Things to Do First in Elden Ring New Game Plus: Essential Guide
After conquering the savage lands of the Lands Between and besting the formidable Elden Beast, you might find yourself pondering your next adventure in Elden Ring. Starting a New Game Plus (NG+) run can be an exhilarating experience, as it offers fresh challenges and opportunities to explore new builds and strategies. However, before you jump back into the fray, there are several important steps and considerations to keep in mind to maximize your enjoyment and success in NG+. Here is a helpful guide on what to do first to ensure you’re well-prepared for your next journey.
1. Review Your Gear and Inventory
Before initiating your New Game Plus, take a solid look at your inventory. The progression system in Elden Ring allows you to carry over certain items, including weapons, armor, and a number of essential resources. Make sure you’ve collected everything valuable that you’ll want in NG+. This includes:
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Weapons and Armor: Pick out any favorite weapons or armor sets that you want to experiment with in your new playthrough. Assess their strengths and weaknesses under the new system. If there are special weapons you’ve been eyeing in your last playthrough, now’s the time to add them to your arsenal.
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Talismans and Upgrade Materials: Check your collection of talismans and upgrade materials. You’ll want to focus on optimizing your build as you advance. Ensure you have enough upgrade items to take your best weapons and armor to the next level.
2. Plan Your Build
New Game Plus offers a fantastic opportunity to experiment with different builds and play styles. Before diving into the game, consider what you want to achieve. Whether you’re looking to maximize magic damage with a sorcerer build or unleash devastating melee power with a strength build, take some time to research potential builds that could enhance your NG+ experience.
- Try Out New Classes: If you’ve been primarily a melee fighter in your last run, consider giving magic or a hybrid build a try. The flexibility in builds not only keeps the game fresh but can also allow you to tackle areas and bosses in new ways.
3. Update Your Strategy for Boss Fights
One of the defining features of New Game Plus is the heightened challenge from bosses and enemies. They often have increased health and damage output, so you’ll want to revisit your boss strategies. Review which tactics worked for you previously and consider additional strategies or team-ups that could prove effective.
- Co-op Playthroughs: Engaging with other players can also escalate the fun factor significantly. Teaming up with friends or other players can make encounters easier and highlight new strategies to implement.
4. Collect Important Items and Remembrances
Dive back into the world and pick up important collectibles you may have missed. Certain items can’t be farmed and can be very beneficial for your journey through NG+. Here are some items to focus on:
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Remembrances: Ensure you’ve collected any Remembrances from bosses, as these allow you to acquire unique and powerful items. Maximizing these rewards is essential to fortifying your character.
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Upgrade Materials: Before you start, gather materials that you can use to ensure your gear is at its peak before facing challenging bosses. Dragon Smithing Stones, Larval Tears, and other upgrade materials can make a huge difference.
5. Explore New Areas and Side Quests
One of the best aspects of Elden Ring is its open-world design, which is rich with lore and hidden treasures. In New Game Plus, you may want to take the time to explore areas that you didn’t thoroughly examine during your first run.
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Hidden Dungeons and Bosses: Many players may overlook specific mini-dungeons or optional bosses. Make it a goal to uncover these mysteries in NG+.
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Engage with NPCs: Don’t forget to revisit NPCs and side quests. Some stories might have new developments in New Game Plus, offering additional lore and rewards.
6. Embrace the Opportunity for Fun
Finally, remember that New Game Plus is an opportunity to have fun and enjoy the vast possibilities Elden Ring offers. Use this time to test out your favorite weapons, engage in PvP, or do a goofy playthrough with unique restrictions. Exploring the game genuinely and enjoying its designs makes the experience much more fulfilling.
In conclusion, starting a New Game Plus in Elden Ring can be a captivating and rewarding endeavor. With careful preparation of your inventory, planning your builds, updating your strategies, collecting important items, and exploring new areas, you can create a rich and enjoyable experience in your next journey. Embrace the challenges ahead, enjoy the exploration, and remember—every death is just an opportunity to learn and grow stronger. Happy adventuring!