Sneaking in Elden Ring adds a stealthy dimension to combat, allowing you to avoid tough enemies, set up ambushes, or initiate sneak attacks. This mechanic is particularly useful in the game's open-world exploration and dungeon areas. Here are some tips and tricks for sneaking effectively in Elden Ring:
Techniques for Sneaking in Elden Ring
Use the Crouch Mechanic: 
You can crouch by pressing the designated button (typically the left stick on controllers or Ctrl on PC). While crouching, you’ll move more slowly, but your noise and visibility will be significantly reduced.
•Tip: Stay crouched while approaching enemies to reduce your chances of being detected. Moving slowly through tall grass or behind cover can help you avoid detection altogether.
Avoid Enemy Line of Sight:
Most enemies in Elden Ring have a limited line of sight. Staying out of this range or circling around enemies can help you get behind them without being spotted.
•Tip: Observe enemy patrol patterns. Many enemies walk in set paths, making it easier to slip behind them and go unnoticed.
Backstab for Critical Damage:
Sneaking up behind enemies gives you the chance to perform a backstab, which deals massive damage and can often kill weaker enemies in one hit.
•Tip: Approach from directly behind enemies and press the attack button (usually R1 or RB on controllers) when close enough to trigger the backstab animation.
Hide in Tall Grass and Shadows:
The world of Elden Ring has plenty of environmental cover like tall grass, rocks, and shadows. Crouching in these areas makes you harder to detect.
•Tip: Use tall grass to hide from patrolling enemies or approach tougher enemies while hidden to plan your attack.
Use Silent Spells or Items:
Some spells, items, and Ashes of War can help reduce your detection by enemies:
•Unseen Form: A sorcery that turns you invisible for a short duration, allowing you to sneak past enemies more easily.
•Ambush Shard: A spell that fires magic at enemies from behind them, great for sneak attacks without getting close.
•Tip: Equip spells like Unseen Form before entering enemy camps or dangerous areas where sneaking past enemies could give you a significant advantage.
Equip Light Armor for Quieter Movement:
Heavier armor makes more noise and can increase the chances of enemies hearing you. Wearing light armor or armor with lower weight ensures quieter movement.
•Tip: Prioritize armor with lower weight and high mobility if you plan on using sneaking as a core part of your playstyle.
Plan Sneak Attacks Before Large Fights:
When approaching groups of enemies, use sneak attacks to thin out their numbers before engaging the rest. By taking out a few enemies silently, you’ll have a much easier time in open combat.
•Tip: Target the strongest enemy in the group for a sneak attack, or take out ranged enemies first to reduce the pressure during battle.
Avoid Making Noise:
Be mindful of the terrain. Running or jumping near enemies will create noise and draw attention, even if you’re crouching.
•Tip: Walk instead of running when sneaking. If an enemy hears you but hasn’t seen you, they might investigate the noise. Use this as a chance to reposition or hide.
Use Environmental Traps:
In some areas, you can use the environment to your advantage, such as luring enemies into traps or off cliffs.
•Tip: If an enemy notices you while sneaking, you can lead them into a more advantageous area to deal with them or trigger environmental traps.
Distract Enemies:
Certain consumable items like throwing knives or bones can be used to distract enemies by throwing them away from you, causing the enemy to investigate the noise instead.
•Tip: Throw these items near ledges or environmental hazards to lure enemies to their death without needing to engage them directly.
Deal with Multiple Enemies Carefully:
Sneaking is less effective when multiple enemies are present, as one enemy detecting you will often alert the others. Focus on isolating individual enemies or taking out archers and mages who could attack from afar.
•Tip: If you’re spotted, retreat to reset the enemy’s awareness and try sneaking around again, especially in larger groups or enemy camps.
Ashes of War: Assassin's Gambit:
Assassin's Gambit is an Ash of War that allows you to reduce your visibility and noise. It’s perfect for sneaking up on enemies undetected.
•Tip: Equip this Ash of War on a weapon if you’re focusing on a stealth-based playstyle. It’ll enhance your chances of going unnoticed.
Use Torrent for Quick Escapes:
If sneaking goes wrong, use Torrent, your spectral steed, to make a quick getaway. Mounting Torrent lets you retreat swiftly from dangerous situations if your stealth plan fails.
•Tip: Plan an escape route using Torrent in case you’re spotted, especially in open-world areas or while exploring enemy camps.
Take Advantage of Nighttime:
The game’s day-night cycle can affect enemy behavior and visibility. Some enemies are less alert or have poorer visibility at night.
•Tip: Explore enemy camps or tougher areas at night for improved stealth options.
By mastering sneaking mechanics in Elden Ring, you can control the battlefield, pick off enemies one by one, and approach combat scenarios on your own terms.
