Embarking on your first adventure in ELDEN RING can be both exciting and daunting. The Lands Between are vast and full of secrets, challenges, and powerful enemies. To help you prepare for this epic journey, here are five crucial tips that you might not find in the tutorial menus.
Tip #1: Character Levels Aren’t Everything
If you’re used to playing action RPGs, you might assume that leveling up your character is the primary way to increase your power. In ELDEN RING, this isn’t always the case. Each stat has soft caps, meaning that after a certain point, increasing that stat won’t significantly boost your effectiveness.
If you find yourself struggling despite leveling up, consider focusing on other aspects of your character:
- Upgrade Your Weapons: Find smithing stones and visit the blacksmith to enhance your favorite weapons. A stronger weapon can make a significant difference in battle.
- Experiment with New Spells and Ashes of War: These can provide unique advantages and help you overcome tough challenges.
- Craft Buffs: Gather crafting recipes and materials to create items that enhance your combat abilities or heal your character.
- Upgrade Your Flasks: Ensure your healing and magic flasks are upgraded to provide maximum benefit. This can turn a tough fight into a manageable one.
Tip #2: Study Your Surroundings
The Lands Between are full of hidden secrets and environmental clues that can aid your journey. Always keep a sharp eye out for:
- Hidden Paths and Walls: Explore thoroughly to discover new routes, secret bosses, and hidden treasures.
- Ambushes and Traps: Be wary of enemies hiding in plain sight, ready to spring a surprise attack. Staying vigilant can save you from many potential deaths.
- Enemy Behavior: Observing enemy routines can reveal opportunities for ambushes or stealthy bypasses. Some enemies can even be lured into fighting each other, turning the tide in your favor.
- Character Interactions: Pay attention to what NPCs say. Their dialogues often contain hints about quests and valuable information that can help you progress.
Tip #3: Summons Have Levels Too
The Summoning Bell is a crucial tool, especially when facing bosses or large groups of enemies. Summons can provide much-needed support, but they can also be leveled up:
- Strengthen Your Summons: By helping specific characters in the Roundtable Hold, you can upgrade your summons, increasing their health, damage, and defense.
- Collect Glovewort Flowers: These flowers are needed along with runes to upgrade your summons. Keep an eye out for them as you explore.
Tip #4: Use Your D-Pad Shortcuts
In the heat of battle, quick access to your items and abilities is essential. Instead of scrolling through your quick-equip bar:
- Set Up Shortcuts: Use the interaction button (Triangle for PS, Y for Xbox) in combination with the D-pad to quickly access important items like pot bombs, weapon greases, and flasks.
- Customize for Each Battle: Adjust your shortcuts before significant encounters to ensure you have the right tools at your fingertips.
Tip #5: Don’t Forget Torrent
Torrent, your trusty steed, is more than just a means of fast travel. His abilities can greatly enhance your combat effectiveness:
- Master Mounted Combat: Fighting from horseback requires a different skill set. Practice your timing and spacing to land powerful blows and take advantage of Torrent’s mobility.
- Use in Boss Fights: Mounted combat is particularly useful against large field enemies like dragons. Ensure Torrent stays healthy with crafted feed to avoid using precious Crimson Flasks for resummoning.
Conclusion
Armed with these tips, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the treacherous Lands Between and face its many challenges. Remember, becoming the Elden Lord is not just about strength but also strategy and adaptability. May grace guide your journey, Tarnished, and may you claim your destiny in ELDEN RING.
The wait is almost over. Soon you’ll venture into the Lands Between and strive to become its Elden Lord. Stand ready, Tarnished, and prepare to claim what fate has promised you.
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