Revamp Your Second Elden Ring Playthrough with These Game-Changing Tips!

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Summary

Experiment with new Elden Ring weapons to discover unique movesets and skills or shift from melee entirely to ranged or magic builds.
Consult guides to find and defeat every optional boss, complete every side questline, and unlock all endings in the game.
Consider mods like Randomizers to keep Elden Ring fresh and unpredictable.

Despite FromSoftware’s recent focus on multiplayer-centric games like “Elden Ring Nightreign” and “The Duskbloods”, the original “Elden Ring” and its “Shadow of the Erdtree” expansion continue to be popular choices for single-player experiences among their dedicated fanbase. Now over three years old, many fans have replayed “Elden Ring” numerous times, leading them to explore innovative ways to revisit this masterpiece or resume playing after a lengthy hiatus.

It’s great news that the game, Elden Ring, offers a vast, adaptable, and complex gaming experience catering to the varying preferences of soulslike enthusiasts throughout subsequent games or NG+ cycles.

In this list, we’ll skip over the most difficult challenge runs since they might not be suitable for many fans. However, for those who are up for an intense experience, there are plenty of options available – such as RL1 runs (where only a character at Rune Level 1 is used), no-weapon-leveling runs, or no-death, no-hit runs. Enjoy your journey!

1. Try And Master New Weapons

The Game Has Much More To Offer Beyond Greatswords

In the games Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree, the assortment of weapon types surpasses any open-world game, not just in the soulslike genre. What’s more, many weapons within the same category feature distinct move sets or skills that aren’t found anywhere else, making them potential game-altering choices. Given this, players should try out every new weapon they come across, as long as their character’s stats permit it. However, putting this advice into practice isn’t simple, considering there are over 400 unique weapons in the game and its expansion.

As an enthusiast, I can attest that even without exhaustively trying out all the weapons, players have no trouble discovering several fresh melee options for their next adventure in Elden Ring, swapping out their initial choices from the previous playthrough. The array of alternatives is so vast that it’s challenging to fully understand the unique advantages each weapon offers against various enemies.

2. Try An Entirely Different Build

Switch From Melee To Ranged Or Magic-Focused Builds

As a fan of Elden Ring, I’ve noticed that many players tend to stick with a traditional melee approach when revisiting the game. While there’s nothing wrong with that, I’d like to share an alternative perspective for those seeking variety. The combat in Elden Ring offers more dimensions than just raw strength and weapon-swinging.

For instance, you can try mastering spells and incantations to unleash devastating magic upon your enemies. Or, if stealth is more your style, consider using the dodge roll to sneak up on unsuspecting foes and deliver a deadly strike from behind. There’s even the option of wielding a ranged weapon or summoning spirits to aid you in battle.

By experimenting with these different combat styles, players can truly appreciate the depth that Elden Ring has to offer. So don’t be afraid to mix things up and find the approach that feels most satisfying for you!

Instead of relying solely on melee combat or magic builds, players might want to explore the combination of close- and long-range options, mastering both melee weapons they’re accustomed to and a few ranged ones as well, along with learning some spells and buffs. In Elden Ring, certain bosses may become significantly easier when adopting a ranged strategy, especially when using powerful spells from afar.

One captivating feature that keeps players hooked on Elden Ring is its extensive character customization, allowing gamers to transform into completely different personas each time they explore the Lands Between. Mastery lies in recognizing a build’s advantages and anticipating the enemy’s strategies. With the right expertise, almost any weapon or spell combo can be incredibly effective.

3. Find & Defeat Every Optional Boss

A True Boss Rush Experience

In the immense scale and breathtaking verticality of the world within Elden Ring, it’s hardly unexpected that players continue to discover hidden areas and bosses even after their initial playthrough. For those who have already conquered the game, revisiting it with the intention of tracking down each optional boss becomes an engaging challenge, offering distinct encounters and special rewards from each defeated adversary.

Navigating through the game to discover the tiny, elective dungeons and extensive concealed areas with formidable bosses that rival the toughest in Elden Ring can be a daunting task without guidance. Thankfully, there’s an abundance of guides available to assist players in strategically planning their expedition across the Lands Between and the Land of Shadows, ensuring no valiant adversary is missed. For those seeking an extra challenge, leveling up one’s character after defeating each boss offers a thrilling twist; it prevents over-leveling and preserves the suspense for every upcoming battle.

4. Complete All Side Questlines

Lots Of Quests That Are Easy To Miss Or Fail

Just as the numerous distinctive adversaries in Elden Ring that players must locate and conquer are abundant, the game is rich with optional narratives linked to essential NPCs that players meet during their journey. In keeping with FromSoftware’s enigmatic storytelling style, it can be effortless to overlook or fail these quests without being fully aware of each crucial step, causing many players to potentially miss some of Elden Ring’s most profound and moving scenes.

Engaging with every side quest in Elden Ring can prove to be an intensely gratifying journey, offering a rich tapestry of emotional turns, hidden secrets, and critical decisions that determine each NPC’s destiny. Rewards such as their exclusive weapons and complete armor sets are just the icing on the cake! However, it could be more convenient for players if there were clearer guidance on how to progress these quests without relying on trial and error.

5. Unlock A Different Ending

Six Endings With Distinct Conditions

Just as a well-crafted Role Playing Game (RPG), Elden Ring presents several conclusions for gamers to explore. Among these, four are somewhat alike yet subtly distinct, while the remaining two are rarer and more challenging to attain. With a total of six endings, it’s understandable that players might strive for a fresh one with each game completion – not just for bragging rights but also due to the unique circumstances and far-reaching effects each ending delivers.

As a gamer immersed in Elden Ring, I can tell you that navigating through its intricate, complex endings without a guide is like embarking on an exciting treasure hunt. The Lord of the Frenzied Flame and Age of the Stars endings are the rare, hidden gems that require multiple steps and considerable effort to find. But let me assure you, the satisfaction of experiencing every possible conclusion to the Tarnished story after overcoming these challenges is worth every second spent on this epic journey.

6. No Summons Run

Players, NPCs, Or Spirit Ashes — No One Is Allowed To Help

In Elden Ring, a run without being summoned presents a new level of difficulty, although it’s less daunting than beating the game as a Level 1 character with unupgraded weapons initially. Many experienced FromSoftware gamers chose to play summon-free for the first time, arguing that this is the intended way to experience the game. However, while summons are an essential part of combat, whether this viewpoint holds true is up for debate. Regardless, every player has the freedom to face each boss alone, without any assistance.

In a run without being summoned, players might choose to bypass using Spirit Ashes altogether and tackle all Elden Ring bosses alone. This method is particularly appealing for a second playthrough, especially if summons were utilized previously, as it adds an extra layer of tension and excitement to the battles. Starting from scratch instead of depending on a high-level character in NG+ mode enhances the overall excitement.

7. Try Randomizer Mods (PC Only)

Or Any Other Mods Available

Just as numerous PC games have vibrant modding communities, so does Elden Ring. This community caters to a variety of tastes, offering modifications for all kinds of players. While exploring the vast array of available mods isn’t necessary, it’s highly recommended to experiment with the most favored Randomizer mods during subsequent gameplay sessions. These mods are particularly effective at mixing things up, ensuring that the experience remains fresh, exhilarating, and filled with unexpected twists.

Modifications known as Elden Ring Randomizers rearrange the positions of every boss and item in the game, ensuring that players can’t just rush through the Lands Between to collect all the items they need for their character build. Some mods go even further, introducing Diablo-style randomly generated loot or teleporting players between regions at random, forcing them to adapt quickly.

Of course, the modding community for Elden Ring has a lot more up its sleeve than just Randomizers, and players are encouraged to delve deeper into these offerings. For instance, an abundance of mods extend the weapon options, introduce new abilities, and improve move sets, catering wonderfully to those craving unique builds or diverse combat styles.

2025-04-14 13:35