Master the Mystical Realm: The Ultimate Elden Ring Progression Guide

Elden Ring stands as a monumental achievement in open world gaming, offering a vast and immersive experience in the Lands Between. Players can easily become engrossed for hours in exploring this expansive world. However, getting stuck on a challenging obstacle can lead to frustration. Thankfully, with the aid of the Guidance of Grace and engaging side quests, Elden Ring doesn't leave players entirely on their own, allowing them to navigate their own path.

While there is a designated route in Elden Ring, it only covers a portion of the immense landmass. Players have the freedom to delve into underground areas and explore the optional Legacy Dungeons connected to the concealed Consecrated Snowfield. Moreover, since only two Great Runes are essential for completing Elden Ring, players can bypass difficult areas such as Caelid or Volcano Manor if they have acquired the necessary Runes elsewhere. Each player's journey through Elden Ring will differ, yet there is still a recommended progression path that offers the smoothest experience and a comprehensive exploration of the Lands Between.

The Best Progression Path in Elden Ring

West Limgrave - Level 1~15, Upgrades +0

East Limgrave - Level 15, Upgrades +1

South Limgrave/Weeping Peninsula - Level 20, Upgrades +2

Stormveil Castle - Level 30, Upgrades +3

Liurnia of the Lakes - Level 40, Upgrades +4

Raya Lucaria Academy - Level 50, Upgrades +5

South Caelid - Level 60+, Upgrades +10

Altus Plateau - Level 60+, Upgrades +10

Mt. Gelmir - Level 70+, Upgrades +13

Leyndell, Royal Capital - Level 90+, Upgrades +15

Forbidden Lands/Mountaintops of the Giants - Level 100+, Upgrades +20

Crumbling Farum Azula - Level 120+, Upgrades +24

Leyndell, Ashen Capital - Level 130+, Upgrades +25

Elden Ring’s Smoothest Early Game Progression

Every adventurer begins their journey in Western Limgrave and should follow the initial Guidance of Grace to navigate between each Site of Grace as directed. However, when they reach the bridge leading to Stormveil Castle, they will likely be discouraged by the formidable Margit, known as the Fell Omen. This intentional challenge serves to remind players that the Lands Between offer a vast playground with numerous activities beyond Elden Ring's main quest. After exploring the Eastern and Southern regions of Limgrave while being cautious of the Rune Bears, adventurers should attempt to conquer Castle Morne situated on the Weeping Peninsula. Upon achieving this feat, they will be adequately prepared to face Margot and tackle the remaining trials within Stormveil Castle.

Players should prioritize starting side quests and clearing manageable dungeons in Liurnia of the Lakes. This will provide opportunities for later and allow them to gather gear and upgrades. After exploring the south and east parts of Liurnia, players should find the Academy Glintstone Key to access Raya Lucaria Academy. In the Academy, there is no obstacle like Margit, and defeating this Legacy Dungeon unlocks Elden Ring's respec feature.

However, players now have choices to make. Leyndell, Royal Capital on the Altus Plateau is the next mandatory location for players with two Great Runes. However, going there will skip a lot of Elden Ring and may cause trouble for those who are not adequately prepared. Before progressing, players should either explore the underground, head to Mt. Gelmir and the Volcano Manor, or tackle the southern regions of Caelid connected to Limgrave. Fights against Rykard and Radahn, as well as potentially starting Ranni's quest, are all important highlights that should not be missed in the initial Elden Ring playthrough.

Late Game Progression In Elden Ring

After being satisfied with their map and completing side quests, players should proceed to Leyndell. It is recommended to prioritize upgrading Vigor and preferred weapons at this stage if that has not been done already. Once Leyndell is finished and Morgott has been defeated, players will receive a revelation at the Erdtree, which will lead them to the final part of their quest. All regions of Elden Ring are now accessible, so players should take the opportunity to complete any remaining side quests, explore the Leyndell sewers, and progress through the game according to their comfort level.

The next areas, the Forbidden Lands and Mountaintops of the Giants, have a more linear structure. Although there are still side paths available, the majority of the journey from Crumbling Farum Azula to Leyndell, Ashen Capital follows one continuous and winding path. It is crucial to have a fully upgraded and finalized build during this portion of the game. As soon as players encounter snow, the enemies in Elden Ring become significantly more formidable and deal greater damage. It is advisable to complete Ranni's quest line, thoroughly explore the underground areas, and even discover the Consecrated Snowfield in order to challenge Mohgwyn Palace or Miquella’s Haligtree before reaching Farum Azula.

The player is introduced to the underlying logic early on in Elden Ring. The game challenges the player with sudden difficulty spikes like Margit, the Fell Omen, but it is confident that players can overcome these obstacles. Solutions to these challenges can be found through the player's skill or by acquiring relevant equipment from other areas. Although Elden Ring has a clearly defined progression route through Limgrave, Liurnia, Altus Plateau, and the Forbidden Lands, it is crucial for players to explore every corner in order to succeed. After defeating Maliketh in Farum Azula and returning to the Ashen Capital, players will face a series of bosses before ultimately choosing an ending. The journey is arduous, but understanding when to investigate the surroundings and when to push forward will alleviate the difficulties in Elden Ring.

Elden Ring is now available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.