Here's a guide to the basic gameplay elements of "Elden Ring," which should help newcomers get acquainted with the game's mechanics and structure:
World and Exploration:
•Open World: Elden Ring features a vast open world known as The Lands Between. Exploration is key, and you can go almost anywhere from the start, though some areas are intended for later progression due to their difficulty.
•Sites of Grace: These are checkpoints where you rest, level up, and manage your inventory. Resting here replenishes your health, Focus Points (FP), and flask charges, but it also respawns enemies in the area.
Character Development:
•Stats:
•Vigor: Increases HP.
•Mind: Increases FP for spells and skills.
•Endurance: Boosts stamina and equip load.
•Strength: Enhances physical attack and affects weapon wielding.
•Dexterity: Improves attack speed, critical damage, and weapon handling.
•Intelligence: Boosts sorcery damage and reduces casting time for spells.
•Faith: Increases incantation potency and reduces casting time for incantations.
•Arcane: Affects item discovery and certain status effects.
•Levels and XP: Defeating enemies grants Runes, which are Elden Ring's XP. Use these at Sites of Grace to level up and allocate points to your stats.
Combat:
•Health and FP: Your character has Health Points (HP) and Focus Points (FP). FP is used for spells, weapon skills, and some items.
Weapons:
•Melee Weapons: Swords, spears, axes, etc. Each has a standard attack and a unique skill/weapon art.
•Ranged Weapons: Bows, crossbows, and throwing weapons.
•Magic: Sorceries and Incantations, requiring Intelligence or Faith respectively.
Combat Mechanics:
•Lock-On: Essential for focusing on a single enemy, especially in boss fights.
•Dodging: Rolling has invincibility frames (I-Frames) which, if timed right, can avoid damage.
•Blocking: Shields can block attacks, but each shield has stability and guard break potential.
•Parrying: With the right timing, you can parry enemy attacks with specific shields or weapons, opening them up for a riposte.
Stamina Management:
•All actions consume stamina. Manage it to avoid becoming vulnerable after exhausting your stamina.
Inventory and Equipment:
•Equipment Load: Affects your movement speed and dodging capability. Lighter load allows for faster movement and more stamina-efficient dodging.
•Upgrades: Weapons and shields can be upgraded at Sites of Grace with Smithing Stones. Ashes of War can be applied to weapons to change their attributes or skills.
Gameplay Elements:
•Flasks: You have two types:
•Crimson Tears: Restores HP.
•Cerulean Tears: Restores FP.
•Crafting: Gather materials to craft items like arrows, throwing knives, and healing boluses.
•Spirit Summons: Use Spirit Ashes to summon allies in battle, particularly useful in boss fights.
•Mount: Torrent, your spectral steed, allows for faster travel and can be summoned in combat for strategic advantages.
•Stealth: Some enemies can be avoided or backstabbed by sneaking up on them.
Multiplayer:
•Co-op: Summon friends or random players to help with tough areas or bosses.
•Invasions: Be prepared for PvP encounters where hostile players can invade your game.
Exploration and Quests:
•NPC Quests: Many NPCs have quests that can lead to powerful items or change the story. These quests often require you to revisit NPCs or locations at different times or after certain events.
•Secrets and Hidden Items: The world is filled with hidden paths, caves, underground ruins, and secrets that can reward you with powerful gear or shortcuts.
Tips for New Players: 
•Save Runes: Pick up Runes from fallen enemies before resting at a Site of Grace or dying, as you'll lose them upon death if not collected.
•Explore: Don't rush to the end. Exploring can provide you with items, experience, and a better understanding of the game's mechanics.
•Experiment: Try different weapons, spells, and playstyles. Elden Ring is very forgiving with respec options later in the game.
•Learn from Death: Each death teaches you something about enemy patterns or your own mistakes. Use this knowledge to improve.
•Use Your Resources: Don't hoard items or potions. Use them to survive and progress, as more can always be found or bought.
Note: Elden Ring combines traditional Souls-like gameplay with an open-world approach, offering a breadth of freedom in how you tackle its challenges. Embrace the learning curve, and enjoy the depth of exploration and combat this game provides. |
You may also like:
•Editions and DLC Guide to Elden Ring
•System Requirements Guide to Elden Ring
•Platforms Guide to Elden Ring
•Controlls Guide to Elden Ring
•Does Elden Ring Have Crossplay?
•PvE Operations Guide to Elden Ring
•Campaigns Guide to Elden Ring
•Customization Guide to Elden Ring
•Game Basics Guide to Elden Ring
•Basic Walkthrough to Elden Ring
•Top 10 Tips & Tricks for playing Elden Ring
