Elden Ring Game Tips guide screenshot

Game Tips

Game Tips for Elden Ring



This guide covers essential tips for players of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Tips are grouped by category for easy reference. Each tip includes an explanation and deeper analysis of why it works and when to use it.

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Beginner Tips



1. Level Vigor First
- Explanation: Vigor increases your HP and is the most important stat early on. Most enemies can one-shot or two-shot you if Vigor is too low.
- Analysis: Pumping Vigor to at least 30-40 before heavily investing in other stats gives you a much larger margin for error. This is especially critical in open-world encounters where you face unpredictable groups or bosses. Focus on Vigor until you feel comfortable surviving multiple hits.

2. Learn to Use Guard Counters
- Explanation: After blocking an attack with a shield, immediately press R2/RT to perform a guard counter—a powerful, staggering follow-up strike.
- Analysis: Guard counters break enemy poise easily, allowing critical hits. This is a core mechanic for new players who rely on shields. Use it against slow, heavy attacks, but beware of stamina drain.

3. Explore the Starting Area (Limgrave) Thoroughly
- Explanation: Do not rush to the first main boss (Margit). Instead, roam Limgrave and the Weeping Peninsula. Complete dungeons, find golden seeds, sacred tears, and upgrade materials.
- Analysis: Early upgrades drastically ease the difficulty curve. The Weeping Peninsula is a low-level zone designed for new characters—it’s full of essential items and teaches you mechanics like spirit summons and weapon upgrades.

4. Always Summon for Bosses (If Stuck)
- Explanation: Use Spirit Ashes (e.g., Lone Wolf Ashes) and NPC summons if you’re struggling. These distractions let you heal and attack safely.
- Analysis: Many bosses are balanced around summons. Using them is not cheating—it’s part of the game design. Even for veterans, summons can create openings for heavy attacks or spells.

5. Don’t Neglect Torrent’s Upgrades
- Explanation: Torrent, your mount, can be healed with Rune Arcs or by resting at Sites of Grace. His survivability increases with your Flask upgrades (number of flasks).
- Analysis: Torrent is invaluable for exploring and escaping tough fights. Upgrading your Flask of Crimson Tears directly increases his HP. Always carry at least one Rune Arc for emergency horse healing.

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Combat Tips



1. Master Jump Attacks
- Explanation: Jumping + R2/RT is a high-damage, high-poise-breaking attack that can be performed from a sprint or neutral position.
- Analysis: Jump attacks are faster than charged heavy attacks and often catch enemies off guard. Use them against shield-wielding enemies to break their guard, or to punish bosses during their attack recovery animations. They also build up stagger quickly with great hammers or greataxes.

2. Utilize Weapon Ash of War Movesets
- Explanation: Ash of War can be applied to weapons to change their skill and affinity (e.g., Heavy, Keen, Quality). Each Ash of War has a unique active skill (e.g., Bloody Slash, Hoarfrost Stomp).
- Analysis: Experiment with different Ashes of War to find one that complements your playstyle. For example, Bloody Slash is excellent early game for bleed builds, while Flame of the Redmanes (fire AoE) is great for staggering tough enemies. The right Ash of War can trivialize certain encounters.

3. Use Status Effects Strategically
- Explanation: Bleed, Frostbite, Poison, Scarlet Rot, and Madness can be inflicted with weapons, spells, or consumables. These dot effects deal % of max HP or debuff enemies.
- Analysis: Bleed is strong early and scales with Arcane. Frostbite reduces damage negation and deals burst damage. For bosses with massive health pools (e.g., Fire Giant), applying a status effect can significantly speed up the fight. Craft or buy greases to apply statuses to weapons without infusions.

4. Understand Poise and Hyper Armor
- Explanation: Poise determines your resistance to being staggered. Heavy armor and some weapons (colossal swords/great hammers) grant hyper armor on certain attacks.
- Analysis: If you use large weapons, you can trade hits and stagger enemies. For light weapon users, avoid trading—use speed and mobility. High poise allows you to heal through light attacks, but heavy enemy combos will still stagger you. Manage your weight load (equip load) to stay mobile or tanky.

5. Parry Timing Varies by Enemy
- Explanation: Parrying using a buckler (more frames) or a small shield/medium shield (fewer frames) requires pressing L2/LT just before an enemy’s weapon hits you.
- Analysis: Practice on humanoid enemies like soldiers or knights. Parrying is high-risk, high-reward—successful parries open enemies for critical ripostes but failed parries leave you vulnerable. Use the Buckler Parry Ash of War for easier timing. Against fast enemies, dodge instead.

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Exploration Tips



1. Use the Map Markers and Stakes of Marika
- Explanation: Press Y/Triangle on the map to place markers (beacons, stamps). Stakes of Marika are respawn points near boss arenas—activate them automatically when you rest.
- Analysis: Mark dungeons, important merchants, or farming spots. Stakes of Marika remove runs of shame after boss wipes. Always check for a Stake of Marika before a boss fog gate—resting at Grace resets them, but they remain active once touched.

2. Follow the Light of the Guidance of Grace
- Explanation: Sites of Grace emit golden light trails pointing toward main objective paths (usually legacy dungeons).
- Analysis: These trails guide you to critical progression areas like Stormveil Castle or Raya Lucaria. However, they don’t show side content. Use them as a compass when you feel lost, but don’t ignore side paths—hidden secrets often diverge from the main grace trail.

3. Upgrade Flask Uses Before Flask Amount
- Explanation: Golden Seeds increase total flask uses (Crimson and Cerulean combined). Sacred Tears increase flask healing amount.
- Analysis: More flask uses is more valuable than stronger heals early on, because you can survive more mistakes. In later game, you want both. Explore churches (for Sacred Tears) and small golden trees (for Golden Seeds) in each region.

4. Use Torrent’s Double Jump to Avoid Ground AoEs
- Explanation: Torrent can double jump, which makes you momentarily airborne, avoiding ground-based attacks like fire pools, shockwaves, or poison.
- Analysis: This is critical in open-world encounters with dragons or giant bears. Double jump over their breath attacks or ground slams. Also useful for reaching elevated ledges without fall damage.

5. Check Every Corner for Illusions and Hidden Walls
- Explanation: Some walls and floors are illusions—hit them or roll into them to reveal secret rooms. Enemies may also be hidden.
- Analysis: In catacombs and legacy dungeons, try hitting suspicious walls (e.g., bookcases, loose stones) with a weapon. Rolling works too but costs stamina. Often hidden walls contain loot, shortcuts, or even optional bosses. Use the ‚Rolling‘ method if you’re low on stamina.

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Resources & Economy Tips



1. Farm Runes Efficiently
- Explanation: Early game: the trolls near Stormhill Shack (5 trolls drop ~1000 runes each). Mid game: the Vulgar Militiamen in Caelid (Beast Eye area) give ~1000 each. Late game: the Albinaurics at Mogwyn Palace (Palace Approach Ledge-Road) give ~1500 each with the Golden Scarab talisman.
- Analysis: Rune farming is optional but can speed up leveling. Use the Gold Scarab talisman (found in Caelid) to boost rune gain by 20%. Pop a Golden Rune (consumable) before farming for extra. The Albinauric wave (using Radahn’s Great Rune or a bow) is the best late-game farm.

2. Sell Unwanted Items for Runes
- Explanation: You can sell weapons, armor, and crafting materials at merchants for runes.
- Analysis: Early on, sell duplicate gear or low-level weapons you won’t use. Also sell valuables like ‘Rune Arcs’? No—use Rune Arcs for boss buffs. Generally, don’t sell rare materials like Somber Smithing Stones; they’re better used for upgrades.

3. Prioritize Bell Bearings
- Explanation: Bell Bearings are given to the Twin Maiden Husks in Roundtable Hold, unlocking infinite purchase of smithing stones and upgrade materials.
- Analysis: This removes the need to farm upgrade materials. Key ones: Smithing Stone [1]-[4] Bell Bearing (Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel, Sealed Tunnel, etc.) and Somber Bell Bearings. Always give bearings immediately—they are tied to the merchant’s inventory permanently.

4. Crafting is Underrated
- Explanation: You can craft arrows, bolts, greases, curing items, and throwables using materials found in the wild. Recipes are purchased from merchants or found.
- Analysis: Fire arrows and sleep arrows are especially useful. Crafting heals with ‘Furlcalling Finger Remedy’ for co-op is cheap. If you’re low on runes, craft ammo instead of buying it. Also craft ‘Starlight Shards’? Actually, you cannot craft Starlight Shards—they are environmental.

5. Don’t Hoard Runes
- Explanation: Runes are both currency and XP. Holding large amounts risks losing them on death. Spend them as soon as you can.
- Analysis: If you have enough runes to level up, go back to a Grace and level up immediately. If you’re near a Merchant and need items, buy what you need. Hoarding runes only invites loss—especially in dangerous zones.

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Build & Character Optimization Tips



1. Focus on One Damage Stat Early
- Explanation: Choose between Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, or Arcane as your primary damage stat. Spread too thin = weak damage.
- Analysis: For example, a pure Strength build with heavy weapons (Greatsword, Giant-Crusher) scales entirely off Strength. You can later respec by defeating Rennala. Hybrid builds (e.g., Str/Faith) require more points but payoff later. Beginners: pick one damage stat and meet minimum requirements for weapons, then pump Vigor.

2. Understand Weapon Scaling Letters
- Explanation: Weapons have letter grades (S, A, B, C, D, E) for each stat. Better letters mean more damage from that stat. Infusions change scaling.
- Analysis: ‚S‘ scaling is best, but rare. A weapon with C Strength and B Dexterity is a quality weapon (requires both). If you have low stats, use a weapon with good base damage and low scaling (e.g., early Longsword). Upgrade your weapon—scaling improves slightly with upgrade levels, but infusions matter more.

3. Use a Fast & Heavy Armament
- Explanation: Carry one fast weapon (e.g., straight sword, katana) for quick hits and a heavy weapon (e.g., great hammer, colossal sword) for poise breaks.
- Analysis: This covers multiple situations. For example, use a katana against fast humanoids and a greathammer against armored foes. Swap between them via quick menu. The fast weapon also works for applying status effects while the heavy weapon punishes openings.

4. Invest in Endurance for Stamina and Equip Load
- Explanation: Endurance increases stamina and maximum equip load. Equip load determines roll speed: light (<30%), medium (30-70%), heavy (70-100%).
- Analysis: Stamina is vital for attacking, blocking, dodging, and running. Having enough Endurance to equip medium armor and a big weapon without fat-rolling is key. For casters, stamina allows multiple spells. Level Endurance to at least 20-25 by mid-game.

5. Consider Prisoner or Vagabond for Optimized Starts
- Explanation: Starting class affects base stats. Prisoner has high Int for magic builds, Vagabond has high Vig/Str/End for melee. Wretch is only for challenge runs.
- Analysis: If you plan a specific build, pick a class that minimizes wasted points. For example, a pure mage benefits from Astrologer (high Int, low Str). A paladin might pick Confessor. Respec (Rennala) can adjust but can’t lower primary starting stat below base class level.

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Intermediate Strategies



1. Use Rune Arcs to Activate Great Runes
- Explanation: After defeating a shardbearer (e.g., Godrick, Rennala), equip their Great Rune at a Divine Tower, then use a Rune Arc to activate its buff (e.g., Godrick’s Great Rune gives +5 to all stats).
- Analysis: Rune Arcs are rare—save them for tough boss fights. Godrick’s Great Rune is excellent early because +5 to all stats is like 20 extra levels. For arcane builds, use Mohg’s Great Rune. Rune Arcs are consumed on death, so only use before a difficult encounter.

2. Master the Art of Jumping Over Sweeping Attacks
- Explanation: Many bosses have ground-level sweep attacks (e.g., Margit’s cane sweep). Jumping over them avoids damage and sets up a jump attack.
- Analysis: Timing is tight—practice on Godrick’s sweeping axe. This is especially useful for heavy weapon users who can then punish with a jump heavy. Light weapon users can also use jumps to dodge and counter.

3. Use the ‚Barely-Not-Stagger‘ Window
- Explanation: When you get hit but are not knocked down, you have a brief window of invincibility (iframes) during the stagger animation. You can also roll out of stagger early.
- Analysis: After being hit, your character can still roll before the stagger ends. Mash dodge to avoid follow-up attacks. This is crucial against enemies with combo chains. Practice on Crucible Knights.

4. Target Weaknesses with Elemental Damage
- Explanation: Enemies have resistances and weaknesses. For example, undead take more damage from holy weapons, crystalians from strike damage, dragons from lightning.
- Analysis: Use the environment to deduce weaknesses: undead in catacombs? Bring a sacred weapon. Crystalians? Use a mace or hammer. Swap your Ash of War to fire for tree spirits, etc. Check enemy lore/physical appearance for hints.

5. Spirit Ashes: Upgrade Them
- Explanation: Spirit Ashes can be upgraded at the Twin Maiden Husks using Grave Glovewort (for standard ashes) or Ghost Glovewort (for legendary ashes). Upgraded spirits have more HP and damage.
- Analysis: Some spirits (e.g., Mimic Tear, Tiche) are extremely powerful when upgraded. Even early ones like the Lone Wolf become viable if upgraded. Only upgrade ashes you plan to use long-term. Legendary ashes require high FP to summon.

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Advanced Optimizations



1. Buffer a Roll Out of Attack Animation
- Explanation: Heavy weapons have long animations. You can input a dodge during the attack animation (right before it ends) to roll immediately after the attack finishes.
- Analysis: This reduces recovery time. Practice on the training golems at Gatefront Ruins. This technique is essential for colossal weapon users to avoid being punished after whiffing.

2. Use Hard Swaps for Instant Weapon Changes
- Explanation: You can change weapons in the equipment menu without pausing if you keep the menu open? Actually, hard swapping refers to changing weapons mid-combat by opening inventory and equipping different gear quickly.
- Analysis: Advanced players map different weapons to their quick slots (pouch) or use menu memory. Change between a fast weapon and a heavy weapon during boss fights to adapt to openings. For example, during Malenia’s Waterfowl Dance, swap to a shield to block, then swap back to a katana for punish.

3. Chain Staggers with Certain Weapons
- Explanation: Some weapons have high poise damage and can chain stagger enemies. For example, the Greatsword (Colossal) can stagger-lock basic enemies and many bosses if you time attacks.
- Analysis: Use the crouch attack (R1 out of crouch) for a fast horizontal swing with good poise damage. Against large enemies, aim for the legs or weak spots to break poise repeatedly. This is how speedrunners kill bosses without letting them attack.

4. Use the ‚Corpse Piler‘ (Rivers of Blood) for Bleed Spamming
- Explanation: Rivers of Blood’s weapon skill, Corpse Piler, does rapid bleed buildup in a wide arc. It can stun lock many enemies.
- Analysis: This is a known overpowered strategy. When facing aggressive enemies, spam Corpse Piler from a safe distance. It drains FP quickly, so bring Cerulean flasks. For maximum damage, stack Arcane to 45+ and use White Mask, Lord of Blood’s Exultation talisman.

5. Optimize Flask Ratio
- Explanation: Your Flask of Crimson Tears and Cerulean Tears share a total number of flasks (up to 14). Assign them via ‚Assign Flask‘ at Sites of Grace.
- Analysis: Early game: 4 Crimson, 0 Cerulean for pure melee. For casters, split 6/6 eventually. Adjust based on your FP consumption. If you rarely use FP, allocate more to Crimson. Many bosses demand many heals, so keep at least 6-8 Crimson flasks until you learn their patterns.

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Economy & Shopping Tips



1. Buy Upgrade Materials Early
- Explanation: After obtaining Bell Bearings, you can buy unlimited Smithing Stones. Spend runes to max out your main weapon before leveling up.
- Analysis: Weapon level matters more than character level. A +12 weapon with low stats can outdamage a +3 weapon with high stats. Always prioritize weapon upgrades over leveling damage stats if you’re struggling.

2. Sell Duplicate Talismans
- Explanation: Some enemies drop talismans you already have. Sell them for runes.
- Analysis: Talismans are rare—only sell if you already have two? But you can only equip one talisman per slot. Selling duplicate talismans gives a good rune boost (3000+ for later ones). Never sell unique talismans you might need later (e.g., Radagon’s Soreseal).

3. Check Merchant Inventories for Rare Items
- Explanation: Some merchants sell exclusive items like ‚Crystal Release‘ or ‚Starlight Shards‘? Actually, Starlight Shards are only found. Check merchants for cookbooks (crafting), Ashes of War, and upgrade materials. Notable: Isolated Merchant (Dragonbarrow) sells Radagon’s Soreseal? No, that’s from a chest. But many merchants sell unique weapons (e.g., the Dectus Medallion half).
- Analysis: As you explore, always talk to merchants. They often have valuable consumables like ‚Preserving Boluses‘ (cures Scarlet Rot) which are essential for certain areas. Buy limited stock items that you can’t craft, like ‚Furlcalling Finger Remedy‘.

4. Use the Silver Scarab Talisman for Item Discovery
- Explanation: Silver Scarab increases Item Discovery by 75. It’s found in the Hidden Path to the Haligtree.
- Analysis: Item Discovery affects drop rates of gear and resources. Equip it when farming for rare drops (e.g., Noble’s Estoc, Magma Blade). Combine with a Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot (crafted or found) for maximum drop rates until you have the needed item.

5. Don’t Buy Rune Arcs from Merchants
- Explanation: Rune Arcs cost 5000+ runes. You can find them occasionally as loot or by invading/summoning.
- Analysis: It’s cheaper to help others as a summon or invade to earn Rune Arcs. If you just want the buff, it’s better to use a Rune Arc only when you really need it. The merchant price is too high for casual use.

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Multiplayer Tips



1. Use Password System for Co-op with Friends
- Explanation: Set a multiplayer password in Settings under Multiplayer. It bypasses level restrictions for summoning.
- Analysis: This allows friends of any level to join you, but their stats may be scaled down. Use it to summon high-level friends for early bosses, or to play together. Also enable ‚Cross-Region Play‘ if playing with someone in another region.

2. Invade Strategically with Prepared Builds
- Explanation: Invasion matches you against hosts with similar rune level and weapon upgrade. Use the ‚Taunter’s Tongue‘ to invite invaders while solo.
- Analysis: For PvP, keep your level at meta (125-150) and weapon upgrade at +25/+10. Use consumables like ‚Warming Stones‘ and ‚Furlcalling Finger Remedy‘. Always use the ‚Hunter‘ ring if you want backup.

3. Use ‚Furlcalling Finger Remedy‘ to See Summon Signs
- Explanation: This consumable allows you to see gold summon signs on the ground. You can craft it with two Erdleaf Flowers.
- Analysis: Always have a stack of Remedies before boss areas. Summoning phantoms makes fights easier. Also, if your own sign is down, help others to earn Rune Arcs and runes without risk.

4. Use ‚Small Red Effigy‘ for Co-op?
- Explanation: Actually, the Red Effigy is for invasions. For co-op, use the ‚Tarnished‘s Furled Finger‘ to put down a gold sign.
- Analysis: To help others, place your sign near summoning pools (activate them with the ‚Summoning Pool‘ item). This is the best way to farm Rune Arcs.

5. Beware of ‚Gank Squads‘
- Explanation: Some hosts summon two phantoms to overwhelm invaders. If you invade and see a group, consider using stealth or attrition.
- Analysis: Invasions are often unfair. Use ‘Host of the Hunt’? No. Instead, use ‘Phantom Bloodring’? No. Use environment and mobs to your advantage. If outnumbered, retreat and use ranged attacks.

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Final Pro Tips



  • Always Have a ‚Sunbeam‘? Actually, use ‚Sturdy Greens?‘ No. - Use the ‚Radagon Icon‘ Talisman to shorten spell cast times if you’re a caster (found in Raya Lucaria). This makes spells like Comet Azur more practical.

  • For boss fights, consider using ‚Swaddling‘? No - Use ‚Opaline Bubbletear‘ in your Flask of Wonderous Physick to absorb one big hit (helps survive one-shots). Combine with ‚Crimsonwhorl Bubbletear‘ for full HP heal on damage.

  • Stockpile ‚Smithing Stones‘ before NG+ because Bell Bearings reset. Upgrade all weapons you want to test before journey 2.

  • The ‚Turtle Shield‘ is the best early shield (found in Weeping Peninsula) due to its high stamina regen.

  • Always keep a ‚Dagger‘ with ‚Quickstep‘ or ‚Bloodhound Step‘ for high-mobility dodge through attacks. This can trivialize many boss moves.

  • If you’re stuck on a boss, leave and explore elsewhere. The open world is full of power-ups. Return later with higher level, better gear, and more experience.


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Remember: Elden Ring is about persistence, learning, and adaptation. Use these tips, but find your own playstyle. Good luck, Tarnished.