How To Be The Best Elden Ring Player

April 17, 2025 Joshua Brunhoff

How to Be the Best "Elden Ring" Player: A Comprehensive Guide

Elden Ring is a game known for its challenging difficulty, intricate lore, and vast, open-world design. Becoming the best player isn't just about defeating bosses or completing quests—it's about mastering the systems and nuances that make the game so uniquely demanding. In this article, we’ll explore the who, what, when, where, which, why, and how of becoming the ultimate Elden Ring player.

Who is the Best Elden Ring Player?

The best Elden Ring player isn't defined by skill alone; it’s a blend of factors including strategic thinking, adaptability, and consistency. A top player is someone who understands the mechanics of combat, exploration, and progression while maintaining patience and perseverance. This player is likely a seasoned gamer, but more importantly, they approach each challenge with an open mind and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

The best Elden Ring players often belong to online communities, stream regularly on platforms like Twitch or YouTube, and share their tips, builds, and insights. They have an in-depth knowledge of the game’s mechanics, from weapon scaling to enemy behavior patterns.

What Does It Take to Be the Best?

To truly master Elden Ring, you must hone a wide array of skills:

Combat Mastery: Combat in Elden Ring is fluid but challenging. Players must master timing, dodging, and attacking in harmony with each boss’s unique moveset.
Resource Management: Knowing when to use healing items, buffs, or special abilities can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Adaptability: Whether facing a new boss or navigating a new region, the ability to adapt your strategy, weapon loadouts, and approach to enemies is essential.
Exploration: While combat is central, the best players also spend a great deal of time exploring the world. They know the locations of important items, secret areas, and NPC quests that can provide an edge in tough situations.

When Should You Start Playing to Become the Best?

While it’s never too late to start, the best time to develop a deep understanding of Elden Ring is right from the beginning. As soon as you step into the Lands Between, take the time to explore and experiment with different weapons, builds, and combat techniques. The more you play and the earlier you understand the game’s intricate systems, the better you will become in the long run.

Where Should You Focus Your Efforts in the Game?

While the game world is vast, the best Elden Ring players know exactly where to focus their attention:

Critical Path vs. Side Quests: The critical path is essential for progressing the story, but side quests offer valuable rewards, such as unique weapons, armor sets, and powerful incantations. Players should take time to complete these quests to enhance their build and overall gameplay.
Boss Battles: Focus on mastering the bosses. Learn their attack patterns, weaknesses, and timing. Some of the most iconic bosses are also some of the hardest, so consistency is key.
Farming and Grinding: Sometimes, you’ll need to farm for runes or materials to upgrade your character or weapons. Learning the most efficient routes for farming can save you time and frustration.

Which Builds and Playstyles Are Best?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer here, as the best Elden Ring players are often versatile. However, certain builds stand out for their balance of power and adaptability:

Strength Builds (Colossal Weapons): These players focus on raw power. Colossal weapons can deal devastating damage, and the high health pool allows them to tank hits and continue pushing forward. Strength builds require patience and a methodical approach.
Dexterity Builds (Speed and Precision): For players who prefer agility and quick strikes, dexterity builds are ideal. These builds allow you to deal rapid damage while dodging and avoiding attacks. Fast weapons like katanas are often favored in this playstyle.
Intelligence/Arcane Builds (Magic): A player with a focus on intelligence or arcane stats will use powerful sorceries and incantations. These builds can be effective at range but require precise timing to avoid getting hit. A good mix of magic and defensive capabilities can make this build a potent one.
Hybrid Builds: Combining different stats, such as strength and intelligence, allows for flexibility. Hybrid builds let you wield a wide variety of weapons and spells, adapting to different situations.

Why Does It Matter to Be the Best?

Becoming the best Elden Ring player isn’t just about personal achievement; it also enhances your experience with the game. Mastering the mechanics allows you to fully appreciate the lore, enjoy the combat system, and explore the world with an unparalleled level of expertise. The thrill of conquering the toughest bosses, uncovering hidden secrets, and mastering every aspect of the game makes you feel like a true hero of the Lands Between.

Moreover, being a top player allows you to contribute to the community. Whether you’re sharing strategies, helping other players with tough sections, or engaging in online duels, there’s a sense of pride in mastering Elden Ring.

How Can You Become the Best Elden Ring Player?

Start by Experimenting: When first starting out, try different weapons, shields, and incantations to see what fits your playstyle. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or switch up your build as you learn more.
Learn Enemy Patterns: Every boss and enemy has its own set of behaviors. Learn their attack patterns and the best counters. Timing is crucial, and knowing when to attack, dodge, or heal can make or break a fight.
Optimize Your Build: Focus on upgrading your weapon and armor. Prioritize your stats based on your chosen build, and don’t forget about the importance of upgrading your Ashes of War and talismans.
Master the Art of Positioning: Whether you’re fighting large groups or solo bosses, positioning is critical. Stay aware of your surroundings, utilize the environment, and find ways to manipulate enemies into traps or blind spots.
Watch and Learn from Others: Don’t hesitate to watch videos of other skilled players. Watching high-level gameplay, such as speedruns or challenge runs, can provide valuable insights into effective strategies.

Supportive Video:

To get a better idea of how to become a top-tier Elden Ring player, here’s a great video guide on combat mastery and builds:

Elden Ring - Combat Tips & Boss Strategies
This video covers various aspects of combat, including how to take on tough bosses and understand enemy behavior, which are vital for reaching your goal of mastering the game.

Glossary of Terms:

Ashes of War: Special skills that can be equipped to weapons, giving them unique abilities.
Incantations: Magical abilities that range from healing to offensive spells.
Rune Farming: The process of collecting runes (the game’s currency) by defeating enemies or bosses, often done to upgrade a character.
Critical Path: The main storyline in Elden Ring that drives progress forward.
Dexterity: A stat that influences the effectiveness of fast, light weapons.
Colossal Weapons: Large, heavy weapons that deal massive damage but require high strength to wield.
Hybrid Build: A character build that combines multiple stat focuses (e.g., strength and intelligence) to offer a diverse playstyle.
Poise: A stat that determines how resistant your character is to being staggered during attacks.
Boss Soul: A powerful item obtained from defeating bosses that can be used to upgrade or craft special items.

By applying these tips and continually refining your strategy, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the best Elden Ring player, standing out in a community of dedicated and passionate players. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced gamer, there's always room to grow and improve in the Lands Between!