Elden Ring Beginner Survival Guide: Early Builds and Margit Strategy

FromSoftware's open-world action RPG, ELDEN RING, captivates with its vast world and high degree of freedom. However, many Tarnished may find themselves frustrated by its extreme difficulty early on. But rest assured, this game allows anyone to steadily grow stronger with the right knowledge and preparation. This article thoroughly explains specific survival strategies for all beginners to endure in Limgrave, the first area they visit, and overcome the first major hurdle.

Overcoming the First Wall! Choosing a Starting Class and Early Game Stat Allocation

The "starting class" you choose during character creation is a crucial factor that determines your initial stats and equipment. While you can reallocate stats later, it significantly impacts your comfort in the early game. If you're unsure what to choose, the following classes are recommended:

Top 3 Recommended Starting Classes for Beginners

1. Vagabond
The "Vagabond" is the most recommended class for beginners. With high Vigor and Strength, and starting with a 100% physical damage reduction shield, you can safely guard against enemy attacks. Its balanced offense and defense make it ideal for learning basic gameplay.

2. Samurai
The "Samurai" features powerful starting weapons, the "Uchigatana" and "Longbow," and high Dexterity. The Uchigatana has a bleed effect and a long reach, making it a very user-friendly weapon. It's suitable for players who prefer an aggressive playstyle.

3. Hero
If you want to wield a large axe and pursue a "strength build" playstyle, the "Hero" is recommended. It starts with the highest Strength among all classes. While it might take some getting used to at first, the satisfaction of crushing enemies with heavy blows is exceptional.

Basic Approach to Stat Allocation

Runes obtained from leveling up are allocated to stats at Sites of Grace. In the early game, prioritizing the following stats is the quickest path to survival:

• Vigor: Increases maximum HP. This is the highest priority stat to raise; aim for 20-25 first. Being harder to kill directly leads to more stable exploration.
• Endurance: Increases maximum Stamina and Equipment Load. Since all actions like attacking, dodging, and guarding consume Stamina, it's second only to Vigor in importance. It's also necessary for equipping heavier armor.
• Strength/Dexterity: Stats required to wield weapons and affect physical attack power. Allocate points to meet the requirements of the recommended weapons mentioned later.

In the early game, it's recommended to postpone Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane, which are needed for sorceries and incantations, and instead focus on increasing your survivability.

Make a Difference Through Exploration! Powerful Early Game Equipment and Spirit Ashes to Acquire

Limgrave holds numerous powerful pieces of equipment that can be acquired early on. Simply obtaining these will dramatically reduce the difficulty of your progress.

Powerful Reach and Bleed! "Bloodhound's Fang" Acquisition Guide

Among the weapons obtainable in the early game, the Curved Greatsword "Bloodhound's Fang" is highly recommended. It boasts high attack power, a bleed effect, and the powerful unique Weapon Skill "Bloodhound's Finesse."
It can be found in the "Forlorn Hound Evergaol" in southern Limgrave. You acquire it by defeating the boss within, "Bloodhound Knight Darriwil." The required stats are a somewhat high Strength 18, Dexterity 17, but it is a powerful weapon well worth the investment.

Your Reliable Ally for Progress! "Lone Wolf Ashes"

In this game, you can summon spirits to fight alongside you by using "Spirit Ashes." The "Lone Wolf Ashes" are particularly useful in the early game. They summon three wolves that distract enemies, creating opportunities for you to attack safely.
To obtain them, unlock three Sites of Grace to acquire the Spectral Steed "Torrent," then fast travel to the "Church of Elleh" at night. Witch Renna (Ranni) will appear and give you the Lone Wolf Ashes along with the "Spirit Calling Bell." If you miss them, you can purchase them later from the Twin Maiden Husks at the "Roundtable Hold."

Don't Forget to Upgrade Your Lifeline: "Sacred Flasks"

The "Sacred Flasks," which restore HP and FP, can be upgraded in terms of uses and recovery potency as you progress through exploration. To increase uses, you need "Golden Seeds," and to increase recovery potency, you need "Sacred Tears." These can be found under luminous saplings or in front of church statues. Since multiple can be acquired in Limgrave alone, actively explore to upgrade your Sacred Flasks.

Efficient Rune Farming and Leveling Tips

When you can't defeat tough enemies, leveling up is the most effective method. Here are recommended early game Rune farming spots:

Hunting Giants at Gatefront

On the path from the "Gatefront" Site of Grace towards Stormveil Castle, five giants roam. Each giant drops approximately 1,000 Runes when defeated, and their movements are slow and attacks predictable, making it relatively safe to defeat them while mounted on your Spectral Steed. The Site of Grace is also nearby, making this spot suitable for repeated farming.

High-Efficiency Farming at Caelid's "Farum Greatbridge"

While a bit dangerous, venturing into "Caelid" to the east of Limgrave allows for more efficient Rune farming. The giant dragon near the "Farum Greatbridge" Site of Grace doesn't attack and drops a large amount of Runes (approx. 75,000 Runes the first time) and 5 Dragon Hearts when defeated. Continuously attacking it with weapons that inflict bleed can defeat it safely.

Comprehensive Strategy for the First Hurdle: "Margit, the Fell Omen"

The major hurdle many beginners encounter first is the boss "Margit, the Fell Omen," who stands before the gates of Stormveil Castle. Here, we will explain specific tactics to overcome Margit.

Recommended Level and Preparation

The recommended level for challenging Margit is said to be around 20-25. However, weapon upgrades are just as important as your level. At the blacksmith's table in the Church of Elleh, upgrade your weapon to at least +2 to +3. Furthermore, summoning the cooperator NPC "Sorcerer Rogier" sign along the way will make the fight significantly easier.

Attack Patterns and Dodging Tips

Margit's attacks are fast and frequently employ delays (attacks with staggered timing). Rushing your rolls will make you more vulnerable to hits, so try to observe his movements carefully before dodging. Specific counters are effective: side-roll when he throws a light dagger, and back away when he performs a staff slam. If you absolutely cannot win, a stable strategy is to guard with a 100% physical damage reduction shield and counter-attack during openings after his attacks.

Maximizing Use of Spirit Ashes and NPCs

If you find solo progression difficult, don't hesitate to use the "Lone Wolf Ashes." While the wolves distract Margit, you'll have an opportunity to unleash attacks from behind. With Sorcerer Rogier and the wolves, you can create a numerically advantageous situation, allowing you to calmly assess the battle and maneuver accordingly.

Conclusion

The early game of ELDEN RING can certainly be a continuous challenge. However, as introduced in this article, by choosing the right starting class, acquiring powerful equipment, and leveling up efficiently, you will undoubtedly find your path forward. In particular, allocating stats to Vigor, obtaining the "Bloodhound's Fang" weapon, and utilizing the "Lone Wolf Ashes" will make early game progression significantly easier. Once you overcome Margit, the first major hurdle, you will have grown greatly as a Tarnished and be fully prepared to heartily enjoy the vast adventures of the Lands Between. Never lose heart, and weave your own heroic tale.