Elden Ring: Hidden Secrets and Top Survival Tips

If you've just landed in the Middle Lands and have already died more times than you'd like to admit, don't worry: Elden Ring is designed to make you suffer, but also to reward those who learn its rules . This guide gathers secrets, hidden mechanics, and practical tips so you can get the most out of the game without completely losing your mind.

The goal is for you to be able to complete Elden Ring 100% in a single playthrough, discover all the endings, master the combat, and understand the intricacies of the open world . All of this without spoiling the story, using clear, accessible language, and including a few tricks worthy of a FromSoftware veteran.

First steps: how to get off to a strong start in Elden Ring

Before you go crazy exploring, it's a good idea to understand some basics, because the first few hours make all the difference between a hellish start and just a "merely" difficult one . Elden Ring is more accessible than other Souls games thanks to its open world, but it still doesn't forgive silly mistakes.

One of the key points is choosing the right starting class, as your archetype will determine your first few hours, your available weapons, and how you approach the first bosses . It's not irreversible, because you can redistribute stats later, but starting off with a comfortable build makes a huge difference.

You should also accept from the very beginning that the story doesn't follow a mandatory linear path and the order of areas and bosses is flexible . Use this to your advantage: if a boss mercilessly destroys you, don't get frustrated, go to another area, level up, upgrade your weapons, and come back later.

Finally, it's crucial to understand that patience and reading your surroundings are far more valuable than compulsive button-mashing . Carefully observing the environments, reading object descriptions, and listening to dialogue will save you from ridiculous deaths and, incidentally, reveal secret mechanics that the game barely explains.

Classes, progression, and story without spoilers

When creating your character, you'll see several starting classes; rather than locking you into a role, they define your attribute distribution and starting equipment to give you a coherent foundation . For example, some excel in strength and stamina, others in faith or intelligence, and still others focus on dexterity and speed.

Whichever class you choose, keep in mind that all classes can become effective if you level up the right attributes and get the right equipment . There isn't a single "best class," but there are combinations that make things easier at the beginning, especially for beginners.

In terms of narrative, Elden Ring is designed so that you can approach its large areas and bosses in more than one possible order . You don't need to follow a fixed route to advance the main story, and many NPC storylines intersect and evolve as you overthrow powerful lords.

If you want to uncover every last secret and ending, the ideal approach is to follow a route that allows you to see all six conclusions of the game in a single playthrough . This requires paying close attention to dialogues, character quests, and key decisions, because some ending routes are mutually exclusive if you take certain paths too early.

The trick is that every time you defeat a major boss or complete a main dungeon, you should make a quick round of visits to your important NPCs . Many quest lines only progress (or become blocked) after certain milestones, and speaking with them again after those moments prevents you from missing out on unique rewards and outcomes.

Essential FAQ: Builds, Equipment, and Difficulty

One of the biggest questions for any new player is how to build their character, because builds completely determine your combat style, your ideal equipment, and even which bosses you'll find easier . Going for brute force with a colossal weapon is not the same as going for a crystal sorcerer.

For a build to work, you need to align attributes, weapons, armor, talismans, magic, or war ashes toward a common goal . For example, if you focus on sorcery, it makes little sense to invest heavily in strength; instead, intelligence, mind, and learning are essential.

Difficulty is always a hot topic in FromSoftware games, but within that standard, Elden Ring is probably the most player-friendly title thanks to its open world and farming options . You can backtrack, upgrade equipment, summon spirits, and cooperate.

Even so, the game won't always be there for you, so it's a good idea to learn some basic habits to die less and progress more smoothly . This includes managing your runes well and not rushing into areas that are clearly too advanced for your level.

One aspect that many overlook is the inventory: reading item descriptions explains entire mechanics that the game doesn't detail in tutorials . Some items even apply penalties simply for carrying them, so ignoring the text can cost you lives or damage.

Basic tips for dying less

The first major mindset shift is learning to thoroughly understand each item you pick up, reviewing its description and effect before equipping or using it . This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises, such as items that reduce your maximum HP if left in your inventory without your knowledge.

Another key point is mastering mounted combat with Torrentera, because many enemies and bosses are much more manageable on horseback, while others become a nightmare if you insist on fighting that way . Learning when to dismount and when to use the double jump is vital.

Exploring is great, but it's best to do it wisely: rushing into much higher-level areas out of mere curiosity can cause you to lose tons of runes . It's best to carefully unlock each starting region, securing Places of Grace and fast travel points before venturing far.

Falls require special respect, as a bad jump or a reckless dodge at the edge of a precipice can send you plummeting down a ravine in an instant . Before leaping onto a precarious ledge, use shiny stones to check if the fall is fatal: if they shatter upon impact, you'll be in trouble too.

Finally, adopt a calm rhythm: abusing dodge without timing leaves you vulnerable because it consumes stamina and leaves you without the energy to block, attack, or roll when it matters . Observe patterns, roll at the right moment, and don't be afraid to retreat and improve if you're stuck on a boss.

Advanced tricks and progression secrets

One of the first surprises many players encounter at the Round Table is Fia, who offers a seemingly innocent hug. What the game doesn't emphasize is that while you have her Canopy Blessing in your inventory, you'll have 5% less maximum HP . Using the item removes the negative effect and restores that HP.

To navigate dark areas, instead of always relying on a torch, you should acquire a lantern as soon as possible. This item is equipped as a consumable and hangs from your belt, allowing you to keep both hands free for weapons or a shield . It can be purchased from a merchant in the Lone Trader's Hut in Western Necrolimbo.

As you progress, you'll obtain Memories from major bosses, which you can spend on runes or exchange for weapons, spells, and special abilities. Interestingly, you'll find wandering mausoleums that allow you to legitimately duplicate these Memories and discover secret locations and chests . However, each mausoleum can only be used once.

If a merchant or vendor NPC dies for any reason, you don't lose their inventory forever, as their bell or associated item can be given to the Quiescent Twin Maidens of the Round Table . From that point on, their items are added to the Maidens' catalog.

For those coming from Dark Souls, there's a very special visit in Necrolimbo, in the Agualóbrega Cave; there you'll find a direct reference to previous FromSoftware titles that will bring a smile to your face if you're a fan . We won't say more so as not to spoil the surprise.

Remake appearance, redistribute stats, and forgive mistakes

If you later become dissatisfied with your character's appearance, you're not stuck with your initial design. In Fia's room at the Round Table, you'll find a mirror that allows you to return to the appearance editor as many times as you like . "Cosmetic surgery" in Elden Ring is completely free.

If your concern isn't your appearance but your build, the game also has a solution: defeating the main boss of Raya Lucaria Academy unlocks the option to reset your attributes . To do so, you need to spend Larval Tears, a limited resource that you must manage carefully.

If you got carried away and accidentally attacked an important NPC, you can still rectify the situation: the Church of Oaths is located in the Liurnia region, where you can atone for your sins and reconcile . To do this, you'll need Moon Tears, another type of special resource.

Another mechanic that many overlook is the Miracle Potions from the Flask of Marvelous Tears, which allow you to mix two Tears with different effects to create a custom potion . These effects range from extra healing to offensive or defensive boosts that are very useful against difficult bosses.

As you defeat elite enemies scattered throughout the world, you'll acquire Tears with a wide variety of effects, and combining them from the start of the game is incredibly helpful . There's no need to "save" the vial for special occasions; use it often, especially when you're stuck.

Magic, towers, and extra spell slots

The magical repertoire of Elden Ring is enormous, with over 200 spells, enchantments, and invocations, giving magic-focused characters a tremendous variety of playstyles and synergies . From fragile yet devastating crystal mages to tanky clerics with high faith.

To take advantage of this variety, you need sufficient memory slots, something that doesn't depend solely on the learning attribute, because the magic towers scattered across the map often conceal Memory Stones . Each one expands the number of equippable spells by one additional slot.

These towers, like the Tower of Orydis or the Marginal Tower of the Converts, are usually locked by puzzles, platforms, or specific requirements, but there's always a way in by thoroughly exploring the surroundings or solving a riddle . Many present you with small environmental puzzles or parkour challenges.

There are eight Memory Stones in total, so a dedicated mage can equip a huge number of spells without needing to level up their Attunement stats as much . You can even use this to redistribute stats once you've collected them, shifting points to Vigor, Mind, or another attribute.

Gestures, puzzles, and subtle mechanics

Gestures aren't just for showing off after defeating a boss; in Elden Ring, there are puzzles and secrets that are solved by using specific emotes in specific locations . In the Misty Woods ruins, for example, a gesture you don't have from the start turns out to be key to solving an early puzzle.

This makes it crucial to repeatedly speak with all the NPCs and exhaust their dialogue options . Many will grant you new gestures, important items, or cryptic clues about secret locations and mechanics that you would otherwise never discover.

Another often overlooked system is the map beacons, because you can place up to five illuminated markers that guide you while you explore without overwhelming your view . When you place a sixth beacon, the oldest one disappears automatically, but you can also "clear" them by physically walking over them.

Regarding the inventory, when you pick up a new item, the icon that appears in the upper left indicates its type (weapon, key, talisman, etc.) . Then, within the inventory, pressing the "recently acquired" sort button allows you to quickly locate your latest acquisitions.

Later, you'll unlock Great Runes after defeating demigods; simply equipping them isn't enough, as you must activate their power by spending Rune Bows, which function similarly to Humanity or Embers in the Souls games . Once consumed, your Great Rune remains active until you die.

Mines, map and material farming

If you need upgrade materials for your weapons, there's no need to go in blind: mines are easily recognizable on the cleared map thanks to small dark patches with reddish edges . They usually appear embedded in mountains or cliffs.

Similarly, map fragments are located in initial gray areas, like subtly marked monuments on the "unexplored" world map . If you look closely, you'll see an icon resembling a stele or monolith indicating the location of the pillar with the physical map.

Another underrated mechanic is the glowing stones: besides marking invisible paths across the void, they act as a kind of "sonar" to check if a fall is fatal . If you hear one explode when you throw it, you can be sure your character will meet the same fate.

Torches, besides providing light, can also be used as a situational weapon, since certain enemies like the slimy blobs on the ceiling or some miners are extremely vulnerable to direct fire . However, be careful because some miners can explode if you light them.

There is even a Beast Repellent Torch that repels wolves and other aggressive animals, ideal for reducing unpleasant encounters in the wilderness . It can be purchased from a merchant in the Lone Trader's Hut in Caelid.

Deep combat: secrets of the fighting system

In combat, don't just roll; jumping and crouching also allow you to dodge attacks with surgical precision thanks to highly refined hitboxes . Many horizontal attacks can be avoided with a simple jump, and certain projectiles will pass right over you if you crouch at the right moment.

Large shields are especially useful because they tend to deflect heavy enemy attacks, leaving them open for devastating counter-attacks . The same applies in reverse: enemies with huge shields are better able to withstand light combos, so prioritize heavy blows or jump attacks.

If a boss or any enemy with a grapple animation grabs you, mashing the triggers can reduce the damage or shorten the duration of the grab . It's not magic, but sometimes it makes the difference between surviving with one hit point and being knocked out.

Combos also have their tricks: chaining together several hits with the same weapon gradually increases the total damage you inflict . Each weapon has between four and six light attack animations, depending on its weight, and understanding this "dance" helps you optimize when to break the combo or finish off an opponent.

Wielding a weapon two-handed isn't just a matter of style, because doing so grants you an extra 50% bonus to your Strength attribute, which affects both requirements and damage . This means you can handle weapons that you theoretically can't handle one-handed if you choose to wield them with both hands.

Enemy AI, extra runes, and damage between monsters

All enemies have an invisible "balance" or stamina bar that fills up as you damage them, they block attacks, or they take charged hits . When it overflows, they stagger and become completely vulnerable to critical attacks.

Occasionally you'll see enemies with glowing eyes; in Elden Ring, this doesn't mean they're carrying your runes, but rather that they'll grant extra experience upon death . They're a real treat for farming, so it's worth prioritizing them.

A very convenient feature is that as soon as you land the final blow on an enemy that drops an item, a small blue explosion occurs, indicating the drop . You don't need to wait for the body to finish its animation to know it's dropped something.

Regarding the game's large creatures, many colossal monsters can damage each other if their attacks intersect, even if they are of the same type . Provoking fights between giants, golems, trolls, or giant crabs can save you a tremendous amount of work.

In groups of semi-humans, if you locate and kill the leader (usually larger or with a different weapon), the rest of the group becomes confused and less aggressive . It's a very efficient way to neutralize dangerous groups without confronting them all at once.

Stealth and silent elimination

Although Elden Ring isn't a pure stealth game, stealth is a powerful tool, allowing you to clear entire camps with backstabs if you break enemy line of sight . Simply hide behind rocks, walls, or vegetation and wait for them to lose your trail.

In addition to seeing, enemies can hear; this means that throwing objects, shooting arrows at walls, or hurling a rock can lure an enemy away from their group . Separating patrol units in this way allows you to eliminate them one by one without raising the alarm.

Crouching and moving slowly greatly reduce the noise you make, especially in tall grass . Take advantage of patrol routes to position yourself directly behind them and land a critical hit that will take away a significant portion, if not all, of their health bar.

Mastering Torrentera: Combat and exploration on horseback

The horse is one of the biggest gameplay changes from Dark Souls, and it's best to treat it as an extension of your character, because many fights, especially in the open world, are better resolved from horseback . Torrentera is fast, maneuverable, and deadly on the run.

The spirit springs, those air currents you see on the ground, allow you to make colossal leaps both upwards and downwards without taking fall damage . If you aim well, you can use these currents to descend from great heights safely.

The horse's double jump can be redirected in mid-air, essential for precise jumps on platforms, cliff edges, and access to secret outdoor areas . Its jump animation is more predictable than the character's on foot, so use it for platforming whenever possible.

Mounting and dismounting Torrentera grants a few frames of invulnerability, meaning you can dodge certain attacks by timing your summoning or dismounting perfectly . It's not foolproof, especially against area-of-effect attacks, but when used correctly, it can save you from some very painful blows.

While riding, holding down the heavy attack button allows the weapon to strike enemies with just a graze, taking advantage of the mount's movement . With weapons like twin swords, this becomes a brutal whirlwind when passing through groups of enemies.

If a mounted enemy falls off their horse, close the gap quickly because you'll have an opportunity to land a critical hit on the ground . And be warned, the same can happen to you: if you're thrown, they can punish you while you're vulnerable.

When Torrentera dies, the next time you summon him you'll have to use a drink of Crimson Tears Vial to bring him back to life . The knockdown and death animations are very similar, but if the horse whinnies pitifully, it means he's truly dead.

Survival mechanics and quality of life

On poisoned or plague-affected ground, avoid rolling at all costs, because if your character is covered in poison, they will continue to take damage even after leaving the contaminated area . Move quickly but without rolling, look for safe islands, and use status healing items if necessary.

In intense combat, finding the right vial on the D-pad can be a nightmare, so holding down on the D-pad always returns you to the first item on the quick wheel . Place your main Healing Vial there and you'll save yourself agonizing trips through the menu.

Tables, boxes, and furniture in the levels break when you roll or fall on them, but if you time your jumps well, you can land on these items without destroying them and gain a little extra height to reach seemingly inaccessible platforms . It's a very useful trick for fine exploration.

Compared to classic systems in the series, Elden Ring completely eliminates Hollow or Undead states and the need to repair weapons and armor . This significantly reduces the management burden and allows you to focus more on exploration and combat.

As an added quality-of-life tip, remember that you can access the Round Table faster by using the travel point list and, from there, the direct shortcut to the associated Place of Grace . A little trick that, in the long run, saves many seconds of map navigation.

All these little tricks , hidden mechanics, and practical tips make Elden Ring a much more manageable game without sacrificing intensity; mastering its systems, from Memories and Great Runes to stealth, magic, and horseback combat, allows you to face the Middle Lands with confidence and enjoy its secrets without every encounter being an insurmountable obstacle.