Elden Ring Basic Guide: Mastering Combat in Elden Ring: Essential Tips and Strategies for Beginners

1. Master the Basics: Blocking, Dodging, and Stamina

Your survival depends on stamina management. Every attack, block, and dodge consumes stamina, so reckless spamming will leave you vulnerable.

• Blocking: A shield can save your life early on. Use it to absorb damage and learn enemy attack patterns.
• Dodging: Rolling with proper timing (called “i-frames”) lets you avoid big hits completely. Practice dodging toward an enemy rather than away—you’ll often end up in a better position to counterattack.
• Stamina Conservation: Don’t empty your stamina bar with endless attacks. Always leave room for an emergency dodge.

2. Study Enemy Patterns

Every enemy in Elden Ring has tells—animations that signal their next move. Beginners often panic and button-mash, but the game rewards patience.

• Watch enemies carefully for repeated sequences.
• Avoid rushing in; wait for openings after heavy swings or combos.
• Remember: learning how enemies fight is just as important as upgrading your gear.

3. Choose Your Weapon Wisely

Each weapon type has unique move sets and strengths.

• Strength weapons (greatswords, hammers) deal massive damage but swing slowly.
• Dexterity weapons (katanas, spears) are faster and allow for quick combos.
• Magic builds (staves, seals) let you attack from range but require careful FP management.

Experiment with different weapons early on until you find one that feels natural.

4. Use Guard Counters and Jump Attacks

Two powerful mechanics stand out in Elden Ring:

• Guard Counters: Block an enemy attack, then immediately heavy attack to punish them with high stagger damage.
• Jump Attacks: A leaping heavy attack not only deals big damage but also builds enemy posture damage, making it easier to land a critical hit.

These moves can quickly turn the tide in your favor.

5. Summons and Spirit Ashes

Don’t be afraid to use help. Spirit Ashes allow you to summon companions—wolves, soldiers, or even powerful NPC spirits—that distract enemies and give you breathing room.

Pair them with your playstyle: aggressive summons can tank bosses, while ranged summons chip away from a distance.

6. Upgrade Early and Often

Weapons matter more than raw stats in the early game. Always look for Smithing Stones to upgrade your weapon at a blacksmith. A +3 weapon often outshines raw level-ups in terms of power.

7. Stay Calm and Persistent

Perhaps the most essential advice: don’t give up. Dying is part of the game’s learning curve. Every failure teaches you something—whether it’s a boss pattern, a new weakness, or a better route.

Patience and persistence are the real keys to mastering combat.