Elden Ring: How to Get Started Before the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Drops

If you're thinking about jumping into Elden Ring before the much-anticipated Shadow of the Erdtree DLC arrives, now is the perfect time to get familiar with the game's mechanics and its expansive world. Though Elden Ring has built its reputation as a challenging game, it's also known for its deep lore, beautiful landscapes, and satisfying progression system. Here's a guide to help you get started and prepare for the DLC.

 

1. Choose the Right Character Build

Class Selection:

At the start of the game, you'll pick a Class. Don't stress about choosing the perfect one right away because Elden Ring allows you to change your build as you progress. Each Class has its strengths and weaknesses, but ultimately, your success will depend on how you customize your character later in the game. Here are a few good options for beginners:

 

Vagabond - Great for players who want a balance of strength and defense. It's a solid choice for newcomers who like melee combat.

Astrologer - A mage class that specializes in powerful ranged spells. If you prefer casting spells from a distance, this is a good choice.

Confessor - A versatile hybrid of magic and melee combat. It's a good option for players who want flexibility in their play style.

 

Keepsake Choice:

Keepsakes give you a boost early on and can make your journey easier. Some great choices for new players:

 

Golden Seed - Increases your number of Sacred Flask uses, which is essential for healing.

Lands Between Rune - Gives you 3000 Runes to help with early upgrades.

Stonesword Key - Used to unlock certain areas on the map.

 

2. Best Progression Route for Beginners

Elden Ring has a vast world, and while it encourages exploration, there's a natural progression you should follow to avoid overwhelming yourself too early.

 

Start in Limgrave - After exiting the tutorial area, head to Limgrave. Your first quest involves meeting Varre at the First Step Site of Grace. From there, head to the Church of Elleh, where you'll meet the merchant Kale and purchase key items like the Crafting Kit, Torch, and Telescope.

 

Unlock the Horse (Torrent) - At the Gatefront Ruins, you'll meet Melina, who gives you Torrent, your trusty steed. This opens up new ways to travel and engage in combat.

 

Explore Stormhill - After making your way through the Gatefront Ruins, explore Stormhill to farm Runes, meet NPCs like Roderika, and collect useful Elden Ring items like the Stonesword Key.

 

Boc the Seamster Quest - This quest will help you later in the game, so try to complete it early.

 

Once you hit around level 15, you'll be ready to head to the next region, East Limgrave. From there, you can progress to Stormveil Castle, but it's wise to wait until you're a bit stronger before tackling its many enemies and bosses.

 

3. Best Weapons and Armor for Beginners

Weapons:

You'll have a variety of weapon choices early on. Choose one that fits your preferred combat style:

 

Flail - If you're heading to the Gatefront Ruins early, you can stealthily grab a flail from a caravan. This weapon has a blood loss effect, making it very effective in combat.

Twinblade - Found in the Dragon-Burnt Ruins, the Twinblade is a great weapon for beginners with high Dexterity, as it allows you to spin through multiple enemies at once.

Reduvia Dagger - For Arcane builds, you can acquire this powerful dagger in Murkwater River after an event involving Bloody Finger Nerijus and Hunter Yura.

 

Armor:

The Royal Remains Set is a great choice for beginners. It restores your HP over time, which can be a lifesaver in tougher fights. You'll get this armor set after completing a short quest at Roundtable Hold.

 

4. Rune Farming for Beginners

Runes are vital in Elden Ring for leveling up and purchasing items. Here are some early-game farming tips:

 

Trolls in Stormhill - Head to the cliffs north of Stormgate to find trolls that drop 1,000 Runes per kill. They're slow and easy to dodge, making them great for farming early in the game.

Golden Eyes - Enemies with golden eyes drop significantly more loot, so keep an eye out for them and take them down for some great rewards.

Golden Scarab Keepsake - This item boosts the number of Elden Ring Runes you get from defeated enemies. If you can find or equip it early on, it'll help speed up your farming.

 

5. Things to Avoid as a Beginner

While Elden Ring encourages exploration, some areas and enemies should be avoided early on to prevent frustration.

 

Stormveil Castle - While this location is meant to be your first major objective, it's better to hold off on Stormveil Castle until you've leveled up a bit. Many of the enemies here are significantly stronger than what you'll face earlier in the game.

 

The Tree Sentinel - This large, intimidating boss can be found near the Church of Elleh. Avoid fighting it early, as it's one of the hardest enemies you'll face in the beginning. It's best to come back to him once you've gained more experience and a stronger build.

 

Running Headfirst Into Every Fight - Elden Ring doesn't hold your hand. If you're facing a tough enemy, it's okay to run away and come back later. Using stealth and dodging can often be more effective than fighting every enemy you see.

 

6. Teleportation Chest Locations

Teleportation Chests are special chests that act as shortcuts, instantly transporting you to new areas. They can throw off your expectations and are easy to miss if you're not paying attention. Check carefully for any chests that look different from normal loot containers—they may be teleportation chests.

 

Conclusion

Now that you've got a solid foundation to begin your journey in Elden Ring, take time to explore and master the mechanics. The game has a lot to offer, and with the new Shadow of the Erdtree DLC on the horizon, you'll want to be prepared for more complex challenges and deep lore. Use this guide to get started, and remember to take things slow—Elden Ring rewards patience, careful exploration, and learning from failure. Enjoy the adventure!

———— Dec-05-2024 PST ————