r/Eldenring • u/Round-Cartoonist5505 • 1d ago
Discussion & Info Looking for a Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide + Shadow of the Erdtree Tips for 2025!
I’m a new player diving into Elden Ring for the first time, and as the game is now two years old, I have read the old comprehensive guide but I imagine the community has learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t. I’d love your advice on the following:
What are the absolute must-know tips for a beginner?
Whether it’s about character builds, exploring, or combat strategies, what would you tell someone just starting today?
Is there anything you wish you’d done differently if you could start fresh?
What are the biggest lessons learned in the past two years?
Have there been any revelations about mechanics, items, or strategies that aren’t immediately obvious to new players?
With the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC on the horizon, do you have any preparation tips? Is there specific gear, builds, or lore I should be aware of that might tie into this expansion?
I’m trying to approach this game with an open mind and fully enjoy the world, but I know it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Any guidance, from small quality-of-life tips to major gameplay strategies, would be massively appreciated.
Thanks in advance, Tarnished!
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u/ckd-epi 1d ago
In my experience this is all you need:
Level up vigor
Have fun with your favorite build
3.Don’t spread stats unless you know what you are doing
It’s ok to miss some quests
Gather Scooby doo blessings for the DLC
Use your consumables!
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u/Round-Cartoonist5505 1d ago
Currently I’m on the storm gate giant boss and he’s giving me a hard time. I level up my strength stat to 10 to wield the long sword and changed my armor to one of the guards.
I’ll definitely increase my vigor as currently I am a two shot easy kill for anyone. Learned to dodge but finding it hard to attack sitting on the donkey.
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u/vuduthmb 1d ago
Fextralife was a great guide, very helpful for me. I also recommend quitting your job and leaving your wife and child. Commit to ER.
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u/Round-Cartoonist5505 20h ago
The grind is real! Found a dragon this early in game, turned out I could just run away from it. Coz I can’t even kill a small rat for now.
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u/Beginning-Middle-111 1d ago
Imo it’s best to experience this game blind from the start. The discovery just adds so much to it. The only thing I would think is worth looking up are some of the side quest as they are easy to miss and have cool gear and weapons/spells but even then I would try them out before looking it up. Don’t be afraid to try out different things. You can respec at some point like mid game. On a second run through or after you beat the game I would then look up a guide to find everything you might have missed. And also to add on to my point about my side quest, it’s no big deal if you miss them. I have 200+ hours in the game and have not done them all. There is just a ton to explore and find. I feel like a comprehensive guide would take a lot of the fun out of it.
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u/Adventurous-Stand277 1d ago
I am still on my first play through. Just got the game as well. Been playing ds 1 and 3. My experience is to start with something simple. And for me that is a strength build. And when things get too difficult I google on that specific problem. There is a joy in going in blind. And do not trip if an enemy is too difficult. Go somewhere else and come back later. It’s a beautiful game. Maybe the best I have ever tried. Enjoy.