Surviving Elden Ring can feel like trying to fight off a dragon with a toothpick—intense, overwhelming, but oh-so-satisfying when you succeed. For those who might not know, The Lands Between is the vast, interconnected world where all the action in Elden Ring takes place. It’s a sprawling landscape filled with diverse regions, hidden dungeons, towering castles, and plenty of ways to meet an untimely demise. Your character, the Tarnished, roams this world fighting enemies, uncovering lore, and working toward restoring the Elden Ring—or maybe just surviving another day.
Whether you’re brand-new to FromSoftware games or just need a little survival guidance, these ten tips will help you outlast the relentless bosses, avoid rage-quitting, and actually enjoy the chaos of this beautifully punishing world.
Choose Your Starting Class Wisely
Your starting class in Elden Ring is like your first impression at a party—it sets the tone, but it’s not the end of the world if you pick the “wrong” one. Each class comes with unique stats, starting gear, and spells. If you like getting up close and personal with enemies in The Lands Between, the Vagabond or Samurai is a solid pick. Prefer to hang back and blast enemies with magic? The Astrologer or Prophet has you covered. And if you’re the adventurous type who enjoys a good challenge, the Wretch starts with nothing but a club and a loincloth (a bold choice, to say the least).
While you can tweak your stats later, choosing a class that fits your playstyle can make your early journey through The Lands Between much smoother. Starting strong means fewer headaches—and fewer trips to your last Site of Grace.
Upgrade Your Flasks Early
If you’re going to survive the treacherous world of The Lands Between, your flasks need to be your best friends. Crimson Tears heal your health, and Cerulean Tears restore your FP (used for magic and skills). But here’s the thing: basic flasks aren’t going to cut it for long.
To make your flasks more effective, hunt down Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears scattered throughout The Lands Between. Golden Seeds increase the number of flask uses, while Sacred Tears boost their potency. Churches are prime spots to find these upgrades, so make a beeline for any holy-looking ruins you spot on the horizon. Trust me, having an extra swig of Crimson Tears during a boss fight can mean the difference between victory and “You Died.”
Master the Art of Parrying and Dodging
Combat in Elden Ring is like a deadly dance—you’ve got to learn the rhythm if you want to stay alive in The Lands Between. Parrying is a high-risk, high-reward maneuver that can leave enemies wide open for a critical hit. It takes practice, but when you land a perfect parry, it feels like winning the lottery.
Not ready to parry? No problem. Dodging is your best friend. Timing your rolls to avoid enemy attacks is often safer and more forgiving. Fun fact: dodging into an attack (instead of away from it) often reduces the risk of getting caught by follow-up strikes. It’s counterintuitive but oh-so-effective when facing off against The Lands Between’s most terrifying foes.
Don’t Sleep on Spirit Summons
In The Lands Between, you don’t have to fight alone. Spirit Summons are like your loyal battle companions, and they can make a massive difference in tough encounters. Whether it’s the trusty Lone Wolves, the endearing Jellyfish, or the later-game Mimic Tear (an overpowered clone of yourself), these spectral allies can save your bacon more times than you’d expect.
To use Spirit Summons, you’ll need the Spirit Calling Bell, which you can get from Renna at the Church of Elleh early in the game. Experiment with different summons to see which ones suit your playstyle. And don’t forget to upgrade them at Roderika’s Spirit Tuning service in the Roundtable Hold to keep them strong as you progress through The Lands Between.
Grab the Best Early-Game Gear
The Lands Between is brimming with treasure, but not all loot is created equal. Finding the right gear early on can make your journey significantly less punishing. Here are two must-grab items to start your adventure:
- The Twinblade: Found in the Dragon-Burnt Ruins, this weapon is perfect for fast, spinning attacks.
- The Meteorite Staff: Ideal for mages, this staff boosts gravity magic and can be picked up in the Swamp of Aeonia in Caelid.
Exploration pays off, so keep your eyes peeled for hidden paths, treasure chests, and shiny items as you venture deeper into The Lands Between.
Beware of Traps
If there’s one thing FromSoftware loves, it’s messing with players. In The Lands Between, danger lurks everywhere, from chests that teleport you into nightmare zones to ambushes that come out of nowhere. The best advice? Stay cautious. Always keep your shield up, check corners, and don’t trust anything that looks too convenient.
Traps may catch you off guard, but they’re also part of what makes The Lands Between so memorable. Laugh it off, learn from it, and keep moving forward.
Level Up Strategically
Leveling up in Elden Ring is an art form. The Lands Between may tempt you to pour all your Runes into one stat, but balance is key. Prioritize Vigor for health, Endurance for stamina, and a damage stat (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, or Faith) depending on your build.
Beginners should consider putting extra points into Vigor—it’ll make you less squishy and give you more room to experiment with enemy attacks. As you get the hang of combat in The Lands Between, you can specialize your build to suit your preferred playstyle.
Explore Everywhere (And Then Some)
The Lands Between is a treasure trove of secrets, and the game rewards curiosity. Hidden dungeons, NPCs with unique quests, and powerful loot are scattered across the map. Take your time to explore, revisit old areas, and search every corner. That random cave you ignored earlier? It might hold a game-changing weapon—or a boss ready to wreck your day.
Exploration is what makes The Lands Between feel alive. Every detour could lead to an epic discovery, so embrace your inner adventurer.
Embrace Death as a Learning Tool
Death in The Lands Between isn’t the end—it’s a lesson. Each “You Died” screen is an opportunity to improve. Did you mistime a dodge? Get greedy with attacks? Wander into a high-level area? Learn from your mistakes and adjust your tactics.
Progress in Elden Ring is slow but immensely rewarding. The more you adapt to The Lands Between’s challenges, the closer you’ll get to becoming an Elden Lord.
Join the Online Community
The Lands Between isn’t just filled with enemies—it’s also home to an online community. Player messages can warn you about traps, point out hidden treasures, or troll you with jokes. Bloodstains let you watch how others met their untimely demise, which can be both hilarious and informative.
Co-op mode is another great way to tackle the game’s toughest bosses. Summon friends or helpful strangers, and share the glory of victory—or the agony of defeat.
The Lands Between may be harsh, but it’s a journey worth taking. By following these tips, you’ll transform from a hapless Tarnished to a true champion of this mesmerizing world. For more in-depth strategies and insights on conquering Elden Ring’s Lands Between, check out the extensive guides and community discussions on Fextralife.
What’s your favorite tip for surviving The Lands Between? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’re all in this together!
