Elden Ring has taken the gaming world by storm with its vast open world, intricate lore, and punishing difficulty. For new players diving into this sprawling adventure, the learning curve can be steep, and certain pitfalls tend to trip up even the most enthusiastic Tarnished. Drawing from personal experience and countless hours exploring the Lands Between, here are ten common mistakes to avoid that will help you progress more smoothly and enjoy the game to its fullest.

1. Ignoring Basic Exploration
   One of the biggest mistakes is rushing through the main storyline without thoroughly exploring. Elden Ring’s world is rich with hidden secrets, powerful gear, and essential upgrade materials. Taking time to explore often leads to discovering rare weapons or cheap Elden Ring items that can greatly improve your survivability early on.
2. Not Managing Runes Wisely
   Runes are the currency for leveling up and buying gear, but many new players either hoard them or waste them carelessly. If you find yourself stuck, it’s worth considering to buy Elden Ring runes strategically to help power through tough sections or upgrade your equipment.
3. Skipping Summons and Spirit Ashes
   Summons can provide crucial assistance in difficult battles. Many new players avoid using Spirit Ashes because they feel it’s “cheating” or want to rely solely on their own skills. However, summons are part of the game’s design and can turn a frustrating fight into a manageable challenge.
4. Underestimating Stamina Management
   Stamina is your lifeline during combat. Attacking, blocking, and dodging all consume stamina, and running out at a critical moment can be deadly. New players often overcommit with attacks without leaving stamina for evasive maneuvers, resulting in quick deaths.
5. Ignoring Weapon Upgrades
   It’s tempting to stick with a cool-looking weapon or the first weapon you find, but neglecting to upgrade it can slow your progress drastically. Upgrading weapons amplifies damage far more than merely leveling up your character, so prioritize smithing materials and don’t hesitate to farm for them.
6. Not Experimenting with Builds
   Elden Ring offers diverse builds from heavy strength fighters to nimble spellcasters. Sticking rigidly to one playstyle without experimenting can limit your effectiveness. Trying different weapons, spells, and stats helps you find a build that fits your style and the challenges ahead.
7. Forgetting to Use Status Effects
   Bleed, poison, frostbite, and other status effects are extremely powerful tools in combat. Many new players focus purely on raw damage, missing out on the tactical advantage of applying status effects to bosses or tough enemies.
8. Avoiding PvP and Multiplayer Elements
   While it might seem daunting at first, engaging with Elden Ring’s multiplayer can provide valuable help and insight. Whether summoning others to assist or learning from PvP encounters, multiplayer adds depth to your experience.
9. Overlooking Armor and Poise
   It’s easy to focus just on damage, but armor and poise can be lifesavers. Higher poise lets you tank hits without being staggered, and the right armor balances protection and mobility, especially when facing faster enemies.
10. Getting Discouraged Too Easily
    Finally, Elden Ring is designed to be challenging. Many new players give up after repeated deaths or frustrating boss fights. Persistence, learning enemy patterns, and adapting your approach are key. If you find yourself stuck, tools like U4GM can offer affordable ways to get cheap Elden Ring items or runes, helping you overcome roadblocks without spoiling the sense of accomplishment.

In summary, Elden Ring rewards patience, exploration, and experimentation. Avoiding these common mistakes will set you on a path to mastering the game and fully enjoying everything this masterpiece has to offer. Keep exploring, upgrading, and adapting — the Lands Between await your legend.