U4GM - Elden Ring: 19 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Starting Class
Choosing the right starting class in Elden Ring can set the tone for your entire journey through the Lands Between. Whether you're a spell-slinging Astrologer or a heavily-armored Vagabond, how you use your starting stats, gear, and early-game opportunities can make a big difference. Here are 19 practical tips to help you maximize your chosen class and get the most out of every level, item, and encounter.
1. Know Your Class’s Strengths
Each starting class is built around a particular playstyle. Before diving in, take a few minutes to review your class’s stat distribution. For example, the Bandit excels in stealth and critical strikes, while the Hero is a powerhouse for raw strength builds.
2. Don’t Lock Yourself Into One Build
While your class sets your initial stats, it doesn’t define your entire build. As you collect Elden Ring Runes, you’ll have the freedom to level up any attribute you want, allowing flexibility later in the game.
3. Explore Early for Powerful Elden Ring Items
Some of the best early-game gear isn’t tied to your starting class. Exploring areas like Limgrave and Weeping Peninsula can reward you with powerful Elden Ring Items that enhance or diversify your playstyle.
4. Take Advantage of Ashes of War
Ashes of War are incredibly useful tools for customizing your weapon's scaling and abilities. Find one that complements your class's strengths early on—for example, pairing a Keen Ash of War with a Dexterity-focused Samurai.
5. Farm Runes Early
If you're finding enemies tough, consider farming Elden Ring Runes in early zones like the Gatefront Ruins or using Spirit Ashes to safely defeat small groups of enemies. This will help you level up quickly without taking on bosses prematurely.
6. Pick Up the Flask of Wondrous Physick Early
This item allows you to craft custom buffs for your build. Located near the Third Church of Marika, it can offer a major boost no matter your class.
7. Balance Your Flask Allocation
Depending on whether you’re melee- or magic-based, distribute your Crimson and Cerulean flasks accordingly. A Prophet, for example, may need more Cerulean to keep casting spells in long fights.
8. Use Spirit Ashes Wisely
Spirit Summons can act as tanks, distractions, or extra damage dealers. They’re especially useful for classes with low health or limited armor.
9. Respect Stat Soft Caps
Elden Ring has diminishing returns on stats after certain thresholds. Understanding soft caps (such as 40 for Vigor) will help you plan an efficient leveling route.
10. Visit Roundtable Hold ASAP
After defeating a few bosses or reaching certain areas, you’ll unlock access to the Roundtable Hold. This is your main hub for upgrading weapons and acquiring key Elden Ring Items.
11. Upgrade Weapons, Not Just Level
Don’t spend all your Elden Ring Runes on stats—upgrading your weapon with Smithing Stones is often a bigger power boost than increasing Strength or Dexterity.
12. Get a Backup Weapon
Even if you’re focused on a specific build, carrying a secondary weapon that deals different types of damage (like strike or magic) can make certain fights much easier.
13. Use U4GM as a Research Tool
For players who want to understand item stats, Rune farming spots, or boss weaknesses, U4GM is a useful source of player-shared tips and insights. Staying informed can help you avoid wasted time or inefficient paths.
14. Don’t Ignore Status Effects
Weapons that inflict Bleed, Frostbite, or Poison can provide major advantages, especially for Dexterity-based classes like the Warrior or Samurai.
15. Use Crafting to Your Advantage
Your class doesn't start with every item you'll need. Learn to craft fire pots, bone darts, and status-boosting items on the go. Gathering materials is quick, and crafted Elden Ring Items are lightweight and reliable.
16. Study Boss Patterns
Whether you're tanking with a Vagabond or dodging with an Astrologer, learning enemy attack patterns is key. You don’t always need more Runes—sometimes you just need better timing.
17. Respec Later if Needed
Once you progress to a certain point, you’ll gain access to respec options. Don’t be afraid to experiment early—just know you’ll need a Larval Tear and access to a key NPC later in the game.
18. Level Mind or Endurance as Needed
Depending on your class, Mind (for FP) or Endurance (for stamina and equip load) can be undervalued but essential. Spellcasters, in particular, should consider early investment in Mind.
19. Stay Open to Change
You may start as a prisoner but end up a battlemage. Your starting class is just that—a starting point. What truly shapes your journey is how you adapt, explore, and experiment with the tools the game offers.
Mastering Elden Ring starts with understanding your own strengths. With smart choices, steady Rune farming, and the right Elden Ring Items at your side, every class can grow into a powerful force. Keep exploring, keep upgrading, and don’t be afraid to look beyond your class’s original path.
U4GM - Elden Ring: 19 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Starting Class
Choosing the right starting class in Elden Ring can set the tone for your entire journey through the Lands Between. Whether you're a spell-slinging Astrologer or a heavily-armored Vagabond, how you use your starting stats, gear, and early-game opportunities can make a big difference. Here are 19 practical tips to help you maximize your chosen class and get the most out of every level, item, and encounter.
1. Know Your Class’s Strengths
Each starting class is built around a particular playstyle. Before diving in, take a few minutes to review your class’s stat distribution. For example, the Bandit excels in stealth and critical strikes, while the Hero is a powerhouse for raw strength builds.
2. Don’t Lock Yourself Into One Build
While your class sets your initial stats, it doesn’t define your entire build. As you collect Elden Ring Runes, you’ll have the freedom to level up any attribute you want, allowing flexibility later in the game.
3. Explore Early for Powerful Elden Ring Items
Some of the best early-game gear isn’t tied to your starting class. Exploring areas like Limgrave and Weeping Peninsula can reward you with powerful Elden Ring Items that enhance or diversify your playstyle.
4. Take Advantage of Ashes of War
Ashes of War are incredibly useful tools for customizing your weapon's scaling and abilities. Find one that complements your class's strengths early on—for example, pairing a Keen Ash of War with a Dexterity-focused Samurai.
5. Farm Runes Early
If you're finding enemies tough, consider farming Elden Ring Runes in early zones like the Gatefront Ruins or using Spirit Ashes to safely defeat small groups of enemies. This will help you level up quickly without taking on bosses prematurely.
6. Pick Up the Flask of Wondrous Physick Early
This item allows you to craft custom buffs for your build. Located near the Third Church of Marika, it can offer a major boost no matter your class.
7. Balance Your Flask Allocation
Depending on whether you’re melee- or magic-based, distribute your Crimson and Cerulean flasks accordingly. A Prophet, for example, may need more Cerulean to keep casting spells in long fights.
8. Use Spirit Ashes Wisely
Spirit Summons can act as tanks, distractions, or extra damage dealers. They’re especially useful for classes with low health or limited armor.
9. Respect Stat Soft Caps
Elden Ring has diminishing returns on stats after certain thresholds. Understanding soft caps (such as 40 for Vigor) will help you plan an efficient leveling route.
10. Visit Roundtable Hold ASAP
After defeating a few bosses or reaching certain areas, you’ll unlock access to the Roundtable Hold. This is your main hub for upgrading weapons and acquiring key Elden Ring Items.
11. Upgrade Weapons, Not Just Level
Don’t spend all your Elden Ring Runes on stats—upgrading your weapon with Smithing Stones is often a bigger power boost than increasing Strength or Dexterity.
12. Get a Backup Weapon
Even if you’re focused on a specific build, carrying a secondary weapon that deals different types of damage (like strike or magic) can make certain fights much easier.
13. Use U4GM as a Research Tool
For players who want to understand item stats, Rune farming spots, or boss weaknesses, U4GM is a useful source of player-shared tips and insights. Staying informed can help you avoid wasted time or inefficient paths.
14. Don’t Ignore Status Effects
Weapons that inflict Bleed, Frostbite, or Poison can provide major advantages, especially for Dexterity-based classes like the Warrior or Samurai.
15. Use Crafting to Your Advantage
Your class doesn't start with every item you'll need. Learn to craft fire pots, bone darts, and status-boosting items on the go. Gathering materials is quick, and crafted Elden Ring Items are lightweight and reliable.
16. Study Boss Patterns
Whether you're tanking with a Vagabond or dodging with an Astrologer, learning enemy attack patterns is key. You don’t always need more Runes—sometimes you just need better timing.
17. Respec Later if Needed
Once you progress to a certain point, you’ll gain access to respec options. Don’t be afraid to experiment early—just know you’ll need a Larval Tear and access to a key NPC later in the game.
18. Level Mind or Endurance as Needed
Depending on your class, Mind (for FP) or Endurance (for stamina and equip load) can be undervalued but essential. Spellcasters, in particular, should consider early investment in Mind.
19. Stay Open to Change
You may start as a prisoner but end up a battlemage. Your starting class is just that—a starting point. What truly shapes your journey is how you adapt, explore, and experiment with the tools the game offers.
Mastering Elden Ring starts with understanding your own strengths. With smart choices, steady Rune farming, and the right Elden Ring Items at your side, every class can grow into a powerful force. Keep exploring, keep upgrading, and don’t be afraid to look beyond your class’s original path.