What To Do First In Elden Ring: Best Route, Weapons, And Important Map Locations

Elden Ring presents players with unprecedented freedom in a massive open world, which can create uncertainty about optimal progression paths. While the golden guidance beams from Sites of Grace provide directional hints, relying exclusively on them may cause you to overlook valuable early-game opportunities that significantly impact your journey.

The Church of Elleh serves as your primary operational base for West Limgrave exploration and hosts several pivotal narrative events. Approach this location immediately after emerging into the Lands Between, but maintain substantial distance from the patrolling Tree Sentinel. This heavily armored cavalry unit represents one of the game’s most challenging early encounters and should only be attempted after substantial weapon enhancement.

You can go hours without picking up the Spirit Calling Bell, but you don’t have to!

Common mistake: Many new players waste resources attempting the Tree Sentinel immediately. Instead, focus on gathering crafting materials and runes from weaker enemies to build your character foundation first.

FromSoftware deliberately conceals Elden Ring’s cartographic system, requiring proactive discovery rather than tutorial guidance. The West Limgrave map fragment resides conveniently near the Church of Elleh, positioned northward toward deteriorated military barracks. Ensure your health meter remains completely filled before approaching this area, as the stationed soldiers can quickly overwhelm unprepared adventurers.

Employ stealth mechanics by crouching in vegetation and utilizing terrain cover to bypass or eliminate threats systematically. The map stele stands prominently along the roadway bordering the barracks, but requires careful timing for interaction due to a formidable polearm-wielding guard conducting regular patrols.

Advanced tip: Observe the patrol pattern for 2-3 cycles before approaching. The soldier typically pauses at each end of his route, creating brief safe windows for map acquisition.

This monument interaction method remains consistent throughout most regions, though the West Limgrave map uniquely obscures the stele icon until discovered.

After activating your third Site of Grace and completing the initial encounter with Melina, immediately fast travel back to Church of Elleh. You’ll discover merchant Kalé in slumber, the environment enveloped in mystical fog, and an ethereal azure figure awaiting conversation nearby.

This spectral presence is Ranni the witch, who provides the Spirit Calling Bell apparatus that unlocks the Spirit Ash summoning capability. These spectral companions range from packs of predatory wolves to scholarly mage collectives and even gelatinous floating entities.

Strategic application: Spirit Ashes become upgradeable through later game progression and prove indispensable during specific boss confrontations, particularly the initial gatekeeper outside Stormveil Castle.

Optimization tip: Acquire the Spirit Bell before attempting any significant dungeon exploration. The wolves spirit ash provides excellent distraction tactics, while jellyfish offer ranged poison support against tougher enemies.

Stormhill Shack introduces players to Elden Ring’s elaborate side-quest system through an easily missed NPC interaction. This location provides foundational understanding of the game’s narrative complexity and character interconnections.

At Stormhill Shack, you can find a missable introduction to side-questing in Elden Ring.

The Dragon-Burnt Ruins contain valuable resources but harbor significant threats, including fire-breathing drakes and subterranean dangers. Approach with extreme caution and consider returning after obtaining superior equipment.

Limgrave Tunnels offer early smithing stone acquisition for weapon enhancement, though the crystalline miners within possess substantial damage resistance.

Time estimate: Allow 15-20 minutes for thorough Stormhill Shack exploration, 30-45 minutes for Dragon-Burnt Ruins (including death recovery time), and 25-35 minutes for Limgrave Tunnels clearance.

Bloody Finger Nerijus represents an unexpected invasion event that tests early combat proficiency. This encounter teaches vital PvE mechanics while providing unique weapon rewards for successful defense.

Margit’s Shackle serves as a specialized tool against the first major storyline boss, providing temporary immobilization during the confrontation. This item can be discovered through exploration of the Murkwater Cave region.

Waypoint Ruins conceal significant magical resources and NPC interactions beneath their collapsed structure, though the area guardian presents substantial challenge for unprepared characters.

The Flask of Wondrous Physik offers customizable consumable effects by combining various crystal tears. This powerful item significantly enhances combat flexibility and should be prioritized before attempting major legacy dungeon incursions.

Progression tip: Complete Limgrave Tunnels before Stormveil Castle for essential weapon upgrades. The smithing stones found within enable damage output increases that dramatically affect boss encounter difficulty.

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » What To Do First In Elden Ring: Best Route, Weapons, And Important Map Locations Essential early-game progression guide with strategic tips to optimize your Elden Ring adventure