TL;DR
- Acquire your first torch immediately after tutorial at Church of Elleh from merchant Kalé for 200 runes
- Torches prevent environmental hazards and reveal hidden paths in dark areas throughout the Lands Between
- Upgrade to hands-free lanterns and weapon-torch hybrids later for improved combat effectiveness
- Always maintain lighting equipment for exploration but switch to primary weapons during combat encounters
- Strategic torch use significantly reduces fall deaths and ambush encounters in underground areas
Illuminate your path to survival in FromSoftware’s challenging open world. Proper lighting equipment isn’t just a convenience—it’s a fundamental tool for navigating the treacherous environments you’ll encounter.
Church of Elleh
Darkness in Elden Ring presents multiple threats beyond mere visibility issues. Underground catacombs, caves, and certain overworld areas contain pitch-black sections where enemies can ambush you from complete concealment. More critically, numerous environmental hazards become nearly impossible to spot without adequate illumination, including deadly cliff edges, trap mechanisms, and hidden pressure plates.
Strategic torch use provides crucial combat intelligence by revealing enemy positions before they detect you, allowing for tactical positioning and avoiding surprise attacks. Many players underestimate how lighting affects enemy behavior—some creatures actually exhibit fear reactions to torch flames, creating temporary openings for attack or retreat.
Your lighting journey begins immediately after completing the Stranded Graveyard tutorial. Upon emerging into Limgrave’s open world, locate the initial Site of Grace visible from your starting position.
After activating this checkpoint, immediately head northward where visual navigation becomes straightforward—simply follow the clear path leading to a distinctive ruined chapel structure. This destination, the Church of Elleh, serves as your primary early-game hub and contains merchant Kalé, who stocks the essential standard torch.
The purchase requires 200 runes, an easily affordable amount even for new characters. Consider this investment non-negotiable—the torch pays for itself multiple times over by preventing deaths from falls and ambushes in dark areas. For optimal efficiency, complete this acquisition before attempting any significant cave exploration or catacomb delving.
Pro tip: If you’re short on runes, defeat the few nearby soldiers patrolling the area around the church. They drop sufficient runes to cover the torch cost with minimal risk.
While Kalé’s standard torch serves admirably during early exploration, seasoned Tarnished eventually graduate to superior lighting solutions. The game features multiple specialized torch variants with unique properties beyond basic illumination.
Weapon-torch hybrids represent a significant upgrade path—these unique armaments provide both light sources and combat functionality simultaneously. Examples include the Steel-Wire Torch, which offers improved damage output while maintaining illumination capabilities. These specialized tools eliminate the need to constantly switch between torch and primary weapon during exploration-combat transitions.
The most convenient advanced lighting option remains the hands-free lantern, which attaches directly to your belt equipment. This invaluable tool becomes available from various merchants as you progress, allowing full weapon usage while maintaining constant illumination. The lantern particularly shines in extended dungeon crawls where both hands remain needed for combat readiness.
Strategic consideration: Evaluate whether to dedicate a weapon slot to a torch hybrid or simply use the lantern based on your build’s equipment load and playstyle preferences.
Mastering torch management separates competent explorers from those constantly falling to their deaths. A common beginner error involves forgetting to re-equip the torch after combat, leading to navigation in darkness and subsequent environmental deaths.
Always conduct quick illumination checks when entering new areas—if your surroundings appear unnaturally dark, equip your light source immediately. Develop the habit of treating torch equipping as part of your standard area-entry procedure, similar to weapon readiness checks.
Combat preparation remains crucial—never engage significant enemies while holding only a torch unless using specialized torch weapons. The standard torch’s combat capabilities prove extremely limited against most foes. Instead, utilize the lantern for combat scenarios or quickly switch to your primary weapon when hostilities begin.
Advanced strategy: Certain torch types provide hidden gameplay benefits. The Sentry’s Torch, for instance, reveals invisible assassins, while the Ghostflame Torch interacts uniquely with specific enemy types. Research specialized torch properties as you acquire them.
For comprehensive gameplay strategies beyond lighting, consult our Complete Guide for systematic approaches to Elden Ring’s challenges.
Action Checklist
- Complete tutorial and head north to Church of Elleh immediately
- Purchase standard torch from merchant Kalé for 200 runes
- Farm nearby soldiers if rune-deficient for torch purchase
- Always equip torch when entering dark areas and caves
- Upgrade to lantern or torch weapons when available mid-game
- Switch to primary weapon during combat while using lantern for illumination
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