A Beginner’s Guide to Building Your First Character in Elden Ring
Elden Ring, the latest masterpiece from FromSoftware, has taken the gaming world by storm with its challenging gameplay, vast open world, and deep character customization. For newcomers, the game can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to creating a build that suits their playstyle. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of building your first character in Elden Ring, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the adventures ahead.
Understanding the Basics of Elden Ring Builds
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of character creation, it’s crucial to understand that Elden Ring offers a high degree of flexibility. Your build is defined by your stats, weapons, armor, and talismans, which work together to create a unique playstyle. Whether you prefer a tanky warrior, a swift rogue, or a powerful mage, Elden Ring has the tools to make it happen.
Choosing Your Starting Class
The journey begins with selecting a starting class. Each class in Elden Ring comes with a preset allocation of stats and equipment, designed to cater to different playstyles:
Astrologer: Ideal for magic users, with high Intelligence and a staff to cast powerful spells.
Bandit: A balanced class with a focus on Strength and Dexterity, perfect for melee combat.
Confessor: A versatile class that blends Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence, making it a good all-rounder.
Prisoner: A well-rounded choice with balanced stats, great for experimenting with different builds.
Prophet: Focuses on Faith, making it a strong choice for those who want to use miracles and support abilities.
Samurai: A Dexterity-focused class with a katana and bow, ideal for agile players.
Wretch: The most challenging starting class, with minimal stats, but offers maximum flexibility for advanced players.
For beginners, the Prisoner or Bandit classes are highly recommended, as they provide a balanced foundation that can be molded into various builds later in the game.
Allocating Your Stats Wisely
Stat allocation is the backbone of any Elden Ring build. Each stat affects different aspects of your character:
Vigor: Increases health and stamina. Essential for survival, especially in the early game.
Endurance: Boosts stamina recovery and equip load. Crucial for melee characters who need to dodge and attack frequently.
Strength: Determines melee damage and the ability to wield heavy weapons.
Dexterity: Affects agility and the effectiveness of lighter weapons and bows.
Intelligence: Powers sorceries and determines their effectiveness.
Faith: Enhances miracles and certain weapon arts.
Mind: Increases FP (Focus Points) for casting spells and using weapon arts.
Arcane: Boosts item discovery and effectiveness of certain talismans.
For a beginner-friendly build, prioritize Vigor and Endurance early on to ensure you can survive the game’s tough enemies. Allocate points to Strength or Dexterity based on whether you prefer heavy or light weapons.
Weapons and Armor: Finding the Right Fit
Your choice of weapons and armor significantly impacts your playstyle. Here are a few tips for new players:
Weapons: Experiment with different weapons to find what suits your playstyle. The Longsword and Greatsword are excellent starting weapons for melee-focused builds. For ranged combat, the Shortbow is a reliable choice.
Armor: Light armor is ideal for agile builds, while heavy armor provides better protection at the cost of mobility. Start with the armor provided by your starting class and upgrade as you progress.
Talismans: Enhancing Your Build
Talismans are powerful items that can enhance your character’s abilities. Some must-have talismans for beginners include:
Radagon’s Scarseal: Boosts Strength and defense, perfect for melee builds.
Green Turtle Talisman: Increases stamina recovery, allowing for more aggressive play.
Erdtree’s Favor: Enhances health, stamina, and equip load, making it a versatile choice.
Exploring the Open World and Leveling Up
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