Elden Ring is a humongous game, and stands as one of gaming's largest triumphs in open world design. The Lands Between hold adventure no matter where the player goes, and it's easy to get lost in them for hours on end. Of course, this can also be true when someone is stuck dying to a challenge they aren't ready for. With the Guidance of Grace and various side quests providing some direction, Elden Ring doesn't totally abandon the player, but it is willing to let them chart their own course.
There is an intended route through Elden Ring, although it only covers part of its enormous landmass. All underground areas are left to be explored at the player's discretion, as are the optional Legacy Dungeons connected to the hidden Consecrated Snowfield. And since only two Great Runes are necessary to beat Elden Ring, players don't need to step foot in tougher areas like Caelid or Volcano Manor if they've gained Runes elsewhere. Every player's route through Elden Ring will be different, though there is still one progression path that should provide the easiest time, as well as a complete tour through the Lands Between.
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The Best Progression Path in Elden Ring
- West Limgrave - Level 1~15, Upgrades +0
- East Limgrave - Level 15, Upgrades +1
- South Limgrave/Weeping Peninsula - Level 20, Upgrades +2
- Stormveil Castle - Level 30, Upgrades +3
- Liurnia of the Lakes - Level 40, Upgrades +4
- Raya Lucaria Academy - Level 50, Upgrades +5
- South Caelid - Level 60+, Upgrades +10
- Altus Plateau - Level 60+, Upgrades +10
- Mt. Gelmir - Level 70+, Upgrades +13
- Leyndell, Royal Capital - Level 90+, Upgrades +15
- Forbidden Lands/Mountaintops of the Giants - Level 100+, Upgrades +20
- Crumbling Farum Azula - Level 120+, Upgrades +24
- Leyndell, Ashen Capital - Level 130+, Upgrades +25
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Elden Ring’s Smoothest Early Game Progression
Every Tarnished starts their journey in Western Limgrave, and should follow the initial Guidance of Grace between each Site of Grace like directed. However, at the bridge leading to Stormveil Castle, they will likely be turned away by the sheer difficulty of Margit, the Fell Omen. This is deliberate, and meant to remind players that the Lands Between are a huge play space with plenty to do besides Elden Ring's main quest. After exploring the Eastern and Southern parts of Limgrave while minding the Rune Bears, players should try to clear out Castle Morne on the Weeping Peninsula. If they can do that, they should be ready for Margot and the rest of Stormveil Castle.
The next stop is Liurnia of the Lakes, and players should pay attention to starting side quests and clearing out manageable dungeons in these early hours. Doing so sets up for later opportunities, and can quickly accrue gear and other upgrades that might help in a pinch. After exploring the south and east parts of Liurnia, players should find the Academy Glintstone Key to access Raya Lucaria Academy. There's no obstacle like Margit in the Academy, and beating this Legacy Dungeon unlocks Elden Ring's respec feature as a bonus.
However, that’s not the only reason players now have some choices to make. Leyndell, Royal Capital on the Altus Plateau is the next mandatory location since players should have two Great Runes. However, going there skips a lot of Elden Ring, and may cause trouble for those who aren't sufficiently prepared. Before committing to progress, Tarnished should either begin exploring the underground, head for Mt. Gelmir and the Volcano Manor, or tackle the southern regions of Caelid connected to Limgrave. Fighting Rykard and Radahn, as well as potentially starting Ranni's quest, are all highlights that no initial Elden Ring playthrough should miss.
Late Game Progression In Elden Ring
Upon becoming satisfied with their map and side quest completion, players should enter Leyndell. Around this point, it's also a good idea to heavily upgrade Vigor and preferred weapons if that hasn't already been done. Once Leyndell is complete and Morgott has been slain, a revelation at the Erdtree sends players down the last stretch of their quest. Every region of Elden Ring is available to the player at this point, so they should follow up on any outstanding side quests, explore the Leyndell sewers, and generally complete as much of the game as they feel comfortable with.
The Forbidden Lands and Mountaintops of the Giants are up next, and the road becomes noticeably more linear. Side paths are still present, but the remainder of Elden Ring up through Crumbling Farum Azula and Leyndell, Ashen Capital are mostly one long, winding path. However, they're also where having a finalized and fully upgraded build becomes vital. At the point players see snow, Elden Ring becomes vicious with the amount of damage its enemies can take and dish out. Completing Ranni's quest line, fully exploring the underground, and even uncovering the Consecrated Snowfield to challenge Mohgwyn Palace or Miquella’s Haligtree are all best to do before Farum Azula.
The logic behind this is actually presented to the player very early on. Elden Ring is willing to throw sudden difficulty spikes at the player like Margit, the Fell Omen, fully confident that they can find a solution. Such problem-solving may manifest as player skill, or through finding relevant equipment elsewhere. Even though Elden Ring has a clear progression route up through Limgrave, Liurnia, Altus Plateau, and the Forbidden Lands, exploring everywhere is paramount for success. However, once players beat Maliketh in Farum Azula and return to the Ashen Capital, it's a straight shot through several bosses before finally choosing an ending. The road is long and hard, but knowing when to search one's surroundings and when to push forward will take the edge off of Elden Ring.
Elden Ring is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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