10 Beginner Mistakes in Elden Ring (and How to Avoid Them)

Elden Ring is brutal, mysterious, and overwhelming for new players. The game doesn’t hold your hand, so it’s easy to fall into traps that make your journey harder than it needs to be. If you’re just starting out, here are ten common mistakes beginners make—and the simple fixes to keep your adventure smoother and more fun.

#10 — Obsessing Over an Early Boss

Many beginners waste hours trying to defeat bosses like Margit long before they’re ready. The beauty of Elden Ring is its open world—you don’t have to bash your head against one fight. If a boss feels impossible, leave, level up, and come back later stronger. You’ll be surprised how much easier it feels once you’ve explored and improved your gear.

#9 — Forgetting to Remove Baldachin’s Blessing

There’s a sneaky debuff that new players often overlook. After accepting Fia’s hug, you’ll receive Baldachin’s Blessing. Simply carrying it reduces your maximum HP. If your health bar looks smaller than it should, check your inventory and use or discard the blessing. Removing it restores your HP to normal, making a huge difference in tough battles.

#8 — Spending Too Long on Character Creation

Don’t stress too much about picking the “perfect” class or appearance. Stats can be reallocated later once you unlock respecs, and looks don’t affect gameplay. Many players waste hours here instead of experiencing the world. Pick what appeals to you and dive in—you’ll have chances to reshape your build as you progress.

#7 — Rushing East at the Start

Heading east into Caelid early is a quick way to get destroyed. The area is full of tough enemies designed for later in the game. Beginners are better off traveling north toward Stormveil Castle or south to the Weeping Peninsula first. These zones are challenging but manageable, with plenty of upgrades to prepare you for harder regions.

#6 — Speedrunning Through the Map

Elden Ring isn’t meant to be rushed. If you only sprint toward main bosses, you’ll miss vital upgrades like Sacred Tears, Smithing Stones, and new Spirit Ashes. Take your time, explore caves, climb hills, and check every corner of the map. You’ll not only gain levels but also discover secrets that make the journey far more rewarding.

#5 — Ignoring Enemy Resistances

Not every weapon works equally well against every foe. For example, stone or armored enemies resist slashing weapons but crumble quickly to blunt damage like hammers and clubs. Learning enemy weaknesses makes fights faster and safer. Keep a few different weapon types handy, and swap depending on what you’re facing.

#4 — Forgetting to Two-Hand Weapons

Two-handing your weapon is a simple trick that boosts your damage and poise-breaking ability. On controller, hold the “swap” button (Triangle on PlayStation, Y on Xbox) and press the attack button to switch. It’s a game-changer against tanky enemies, letting you stagger them more easily. Just remember you’ll sacrifice your shield when doing so.

#3 — Ignoring NPC Quests

NPCs in Elden Ring aren’t just background characters. Many offer questlines that unlock unique items, areas, or endings. Beginners often talk to them once and never return, missing out on rewards. After major boss fights or story progress, revisit NPCs to see if they have new dialogue. Small efforts here can lead to big payoffs later.

#2 — Never Swapping Ashes of War

Ashes of War let you customize your weapon’s skill and stat scaling. Too many beginners stick with default setups and miss out on massive potential. For example, applying a Heavy Ash of War shifts scaling toward Strength, while Keen favors Dexterity. Experiment with different ashes to maximize your build and adapt your playstyle.

#1 — Skipping Spirit Ashes

The biggest mistake of all is ignoring Spirit Ashes. These summons are lifesavers, drawing boss aggro and dealing consistent damage. You can acquire the Spirit Calling Bell early, which lets you summon ashes whenever you’re near a Rebirth Monument. Use them—they’re part of the design, not cheating. Many bosses feel nearly impossible without them, but far more manageable once you learn to summon help.

Outro

Elden Ring isn’t just about surviving—it’s about learning. Every mistake teaches you something, but avoiding the most common ones gives you a smoother path through the Lands Between. Remember: don’t rush, experiment often, and use every tool the game gives you.

Key Takeaways

Don’t get stuck on early bosses—explore instead.
Remove Baldachin’s Blessing to restore max HP.
Don’t overthink your starting class.
Avoid Caelid until you’re stronger.
Explore thoroughly to find upgrades.
Match weapons to enemy resistances.
Two-hand weapons for more power.
Revisit NPCs for quest progress.
Experiment with Ashes of War.
Use Spirit Ashes to survive boss fights.

Next Steps

Review your gameplay habits—are you rushing or ignoring mechanics?
Try new builds and weapons—see what clicks with your style.
Explore every region fully—many secrets hide in plain sight.
Pay attention to NPCs—their stories often lead to powerful gear.
Practice patience—Elden Ring is about persistence, not perfection.

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