Jumping into Elden Ring for the first time can be overwhelming. The world is vast, the enemies are unforgiving, and the game gives you little direction. But that’s part of the magic. If you’re just beginning your journey through the Lands Between, here are 13 essential tips to help you get the most out of your first playthrough—without spoiling the surprises that make the game so rewarding.
1. Take Your Time and Explore Everything
Elden Ring isn’t meant to be rushed. Every corner of the map hides secrets—dungeons, NPCs, weapons, and hidden bosses. Even early areas like Limgrave have more to offer than they first appear. Don’t be afraid to stray from the main path.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Run Away
You will encounter enemies that can flatten you in seconds. That’s not a sign you’re bad—it’s a sign you’re not ready yet. If something feels impossible, mark it on your map and come back later when you’re stronger.
3. Upgrade Your Weapon Early
Your weapon upgrade level often matters more than your actual stats. Focus on finding smithing stones and visiting blacksmiths. A +3 weapon can carry you through a huge portion of the early game.
4. Invest in Endurance and Vigor
Too many players neglect these stats. More stamina means more attacks, blocks, and dodges, while more health increases your survivability. Glass cannon builds are fun, but in your first playthrough, you’ll want some breathing room.
5. Use Spirit Ashes and Summons
Summoning spirits can turn the tide in tough fights. They’re part of the design, not a cheat. Find different Spirit Ashes and experiment to see what fits your style.
6. Mark Points of Interest
Use map markers to remember where that hard boss or sealed door was. The world is huge, and tracking everything mentally will only get harder as you progress.
7. Experiment With Weapon Types
Swords, spears, greatswords, katanas, and colossal clubs all feel drastically different. Try out new weapons as you find them—even if just for a few fights—to get a sense of what suits your rhythm.
8. Respect the Game’s Difficulty Curve
If you’re hitting a wall, don’t assume the answer is grinding endlessly in one spot. Explore other areas. The game gives you the freedom to find challenges that match your level and gear.
9. Talk to Every NPC (and Take Notes)
Many quests are vague and easily missed. If you’re invested in lore or side stories, jot down what each character says. Questlines often involve multiple steps across huge distances.
10. Use Buffs, Items, and Crafting
Don’t hoard your consumables. Use fire grease, stat-boosting talismans, and crafted items. Even something simple like a poison cure or damage boost can be the difference between victory and a long corpse run.
11. Consider Online Play (When You’re Ready)
Whether it’s co-oping bosses or testing yourself in PvP, online features can enhance the experience. That said, it’s totally fine to play offline during your first run if you want a more focused journey.
12. Rune Management Matters
Dying twice with a full rune stack is heartbreaking. Use runes often—level up, buy Elden Ring Items, or improve your gear. If you find yourself wanting to save time or test new builds, some players turn to places like U4GM to get cheap elden ring runes without the grind.
13. Embrace Failure
You’re going to die. A lot. And that’s okay. Every loss teaches you something—an enemy’s pattern, a trap’s location, or a better route forward. The frustration is real, but so is the satisfaction when you finally overcome a challenge.
Your first Elden Ring playthrough is a journey you’ll never forget. The game doesn’t hold your hand, but that’s what makes every victory feel earned. Whether you play cautiously, experiment wildly, or even decide to buy Elden Ring Items to boost your momentum, the Lands Between welcome all kinds of Tarnished. Just remember: it’s your story, your path, and your pace.
