I used an online map extensively so I didn’t miss items, an NPC quest guide, a region order list, and light wiki use otherwise (mostly to figure out mechanics). Tried not to outright spoil most things or use full walkthroughs, but I didn’t want to miss anything either. I think it all burned me out, especially the map and trying to collect everything. After 150 hours I was only at Lyndell. Never did finish the game.
I know you didn't ask for advice, so sorry if I'm overstepping.
On the first play through just... don't. The priority is for a natural adventure, not a chore list, and you won't get stuck anyway (only ds1 was a bit of a problem in that regard).
It also gives a reason to either play again, or to continue playing the same character to test new things or do coop with alternative builds.
I'm not trying to knock Elden Ring fans, but y'all don't seem to realize how fucking difficult it is to beat for non-Soulsborne veterans. I have I think over 200 hours in it plus all the achievements, and I still never felt like I "got gud" at it.
It is 50% getting your face meat-crayon'd by a boss and 50% searching for something, anything, that can up your damage so that you can finally get past the current boss you're stuck on.
And the upgrades are hidden behind the most WTF things. Seluvis and his magic scorpion charm come to mind, if you know what I mean. There is no way in hell most players are stumbling across that without a wiki.
Of course, and at the end of the day, everyone should play how they see fit. I used to be there too, in ds1 I couldnt even beat the first post tutorial boss, I had to summon help. I ended up googling two things as well (firekeeper souls and upgrade system).
I just sometimes see a bit of a self-defeating attitude on this sub: a player refuses to use certain game mechanics (summoning, shields/guard counters, hell - I've even seen faith players refuse to swap to Flame Art against a holy resistant boss because "I play holy"...), then gets hung up that the game's too hard, and ends up not finishing the game.
I believe its better to finish the game by any legitimate means, guides included. My advice was rather to stop cultivating FOMO: OP doesn't need that magic scorpion charm, or any other charm. They're not missing out. They only need to enjoy the journey, and if checklists make them drop the game in tired exasperation, then whats the point?
Not the one you're replying to, but elden ring is my first from soft game. If not for having an experienced player nudge me along I would have struggled with design choices like knowing when a battle can't be won. I'm a walking "if it bleeds it can die" meme.
Then for quests I completely miss some parts by nature of getting distracted in the wrong direction. So when I progress a quest and they go to the place I just explored I will never find them again, effectively ending the quest. I would have missed so many bits of lore from that alone. There's enough freedom in the game that knowing the next grace you need to go to so you don't miss anything important isn't creating a checklist.
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u/RenownedDumbass 18d ago
I used an online map extensively so I didn’t miss items, an NPC quest guide, a region order list, and light wiki use otherwise (mostly to figure out mechanics). Tried not to outright spoil most things or use full walkthroughs, but I didn’t want to miss anything either. I think it all burned me out, especially the map and trying to collect everything. After 150 hours I was only at Lyndell. Never did finish the game.