Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s sprawling open-world masterpiece, is renowned for its unforgiving difficulty. But how does that difficulty scale when you strip away the progression system and tackle the game at its most vulnerable state? The short answer: brutal. A level 1 run in Elden Ring is one of the most demanding challenges a player can undertake, pushing the limits of skill, patience, and knowledge of the game’s mechanics. It’s an exercise in precision, requiring near-perfect execution and an encyclopedic understanding of enemy weaknesses, attack patterns, and item locations. Expect to die. A lot. Prepare to spend hours, even days, on a single boss fight. However, for those seeking the ultimate test, conquering Elden Ring at level 1 offers an unparalleled sense of accomplishment.
The Reality of Rune Level 1
Playing Elden Ring at Rune Level 1 essentially means starting as the Wretch class and resisting the alluring call of Melina to level up. This limits your stats to the Wretch’s base values, making you incredibly fragile and restricting the weapons and armor you can wield. Forget about casually strolling through areas; every encounter becomes a strategic dance of dodges, parries, and calculated attacks.
- Damage Output: Your damage output is significantly reduced. What might take a leveled character a few swings to dispatch will become a protracted battle of attrition.
- Survivability: You’re extremely vulnerable. Most enemies can one- or two-shot you, demanding flawless execution.
- Resource Management: Consumables become your lifeline. Crafting and utilizing buffs, status effects, and specialized items is crucial for survival.
- Knowledge is Power: Knowing enemy weaknesses, optimal attack windows, and environmental advantages is paramount.
- Patience is Key: Prepare to die repeatedly and learn from each encounter. A level 1 run is a marathon, not a sprint.
Gearing Up for the Grind
While you can’t level up your character’s core stats, you can still improve your capabilities through other means. Finding optimal gear is extremely important.
- Talismans: Talismans that boost attack power, defense, or provide utility are invaluable. Experiment with different combinations to find what suits your playstyle.
- Weapons: Finding weapons with low stat requirements and effective weapon skills is essential. Some popular choices include weapons that can inflict bleed or frostbite, as these status effects deal percentage-based damage.
- Ashes of War: These can be used to imbue weapons with different affinities and weapon skills. Choose Ashes of War that complement your build and provide tactical advantages.
- Armor: While you’re limited by your weight, prioritize armor that offers the best physical and elemental resistances without hindering your mobility.
- Summons: Spirit Ashes can be used for distraction, dealing some damage or even applying status effects.
Mastering the Combat
Success in a level 1 run hinges on mastering Elden Ring’s intricate combat mechanics.
- Dodging: Perfecting your dodge timing is critical for avoiding damage. Learn enemy attack patterns and telegraphs to anticipate their moves.
- Parrying: Parrying can open up enemies for critical hits, dealing significant damage. However, it requires precise timing and is not always reliable against all enemies.
- Jump Attacks: Jump attacks can stagger enemies, creating opportunities for follow-up attacks.
- Backstabs: Position yourself behind enemies to deliver devastating backstabs.
- Charged Attacks: Charged attacks can break an enemy’s stance, leaving them vulnerable to critical hits.
- Weapon Skills: Use your weapon skills strategically to deal extra damage or inflict status effects.
Strategies for Success
Beyond mastering combat, strategic planning is essential for overcoming the challenges of a level 1 run.
- Exploration: Thoroughly explore the Lands Between to discover hidden items, dungeons, and secrets.
- Crafting: Master the crafting system to create consumables that provide buffs, heal you, or inflict status effects on enemies.
- Co-op: Summoning other players for assistance can make certain boss fights significantly easier.
- Utilizing the Environment: Take advantage of the environment to create strategic advantages. Lure enemies into traps, use cover to avoid attacks, or exploit terrain to your advantage.
- Patience and Persistence: A level 1 run is a test of patience and perseverance. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Learn from your mistakes and keep trying.
Is a Level 1 Run Right for You?
A level 1 Elden Ring run isn’t for everyone. It demands a high level of skill, dedication, and a willingness to endure countless deaths. However, if you’re looking for the ultimate challenge and a chance to truly master Elden Ring, it’s an experience that will push you to your limits and reward you with an unparalleled sense of accomplishment. It might be helpful to review other articles from sites like GB Times on tips to improve your gaming. You can find gbtimes.com by searching online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the hardest boss to beat at level 1?
Many bosses present significant challenges at level 1, but Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is widely considered the most difficult. Her rapid attacks, healing ability, and high damage output require near-perfect execution. Other contenders include Maliketh, the Black Blade, and Godfrey, First Elden Lord.
2. What’s the best starting class for a level 1 run?
The Wretch is the only viable starting class for a true level 1 run, as they start at Rune Level 1.
3. Can you use summons during a level 1 run?
Yes, you can use Spirit Ashes and summon other players for assistance. While some purists might consider summoning to be “cheating,” it’s a perfectly legitimate strategy that can make certain encounters significantly easier.
4. What are the most important talismans for a level 1 run?
Several talismans are particularly useful. Examples would be:
- Radagon’s Soreseal/Marika’s Soreseal: Boosts stats at the cost of increased damage taken (use with caution).
- Green Turtle Talisman: Increases stamina recovery speed.
- Erdtree’s Favor: Increases HP, stamina, and equip load.
- Crimson Amber Medallion: Increases maximum HP.
- Claw Talisman: Enhances jump attack damage.
5. What are some recommended weapons for a level 1 run?
Weapons with low stat requirements and effective weapon skills are ideal. Options include:
- Reduvia: Inflicts bleed build-up.
- Uchigatana: Versatile katana with bleed build-up.
- Morning Star: Inflicts bleed build-up.
- Lordsworn’s Straight Sword: Can be infused with Ashes of War.
6. How do you deal enough damage at level 1?
Focus on status effects like bleed and frostbite, which deal percentage-based damage. Use buffs from consumables and talismans to increase your attack power. Exploit enemy weaknesses and aim for critical hits.
7. Is it possible to beat Elden Ring at level 1 without taking damage?
While incredibly difficult, it is theoretically possible to beat Elden Ring at level 1 without taking damage. However, it would require an almost superhuman level of skill and knowledge.
8. How long does it take to beat Elden Ring at level 1?
The time it takes to beat Elden Ring at level 1 varies greatly depending on your skill level, knowledge of the game, and willingness to use summons. Some experienced players have completed the game in under 100 hours, while others may take hundreds of hours.
9. Are there any specific glitches or exploits that are useful for a level 1 run?
While glitches and exploits can potentially make a level 1 run easier, using them is a matter of personal preference. Some players prefer to complete the challenge without relying on such methods.
10. What is the most challenging part of a level 1 run?
Maintaining focus and avoiding mistakes over long periods is extremely difficult. Bosses with unpredictable attack patterns and large health pools pose the greatest challenge. Also, simply not being able to be one shot by certain enemies or bosses may prove to be frustrating.
11. Is it worth trying a level 1 run?
If you’re an experienced Elden Ring player looking for the ultimate challenge, a level 1 run can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It will test your skills, knowledge, and patience to the limit, but the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled.
12. Can you play as other classes besides the Wretch?
Since level 1 runs only imply using the Wretch’s starting level, you would not be able to play as any other class, because you will gain a level when you convert your runes at the beginning of the game.
