by Youwy
Complete Elden Ring beginner's guide covering class selection, combat mechanics, and early game exploration tips
A comprehensive walkthrough for new Elden Ring players covering class selection, essential combat mechanics, and early game strategies to help you get a strong start without spoilers.
Select the Vagabond class for beginners - it starts with good armor, shield, and weapon with balanced stats focused on vigor, strength, and dexterity. The Wretch is better for experienced Souls players who want flexibility.
Check your equipment load in the menu. Always stay at Light or Medium load - never Heavy. Your dodge roll (invincibility frames) is worse when overburdened, making dodging attacks much less effective.
The Long Sword is arguably better than the starting halberd. It has an easier moveset and better weapon skill. Two-hand it (Triangle + R1) to use its skill - one of the best in the game.
Graces are your checkpoints. Rest at them to restore health, healing items, and FP. They also serve as fast travel points. Some NPCs appear when you rest at specific graces.
Dodging is more important than blocking in Elden Ring. Blocking consumes stamina, but dodging with proper timing gives you invincibility frames. Shields work for learning enemy patterns but aren't ideal for experienced players.
With a shield equipped, block an attack then press R2 for a high-damage guard counter. These deal excellent stance damage and can break enemy posture for critical hits.
Head to the Weeping Peninsula early for sacred tears and golden seeds that upgrade your flask. Churches contain sacred tears - pick them up to increase healing effectiveness and flask quantity.
Gather smithing stones throughout the early areas to upgrade your weapon. Somber smithing stones are for unique weapons, regular stones for standard weapons. Golden seeds increase your flask capacity.
Talismans provide passive bonuses. The Green Turtle Talisman improves stamina regeneration. You can equip up to four talismans, so collect them freely without worrying about limited slots.
