Elden Ring Walkthrough: Where to Go and What to Do First
Elden Ring is famously open-ended, which is part of its magic — and part of its frustration for new players. With no quest markers and an enormous world, it's easy to wander into areas that are far too dangerous. This walkthrough gives you a recommended order of progression to make your journey through the Lands Between manageable and rewarding.
Starting Out: The First Steps (Tutorial Area)
After character creation, you'll wake up in the Cave of Knowledge — a tutorial dungeon that teaches core mechanics. Don't skip it.
- Learn the basics: attacking, blocking, rolling (dodging), and picking up items.
- You'll fight the Grafted Scion — you're meant to lose this fight. It sends you to the true starting area.
- Find the Torch and Finger Remedy items before exiting.
Limgrave: Your Starting Region
Limgrave is where most players spend their first several hours. It's the most forgiving region and sets the tone for the rest of the game.
Key Objectives in Limgrave
- Find the Church of Elleh — buy a Crafting Kit from Merchant Kale immediately.
- Unlock Torrent (your horse) by resting at the Gatefront Ruins Site of Grace and meeting Melina.
- Explore the Stormfoot Catacombs and Murkwater Cave for early loot.
- Take on Margit, the Fell Omen — the first major story boss. Consider exploring more of Limgrave if he feels too tough.
Recommended Area Order
| Order | Area | Main Boss | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Limgrave | Margit, the Fell Omen | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 2 | Stormveil Castle | Godrick the Grafted | ★★★☆☆ |
| 3 | Liurnia of the Lakes | Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon | ★★★☆☆ |
| 4 | Caelid | Starscourge Radahn | ★★★★☆ |
| 5 | Altus Plateau | Draconic Tree Sentinel | ★★★★☆ |
| 6 | Leyndell, Royal Capital | Morgott, the Omen King | ★★★★☆ |
| 7 | Mountaintops of the Giants | Fire Giant | ★★★★★ |
| 8 | Crumbling Farum Azula | Maliketh, the Black Blade | ★★★★★ |
| 9 | Elden Throne (Endgame) | Elden Beast | ★★★★★ |
Essential Early-Game Tips
- Level Vigor first. HP is more valuable than almost any other stat early on. Aim for at least 40 Vigor before mid-game.
- Don't neglect Sites of Grace. Each one unlocks fast travel and saves your progress.
- Summon Spirit Ashes for tough boss fights — they distract enemies and deal meaningful damage.
- Read item descriptions. Elden Ring tells its story through items, not cutscenes.
- Caelid is dangerous early. You can enter it from Limgrave, but it's intended for much later. Don't stay long unless you're grinding.
Managing Resources
Runes (the game's currency and XP) are lost on death but can be recovered by returning to your death location. Always spend excess Runes on leveling up before attempting hard bosses. Use Golden Runes and Numen's Runes (found as items) when you need a quick boost.
Follow this recommended order and you'll find Elden Ring transforms from an overwhelming mystery into one of gaming's greatest adventures. Take your time, explore every corner, and don't be afraid to summon help.