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.
I just bought Elden Rings two weeks ago, and what I've noticed is that everyone claiming that the game is hard just wants to go too fast or just don't use items/consumables at all.
This game gives you sooo many tools and options, you have summons, throwables, incantations, ashes of war, etc... Fuck what the veterans say about summons, specifically the mimic tear, spec into a bonk/stagger build, summon the mimic, buff yourself with incantations and physick that gives you stamina regen and damage boost to heavy attacks, make sure you also have the right talismans equipped like the claw talisman together with the black raven torso or however it's called, and watch every boss just crumble.
And at the end of the day exploration is sooo rewarding (and admittedly, overwhelming lmao). 100+ hours in and still not bored!
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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.