Starting your journey in Elden Ring can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to leveling up your character. Many new players find themselves unsure of where to allocate their Runes to create a powerful and enjoyable build. If you’re struggling to understand the best way to level up as a beginner in Elden Ring, this guide is for you.
One common mistake new players make is spreading their stats too thin or focusing solely on damage stats early on. While increasing your offensive capabilities is important, survivability is paramount in the Lands Between, especially in the early game. Therefore, the most effective approach for beginners is to prioritize Vigor.
Investing in Vigor early will significantly increase your HP, allowing you to withstand more hits from enemies and bosses. This increased survivability translates to more opportunities to learn enemy attack patterns, explore the world, and ultimately progress further in the game without constant frustration. Aim to get your Vigor to at least 20, and preferably closer to 30, in the early stages of the game. This will make a noticeable difference in your ability to survive encounters.
Once you have a comfortable level of Vigor, you can start focusing on your primary damage stat, whether it’s Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, or Faith, depending on your chosen build. It’s wise to bring your main damage stat up to the first soft cap for your chosen weapon type to see a significant increase in damage output. Remember that Elden Ring also has secondary stats like Endurance, which affects your stamina and equip load, and Mind, which increases your FP for weapon skills and spells. While these are important, they should generally be secondary to Vigor and your primary damage stat for beginners.
For new players unsure of a good starting build, a Strength/Dexterity build using heavy two-handed weapons can be very effective and forgiving. These weapons often stagger enemies and deal substantial damage, making them easier to use while learning the game’s combat mechanics. Dexterity builds are also viable, often focusing on faster weapons, but might require a bit more finesse in combat. Experimentation is key to finding a playstyle that suits you, but prioritizing Vigor at the beginning will provide a solid foundation for any build.
In conclusion, the best leveling strategy for beginners in Elden Ring is to focus on Vigor first to enhance survivability. After establishing a decent health pool, you can then concentrate on your primary damage stat and explore different builds as you become more comfortable with the game. Don’t be afraid to respec your character later if you want to try different approaches as you progress through the Lands Between.
