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 rulesThis guide brings together secrets, hidden mechanics, and practical recommendations to help you get the most out of the game without completely losing your mind.

The goal is that you can Complete Elden Ring 100% in a single playthrough, discover all the endings, master the combat, and understand the madness of the open world.All this without spoiling the story, using clear, approachable 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 have some basics clear, because The first few hours make the difference between a hellish start and a "just" tough oneElden 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, since Your archetype determines your first few hours, your available weapons, and how you approach the first bosses.It's not irreversible, because you can redistribute statistics later, but starting off comfortably makes a huge difference.

You must also assume from minute one that The story does not 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 is essential to understand that Patience and reading your surroundings are worth more than compulsive "button-waving".Looking closely at the environments, reading object descriptions, and listening to dialogues 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 output team so that you have a consistent foundation.For example, some excel in strength and vigor, others in faith or intelligence, and still others rely on skill and speed.

Whichever one you choose, be clear that All classes can become effective if you level up the right attributes and get the right equipmentThere is no single "best class", but there are combinations that make getting started easier, especially for beginners.

In terms of narrative, Elden Ring is designed so that you can tackle its large areas and bosses in more than one possible orderYou don't need to follow a fixed route to advance the main story, and many NPC plots intersect and update as you overthrow great lords.

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

The trick is that Each time you overcome a major boss or main dungeon, make a quick round of visits to your important NPCs.Many quest lines only progress (or become blocked) after certain milestones, and talking to 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 fighting style, your ideal equipment, and even which bosses will be easier for you.It's not the same to go in with brute force using Colossal as it is to go in with Crystal Wizard.

For a building to work, you need Align attributes, weapons, armor, talismans, magic, or war ashes toward a single goalFor example, if you focus on sorcery, it makes little sense to invest heavily in strength; instead, intelligence, mind, and learning are your daily bread.

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

Even so, the game isn't going to hold your hand all the time, so It's worth internalizing some basic habits to die less and progress without so much gridlock.From managing your runes well to not rushing headlong into areas that are clearly too advanced for your level.

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

Basic tips for dying less

The first big change in mindset is learning to Get to know each item you pick up well, reviewing its description and effect before equipping or using itThis will help you avoid unpleasant surprises, such as items that reduce your maximum HP if they remain in your inventory without your knowledge.

Another key point is mastering mounted combat with Torrentera, because Many enemies and bosses are much more manageable when mounted, 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 sensibly: Venturing headlong into areas of a much higher level just out of curiosity can cause you to lose tons of runes.It's best to unlock each starting region thoroughly, securing Places of Grace and fast travel points before venturing far.

Falls require special respect, because A bad jump or a reckless dodge at the edge of a precipice can send you tumbling down a ravine in a second.Before jumping onto a dubious ledge, use shiny stones to check if the fall is fatal: if they break on impact, you'll be dead too.

Finally, adopt a calm pace: Overusing dodges 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 backtrack and improve if a boss gives you trouble.

Advanced tricks and progression secrets

One of the first surprises many encounter at the Round Table is Fia, who offers you a seemingly innocent hug; what the game doesn't emphasize is that While you carry the Blessing of the Canopy in your inventory, you will have 5% less maximum health.When you use the item, the negative effect disappears and you recover those HP.

To move around in dark areas, instead of always relying on a torch, you should get a flashlight as soon as possible, since 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 main bosses, which you can spend on runes or exchange for weapons, spells, and special abilities; the interesting thing is that You'll find wandering mausoleums that allow you to duplicate these Memories in a completely legitimate way and discover secret locations and chestsHowever, each mausoleum can only be used once.

If a merchant or vendor NPC dies for any reason, you don't lose their inventory forever, because Your bell or associated item can be given to the quiescent Twin Maidens of the Round TableFrom that moment on, her belongings were 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 can expect 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 with There If you're not convinced by your character's physique, you're not tied to your first design for life, because In Fia's room at the Round Table you'll find a mirror that lets you return to the appearance editor as many times as you want"Cosmetic surgery" at Elden Ring is completely free.

When what worries you is not the face but the build, the game also has a solution: Defeating the main boss of Raya Lucaria Academy unlocks the option to respect your attributesTo do this, 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 fix the mess: In the region of Liurnia is the Church of Oaths, where you can atone for your sins and reconcile yourself.For this, you will need Moon Tears, another type of special resource.

Another mechanic that many ignore is the miraculous Medikas of the Bottle of Wonderful Tears, which They allow you to mix two Tears with different effects to create a custom potionThese effects range from extra healing to very useful offensive or defensive reinforcements against difficult bosses.

As you defeat elite enemies scattered around the world, You'll acquire Tears with very varied effects, and combining them from the start of the game is a huge help.There's no need to "save" the jar 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, so Magic-centric characters boast a tremendous variety of styles and synergies.From fragile but devastating crystal mages to tanky clerics with high faith.

To take advantage of that variety you need sufficient memory space, something that doesn't depend solely on the learning attribute, because The magical towers scattered across the map often hide Memory StonesEach one increases 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 closed due to riddles, platforms, or specific requirements, but There's always a way in, either by thoroughly exploring the surroundings or by solving a puzzle.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 increase their attunement that much.You can even use this to, once collected, redistribute stats and move points to vigor, mind, or another attribute.

Gestures, puzzles, and subtle mechanics

Gestures aren't just for showing off after killing a boss; in Elden Ring There are puzzles and secrets that are solved by using specific emotes in specific locations.In the ruins of the misty forests, for example, a gesture you don't have from the start turns out to be key to an early enigma.

This makes it fundamental repeatedly talk to all NPCs and exhaust their dialogue optionsMany grant you new gestures, important objects, or cryptic clues about secret locations and mechanics that you would otherwise never discover.

Another system that often goes unnoticed is the map beacons, because You can place up to five luminous markers that guide you while you explore without straining your eyes.When you place a sixth beacon, the oldest one disappears automatically, but you can also "clean" them by physically walking over them.

Regarding the inventory, when you pick up a new item, The icon that appears at the top left tells you what type it is (weapon, key, talisman…)Then, within the inventory, pressing the "recently acquired" sort button allows you to quickly locate the latest items you've obtained.

Later on, you'll unlock Great Runes after defeating demigods; simply equipping them isn't enough, because You have to activate its power by spending Rune Bows, which work similarly to humanity or embers in the Souls games.Once consumed, your Great Rune takes effect until you die.

Mines, map and material farming

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

Similarly, map fragments are located in initial gray areas such as monuments subtly marked on the “unexplored” world mapIf you look closely, you'll see an icon like a stele or monolith that indicates where the pillar with the physical map is located.

Another underrated mechanic is the glowing stones: besides marking invisible paths across the void, They serve as "sonar" to check if a fall is fatalIf you hear one explode when you throw it, you can be sure your character will suffer the same fate.

Torches, in addition to providing light, function as a situational weapon, since Certain enemies, such as the slimy slimes 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-Repelling Torch that It repels wolves and other aggressive animals, ideal for reducing unpleasant encounters in wild areas.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 around; 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 over you if you crouch at the right moment.

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

If you get grabbed by a boss or any enemy with a grapple animation, Smashing the triggers can reduce damage or shorten the grip's durationIt's not magic, but sometimes it makes the difference between living with one life point or kissing the ground.

Combos also have their trick: 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 knowing that "dance" helps you optimize when to cut the combo or finish off.

Carrying a weapon with two hands is not just a matter of style, because By doing so you gain an extra 50% effective bonus to your strength attribute for the purposes of requirements and damageThat's why you can handle weapons that, in theory, you can't handle with one hand if you decide to wield them with both.

Enemy AI, extra runes, and damage between monsters

All enemies hide an invisible "balance" or resistance bar that It fills up as you inflict damage, they block blows, or they receive charged impacts.When it overflows, they falter and become completely exposed to critical attacks.

Occasionally you'll see enemies with brightly glowing eyes; in Elden Ring, This doesn't mean they'll carry your runes, but rather that upon death they will grant an extra amount of experience.They're a real treat for farming, so they're worth prioritizing.

One very convenient detail 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 that it has released something.

As for the game's large fauna, many colossal monsters can They can harm each other if their attacks cross, even if they are of the same type.Provoking fights between giants, golems, trolls, or giant crabs can save you a huge amount of work.

In groups of demihumans, if you locate and kill the leader (usually larger or with a different weapon), The rest of the band becomes confused and stops being so aggressiveIt's a very efficient way to neutralize dangerous groups without confronting them all at once.

Stealth and silent elimination

Although Elden Ring is not a pure stealth game, stealth is a very powerful tool, since You can clear entire camps by backstabbing enemies if you break their line of sight.Simply hide behind rocks, walls, or vegetation and wait for them to lose your trail.

In addition to seeing, enemies hear; this implies that Throwing objects, shooting arrows at walls, or throwing a stone can be used to lure an enemy away from their group.Separating patrol units like this allows you to take them out one by one without raising any alarms.

The crouching posture and the slow movement They greatly reduce the noise you make, especially over long grass.Take advantage of patrol routes to position yourself right behind them and execute a critical hit that takes away a good part of their health bar, if not all of it.

Mastering Torrentera: Combat and exploration on horseback

The horse is one of the biggest gameplay changes compared to Dark Souls, and it should be treated as an extension of your character, because Many battles, especially in open worlds, are best resolved from horseback.Torrentera is fast, maneuverable, and lethal on the run.

The spiritual springs, those air currents you see on the ground, They allow you to make colossal jumps 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, something essential for specify jumps on platforms, cliff edges and access to secret outdoor areasIts jump animation is more predictable than that of the character on foot, so use it for platforming whenever possible.

Assembling and disassembling Torrentera grants a few frames of invulnerability, which means that You can dodge certain attacks by timing the summoning or the horse falling.It's not infallible, especially against area attacks, but when used well it saves you from very painful blows.

While riding, holding down the heavy attack button makes The weapon can hit enemies just by grazing them, taking advantage of the mount's movement.With weapons like twin swords, this becomes a brutal whirlwind as you pass by groups of enemies.

If a mounted enemy falls off their horse, approach quickly because You'll have a window to execute a critical ground attackAnd beware, the same thing can happen to you: if they throw you, they can punish you while you are vulnerable.

When Torrentera dies, the next time you summon him You'll have to use a swig of Crimson Tears Vial to bring him back to lifeThe animation of being knocked down and dying is very similar, but if the horse whinnies pitifully, it means it has really died.

Survival mechanics and quality of life

On poisoned or pest-affected soils, 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 needed.

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

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

Regarding classic systems of the saga, Elden Ring It 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 exploring and fighting.

As an extra quality-of-life note, remember that You can access the Round Table faster by using the list of travel points and, from there, the direct shortcut to the associated Place of GraceA little trick that, in the long run, saves many seconds of map navigation.

All this cluster of small TricksHidden 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 impossible wall.