Elden Ring does not just offer a fine experience; it is an expansive epic experience involving tedious gameplay, sweeping open-world exploration, and extensive lore. Newcomers here-even if they are entirely unacquainted with the notoriously punishing From Software Souls borne genre-would feel as though they’d been thrown into the deep end of the swimming pool without so much as a float.

But do not worry. This Elden Ring guide has all you need to hit the ground running. Whether you’re on ELDEN RING Steam, Elden Ring Game Pass, or console, these beginner tips will give you a strong start and make your first journey through the Lands Between a whole lot smoother (and rather less punishing).

What Is the Elden Ring?

Action of developing a game by From Software and publishing it by Bandai Namco Elden Ring game combines the punishing combat of Dark Souls with an open-world split format. A dark fantasy was created in part by George R.R. Martin, the author of Game of Thrones.

You, a Tarnished warrior, are tasked to restore the fragmented Elden Ring gameplay and become Elden Lord. This is a journey laden with the chains of mystery surrounding its characters, hidden lore, brutal bosses, and huge open-endedness.

Is the Elden Ring Good for Beginners?

Yes and no.

The Elden Ring game opens itself to the players more than its predecessors in the Soulsborne series through its open-world structure, but challenges still wait at every turn. Don’t guess that this is going to put you off. With the right mentality and a few beginner-specific things to know, even first-timers will survive.

1. Choose the Right Starting Class

Your starting class does influence your early game experience but does not lock one into such a role forever. That said, for beginners: 

• Vagabond-Balanced stats, great for melee-focused builds
• Astrologer-Recommended for those into magic combat
• Confessor-Some healing and some melee
• Samurai-Good weapons and armor at start

Avoid Wretch if new; it starts at level 1 with no gear and is a little bit unnecessarily tough for beginners. 

2. Take Your Time Exploring

Unlike previous games, Elden Ring game lets you roam. If a given boss is proving hard, just ride off on your spectral steed, Torrent, and do some exploring elsewhere. By simply exploring, you will stumble across hidden dungeons, upgrade materials, powerful weapons, and tons of XP (called Runes). 

Pro Tip: Always look for Sites of Grace (the game’s version of checkpoints) to rest, level yourself up, and fast travel.

3. Learn the Combat Basics

Combat in the Elden Ring game is more than just button-mashing. Understanding the basics early can save you hours of frustration.

• Stamina is key. Don’t blow all your stamina attacking—save some for dodging or blocking.
• Timing matters. Learn enemy attack patterns and dodge just before the strike.
• Guard counters are powerful. Block a hit, then immediately press heavy attack for a strong retaliation.

Use the practice enemies near the tutorial cave to get a feel for different moves and timing.

4. Use Spirit Summons and Ashes of War

Two new mechanics in Elden Ring game can help you turn the tide in difficult battles:

• Spirit Ashes – Summon NPC spirits to help in fights. Great for distracting bosses.
• Ashes of War – Custom abilities for weapons that can drastically change your playstyle. You can assign them at Sites of Grace.

Don’t consider these cheating—the Elden Ring game was built with them in mind, especially to support new players.

5. Level Up the Right Way

When you gain enough Runes, you can level up at a Site of Grace. Here’s a beginner-friendly leveling elden ring guide:

• Vigor – Boosts HP. Crucial for surviving longer.
• Endurance – Increases stamina and equipment load.
• Strength/Dexterity – Melee builds should prioritize one.
• Mind/Intelligence/Faith – Essential for magic-based builds.

Avoid spreading points too thin. Focus on a couple of stats that complement your build.

6. Don’t Hoard Your Runes

When you die in the Elden Ring game, you drop all of your runes. When you die before collecting them, they are permanently gone. 

Pro Tip: Visit the Sites of Grace to early-on level-up with Runes collected. Don’t carry a large stash with you, especially before challenging new areas where they get accessible.

7. Use the Map Strategically

As you uncover the Lands Between, your map will expand. Look for:

• Map fragments at stone monoliths to reveal new zones
• Stakes of Marika for quick respawn points near bosses
• Markers to track dungeons, bosses, and resources

A well-organized map saves you from wandering blindly—and dying needlessly.

8. Embrace Death as a Teacher

Yes, you will die. A lot. But it’s all fine. 

Every death teaches you something. Either you attacked prematurely, forgot to block, or walked into a trap. Each defeat should be used as a lesson. That is the way of Souls-born. 

That’s what makes it so worth the experience in the Elden Ring gameplay. That “Aha!” moment when you finally trash a boss that has crushed you ten times before? Definitely!

9. Join the Community (But Beware Spoilers)

There is a great big community around the Elden Ring on Reddit and YouTube, as well as Discord. For example, watching boss guides and build videos and reading community tips is an option when stuck. Just be careful of major story spoilers if new. 

Also has a multiplayer online co-op access; summon others to help take down tough bosses or invade with PvP action. 

10. Where to Play Elden Ring

There are platforms such as Steam, consoles, and the Elden Ring Game Pass for playing Elden Ring (subject to availability and subscription at present). Make sure your system has optimal specifications for the smoothest possible gameplay while on PC. 

Recommended: A controller. Although you could play with a keyboard and mouse, the control during combat and handling the camera feels far superior when using a gamepad.

Final Thoughts

Elden Ring game may be tough, but it is one of the most rewarding and stunning games to have ever been created. This Elden Ring guide will help first-time Soulsborne players conquer the Lands Between, one Site of Grace at a time. 

Slow down, allow yourself to experience the lessons and, above all, have fun on the journey. 

This is not just a game; this is a legend.