Mastering the Lands Between: A Newcomer's Guide to Elden Ring Adventure

Embarking on the grand adventure that is Elden Ring can be both thrilling and overwhelming due to the vastness of its world and the myriad options available to players. From Software has crafted an expansive landscape filled with secrets, challenges, and lore, which might leave newcomers pondering where to begin their journey. While the game’s open design encourages exploration, knowing the best initial route, essential weapons, and key locations can significantly enhance your experience. In this guide, we will break down the steps and strategies to help you navigate your first hours in the game. Get ready to set forth into the Lands Between armed with wisdom!

Chapter 1: Setting the Stage

Elden Ring introduces players to the stunning world of the Lands Between. Upon beginning your adventure, you are greeted by the Site of Grace, a luminous beacon guiding you through your journey. But, make no mistake—venturing directly toward nearby formidable foes, like the Tree Sentinel, is a recipe for disaster at this early stage. Instead, utilize the light beams emerging from the Sites of Grace to steer you in the right direction, but be mindful not to overlook exciting opportunities along the way. As you progress, remember that the game just released its first major expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, providing ample resources and guides to support players through the challenging quests that await.

Chapter 2: A Visit to the Church of Elleh

Your first destination should be the Church of Elleh, situated nearby your starting location. This quaint church serves as an essential base for all your explorations in West Limgrave. Here, you can gather vital resources and engage in crucial events. While visiting, maintain a safe distance from the fearsome Tree Sentinel unless you feel particularly confident in your skills and gear. Upgrading your weapons before confronting such a powerful foe is advisable.

Chapter 3: Unearthing the First Map Fragment

Without a map, navigating the vastness of Elden Ring can be confusing. Therefore, the next step is locating the West Limgrave map fragment. To do this, journey north from the Church of Elleh until you arrive at the dilapidated stone barracks. Approach this area with caution; it is teeming with enemies who may easily overwhelm you. Utilize stealth to approach the area and interact with the stele located just outside to collect your first map fragment. Timing is crucial, as a strong enemy patrols this route, so be prepared to plan your movements wisely.

Chapter 4: Acquiring the Spirit Calling Bell

After activating three Sites of Grace and encountering Melina, you should fast travel back to the Church of Elleh. The tranquil environment has changed—Kalé the merchant is asleep, the area engulfed in fog, and the ethereal figure of Ranni, the witch, beckons you. Engaging with Ranni grants you the Spirit Calling Bell, which is essential for summoning various support NPCs into battle. These Spirit Ashes, which can be enhanced over time, significantly increase your chances against tougher foes, particularly during your first encounter outside Stormveil Castle.

Chapter 5: Discover the Stormhill Shack

As you advance toward Stormveil Castle via Stormgate, you’ll soon find a small shack—Stormhill Shack. Inside, you’ll meet Roderika, an informative character who will introduce you to the intricacies of side quests and item collection. By conversing with her multiple times, you’ll learn she seeks Chrysalid items and will eventually reward you with the Jellyfish Spirit Ash, a valuable tool for aid in battles. Should she not be present, look for her in the Roundtable Hold and note that she can assist in enhancing your Spirit Ashes after you defeat the second major boss.

Chapter 6: Exploring Dragon-Burnt Ruins

Next on your itinerary is the Dragon-Burnt Ruins by Agheel Lake. These ruins are populated by weaker enemies and present an excellent opportunity for early-game Rune farming. Prepare to navigate carefully—take the northern staircase cautiously, as it leads to a chamber of ferocious rats; an enticing treasure chest awaits, but it harbors a cunning trap. Alternatively, the southern staircase, which requires your mount Torrent to leap over high walls, leads to a room containing the Twinblade, an advantageous weapon for certain character builds.

Chapter 7: Confronting Bloody Finger Nerijus

As you venture north along the river from Agheel Lake, expect to encounter a scripted invasion by Bloody Finger Nerijus. This fight can pose a challenge, especially if you’re unprepared. Stay alert and dodge his attacks, as they carry the Bleed effect. Fortunately, a helpful NPC will join the fray, allowing you to launch attacks while they occupy Nerijus. Once you succeed, reward yourself with the Reduvia Dagger, an elegant weapon that complements builds focusing on Dexterity and Arcane.

Chapter 8: Securing Margit’s Shackle

Adjacent to the site of your battle with Nerijus lies Murkwater Cave, where a brief dungeon culminates in a confrontation with the tricky merchant Patches. During this encounter, you have the option to spare him, leading to future benefits at his shop. One noteworthy item available is Margit’s Shackle—a unique and helpful tool for your upcoming boss battle against Margit. At a cost of 5,000 Runes, this item proves invaluable in temporarily immobilizing the foe.

Chapter 9: Limgrave Tunnels and Smithing Stones

Enhancing your weapons is crucial in Elden Ring, and for that, you will need Smithing Stones. Limgrave Tunnels, filled with these valuable resources, are your next stop. While exploring these passages, approach with caution; many foes you encounter are resistant to standard attacks but vulnerable to magic. If you favor physical combat, being strategic is key as you navigate the tunnels’ dark corners.

Chapter 10: Venture into Waypoint Ruins

For players inclined toward magical pursuits, the Waypoint Ruins hold a hidden gem: a Glintstone Sorceress. While the ruins are riddled with dangerous plant enemies, take them out to access the lower levels where the Mad Pumpkin Head lies in wait. Conquering this boss requires careful timing, as they perform predictable yet damaging attacks. After besting the Pumpkin Head, you’ll find Sellen, who offers Glintstone spells and will expand her inventory should you provide her with the appropriate cookbooks.

Chapter 11: The Flask of Wondrous Physik

Your final destination should be the Third Church of Marika, located northeast of the Waypoint Ruins. Interact with the central statue to acquire the highly coveted Flask of Wondrous Physik and two starting crystals for mixing unique effects. The Flask’s versatility allows you to concoct various boosts, from enhancing charged attacks to providing stamina regeneration—making it an essential item that can greatly influence your efficacy in combat.

Conclusion

As you traverse the expansive world of Elden Ring, following these steps will set you on the path to success. With key locations, valuable items, and potent weapons at your disposal, your journey will feel less daunting. Embrace the challenges, relish in the stories told through exploration, and remember—all great heroes begin somewhere!