When diving into
Elden Ring, many players—newcomers and Souls veterans alike—often find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer scale and freedom of The Lands Between. With multiple regions, legacy dungeons, and bosses lurking around every corner, a clear sense of direction can be hard to establish. Based on hundreds of hours of exploration, experimentation, and combat, here’s a recommended progression route that balances difficulty, gear availability, and narrative flow, helping players enjoy Elden Ring the way FromSoftware subtly intended.
Start Strong: Limgrave and the Weeping Peninsula
The opening region, Limgrave, serves as a gentle (by Souls standards) introduction to core mechanics. Here, players should tackle the Gatefront Ruins, unlock Torrent (your spectral steed), and
collect the map fragments. Exploring side dungeons like Groveside Cave and Murkwater Catacombs offers useful upgrade materials and early Ashes of War.
Before taking on Margit, the Fell Omen, it’s wise to venture south into the Weeping Peninsula. Though technically optional, this area offers more manageable enemies and rewarding loot. The Castle Morne dungeon, for instance, provides a strong early-game challenge and helps you refine your combat approach.
Stormveil Castle and Liurnia of the Lakes
Once sufficiently leveled and equipped, return to Stormveil Castle. This legacy dungeon is your first real test of stamina, patience, and understanding of Elden Ring’s level design. Defeating Godrick the Grafted here not only advances the story but unlocks your first Great Rune.
Moving north leads into Liurnia of the Lakes, a sprawling, semi-open region teeming with magic-based enemies and deep lore. New players should consider exploring Raya Lucaria Academy, where Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, awaits. This region is also home to several side quests and spirit ashes that can significantly aid you in mid-game battles.
Altus Plateau and Mount Gelmir
With two Great Runes in hand, gain access to Altus Plateau via the Grand Lift of Dectus or the challenging Ruin-Strewn Precipice. This golden region marks a jump in difficulty and introduces more complex enemy types and terrain navigation. Be sure to explore Mt. Gelmir, where Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, resides. Though optional, defeating him is part of the Shardbearer path and unlocks unique story content.
Don’t rush into Leyndell, Royal Capital, just yet. Instead, explore the fringes—Shaded Castle, Windmill Village, and Gelmir Hero’s Grave—to level up and fine-tune your build.
Capital to Consecrated Snowfield: Prepare for the Endgame
Entering Leyndell is a major milestone. The capital is densely packed with enemies, secrets, and a multi-stage boss fight that culminates in a significant shift in the world state. After progressing here, players will eventually make their way to the Mountaintops of the Giants—a brutally cold, high-level area where the difficulty spikes and enemy aggression increases.
After igniting the Forge of the Giants, you'll be able to access Farum Azula, followed by Leyndell, Ashen Capital. These endgame zones are linear but demanding, testing your build, reaction speed, and grasp of the game’s mechanics.
For those pursuing secret content, make sure to uncover the Consecrated Snowfield and explore Miquella’s Haligtree, which houses Malenia, arguably the most challenging boss in Elden Ring.
While Elden Ring allows for tremendous freedom, following a structured route offers a smoother curve of challenge and discovery. Prioritizing exploration while gradually increasing difficulty ensures that each region feels both rewarding and manageable. Of course, every Tarnished’s journey is unique—but if you’re looking for a path that balances lore, loot, and challenge, this progression route is a time-tested roadmap through the vast mystery of The Lands Between.
