towards maximizing your character’s power and preparing for the final challenges.

Maxing Out Essential Stats

By this point, you should have a clear idea of your character’s strengths and weaknesses. Focus on maxing out essential stats like Vigor, your primary damage stat (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, Arcane), and Mind (for FP). Consider investing in Endurance to increase your equip load and stamina.

Acquiring Powerful Weapons and Armor

Seek out powerful weapons and armor that offer unique abilities and resistances. Explore late-game dungeons and defeat challenging bosses to obtain legendary weapons and armor sets. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different gear combinations to find what works best for you.

Mastering Advanced Combat Techniques

Hone your combat skills and master advanced techniques like parrying, jump attacks, and charged heavy attacks. Practice using your weapon’s skill effectively and learn to time your dodges perfectly. The late game demands precision and skill.

Completing Side Quests

Many side quests offer valuable rewards, including powerful items, weapons, and armor. Take the time to complete side quests to uncover the secrets of the Lands Between and strengthen your character. Some quests will be time-sensitive, so pay attention to NPC dialogue and quest markers.

Prepare for the Final Bosses

The final bosses in Elden Ring are incredibly challenging. Be prepared to die repeatedly and experiment with different strategies. Consider using consumables like buffs and resistances to enhance your abilities. Don’t be afraid to summon other players for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to prioritization in Elden Ring, designed to provide further guidance:

Should I focus on one weapon type, or try to level up multiple?

Generally, it’s best to focus on one or two weapon types initially. Spreading your stats too thinly can weaken your effectiveness. Once you’ve established a solid build, you can experiment with other weapon types if you desire.
How important is crafting in Elden Ring?

Crafting is very important, especially early on. It allows you to create essential consumables like arrows, bombs, and healing items, which can be invaluable in tough situations. Prioritize gathering crafting materials as you explore.
What are the best stats to level up early on?

Vigor, Vigor, Vigor! After that, focus on your primary damage stat based on your weapon of choice (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, or Arcane), followed by Endurance and Mind as needed.
Is it better to explore or focus on the main story?

A balanced approach is best. Explore thoroughly to gather resources, level up, and find valuable items, but also follow the main story to progress and unlock new areas.
How do I respec my stats in Elden Ring?

You can respec your stats by defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, in the Academy of Raya Lucaria. This unlocks the ability to respec using Larval Tears, found throughout the world.
What are Talismans, and which ones should I prioritize?

Talismans are equippable items that provide passive buffs. Prioritize Talismans that enhance your survivability, damage output, or utility. Some excellent early-game options include the Crimson Amber Medallion (increases HP), the Green Turtle Talisman (increases stamina recovery), and the Radagon’s Soreseal (boosts multiple stats but increases damage taken).
Should I join a covenant in Elden Ring?

Elden Ring doesn’t have traditional covenants in the same way as previous FromSoftware games. However, certain NPCs and questlines offer opportunities to align yourself with specific factions, which can unlock unique rewards and interactions.
What’s the best way to farm runes (experience points) early on?

Several rune farming methods exist. A popular early-game spot is killing the trolls near the Warmaster’s Shack in Limgrave. Stealthily backstabbing them provides a significant rune reward. Later, the bird farm in Mohgwyn Palace is excellent.
How do I upgrade my Flasks?

You upgrade your Flask charges by collecting Golden Seeds and giving them to Sites of Grace. You increase your Flask healing power by collecting Sacred Tears and using them at Sites of Grace.
Are there any missable items or quests in Elden Ring?

Yes, some items and quests can be missed or become unavailable depending on your choices and progress in the game. Pay attention to NPC dialogue and quest markers, and consider using a guide to avoid missing anything important.
What is the best armor to wear?

The “best” armor depends on your build and playstyle. Consider the armor’s weight, defenses, and resistances. Lighter armor allows for faster movement and dodges, while heavier armor provides better protection. Experiment to find what works best for you.
Should I use summons for every boss fight?

Using summons is a personal choice. They can make challenging fights easier, but some players prefer to fight bosses solo for a greater sense of accomplishment. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you.
How do I access the Roundtable Hold?

The Roundtable Hold is a hub area where you can interact with NPCs, upgrade your weapons, and purchase items. You’ll be invited to the Roundtable Hold early in the game after meeting certain NPCs (like Melina) and progressing through Limgrave.
What do I do if I’m stuck on a boss?

If you’re stuck on a boss, try the following: level up, upgrade your weapon, explore other areas to find better gear, summon other players for assistance, change your strategy, and learn the boss’s attack patterns.
Is Elden Ring a difficult game?

Yes, Elden Ring is a challenging game, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Don’t be discouraged by the difficulty. Embrace the learning process, and you’ll eventually overcome the obstacles in your path.