Welcome to the Lands Between — Don't Panic

Elden Ring is one of the most rewarding — and brutally unforgiving — open-world RPGs ever made. Whether you're a FromSoftware veteran or picking up your first Soulslike, the sheer scale of the game can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down everything you need to survive your first hours and build a foundation for victory.

Choosing Your Starting Class

Your starting class determines your initial stats and equipment, but it doesn't lock you into a playstyle. That said, some classes are more beginner-friendly than others:

  • Vagabond – High Vigor and Strength, starts with solid armor. Best for players who want a classic knight feel.
  • Samurai – Balanced stats with a strong starting weapon (Uchigatana) and bow. Excellent all-rounder.
  • Astrologer – Magic-focused class with powerful early sorceries. Great for ranged players.
  • Wretch – Starts naked with a club. For masochists and experienced players only.

Recommendation for beginners: Go Vagabond or Samurai. Both give you enough health to survive early mistakes and deal reliable damage.

Core Mechanics You Must Understand

Stamina Management

Every attack, dodge, and block costs stamina. Running out mid-fight is a death sentence. Always watch your green bar and never go all-in with your attacks — leave enough stamina to dodge or block an incoming counter.

Rune Collection and Loss

Runes are your currency and experience points combined. When you die, you drop all unspent runes at the spot you died. You get one chance to retrieve them. Die again before reaching them and they're gone. Spend runes often — don't hoard them.

Grace Sites and Leveling

Sites of Grace are your checkpoints. Rest at them to restore health and flasks, but enemies also respawn. You can only level up at Sites of Grace by speaking to Melina (after your first encounter). Prioritize finding them as you explore.

Early Game Survival Tips

  1. Explore Limgrave thoroughly before moving to Stormveil Castle. There are powerful weapons, Spirit Ashes, and Golden Seeds hidden nearby.
  2. Upgrade your Flask of Crimson Tears using Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears found at churches — more healing charges save lives.
  3. Use Spirit Ashes to summon allies during boss fights. Lone Wolf Ashes (received early) can distract bosses effectively.
  4. Don't fight everything — if an enemy two-shots you, come back later when you're stronger.
  5. Upgrade your weapon early using Smithing Stones. A +3 or +4 weapon trivializes early content.

Your First Boss: Margit, the Fell Omen

Margit is the game's true first major test. He has two phases and punishes greedy attackers. Key tips:

  • Wait for his long combo strings to finish before attacking — he typically leaves a 2-hit window.
  • Use Margit's Shackle (purchasable from Patches) to briefly immobilize him in phase one.
  • Summon Spirit Ashes to share aggro and create openings.
  • Level Vigor to at least 20 before attempting this fight.

Final Thoughts

Elden Ring rewards patience, observation, and persistence above all else. Every death is a lesson. Take your time, explore broadly, and don't be afraid to return to an area you found too hard. The satisfaction of finally bringing down a boss that punished you a dozen times is unlike anything else in gaming. Welcome to the Lands Between — you've got this.