10 Fun Ways To Make Your Next Elden Ring Playthrough Different

It’s no wonder Elden Ring was named Game of the Year 2022. Among all FromSoftware games, it stands out as the most approachable, making it an inviting choice for beginners who might not be die-hard Soulsborne fans. However, it still maintains a balanced level of challenge that keeps veterans engaged and eager to return for more.

A player has the option to enjoy a leisurely gaming experience by wielding the Blasphemous blade alongside the Mimic Tear. Conversely, another player might opt for a challenge by embarking on a journey with only a club, abstaining from summoning any allies or utilizing Spirit Ashes.

In the core game alone, you’ve got over a hundred bosses and thirty distinct weapons to engage with, keeping your gameplay experience rich from the start. With the addition of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, there’s an abundance of content to keep you far from boredom for quite some time.

Over time, as you grow accustomed to a particular play style, it’s likely that you’ll continue using it, making subsequent gameplay experiences feel repetitive or similar.

In your initial game session, if you predominantly wielded Giant-Crusher as your main weapon, yet in your subsequent play, you opt for dual wielding these weapons for a frenzied onslaught, the gaming experience will remain surprisingly similar.

Here are ten innovative approaches to enhance your second Elden Ring adventure.

10. Try A Weapon From A Different Weapon Class

New Weapon, New Me

First off, why not switch things up by testing out a weapon from an entirely different category in Elden Ring?

The Greatsword, often called the Guts Greatsword, is among the most widely used weapons in the game.

Instead of primarily focusing on its ability to inflict significant physical harm, many users often leverage it for its heavy impact on an enemy’s stability or poise. Consequently, to optimize this function, you might consider switching the Ash of War to Lion’s Claw and adjusting the affinity to Heavy. This modification will enable a quicker breakdown of enemy poise with fewer strikes.

Swapping your Greatsword for Star Fist will bring about an enjoyable and conspicuous difference in your playstyle. Star Fist is a weapon that belongs to the Fist category, so you’ll be trading the range of a Greatsword for increased damage potential with continuous attacks.

In the given scenario, the weapons are scaled based on both Strength and Dexterity. To explore more options, you might consider adding Faith, Intelligence, and Arcane attributes to experiment with weapons capable of dealing various kinds of damage.

9. Try A New Build

I Unga, Therefore I Bunga

Although the approach might appear comparable to the previous instance, the requirement to boost distinct attributes sets a fresh build apart from merely swapping to a different tool.

If your previous character build was primarily focused on Strength with a few points in Dexterity, you might want to switch to a pure Intelligence or a hybrid Str/Int build, which will require respeccing your character. As you progress through the game and learn new spells, consider investing more in Intelligence and Mind.

If you prefer the Giant-Crusher, you can get a comparable outcome by using the Gavel of Haima to strike your foes, but this time it’s with magical damage rather than physical damage.

Absolutely, there are numerous other enchantments available, such as Quick Glintshard, Hamaya’s Cannon, Comet, Spiral Shard, and the widely used, Comet Azur.

With the Ash of War from the Jellyfish Shield, namely Terra Magica and Contagious Fury, you can significantly amplify the power of your magic spells.

8. Change Your Playstyle

Slow Down A Bit, Or Get Super Aggressive

Altering your approach during gameplay might not appear significant at first glance, but as you delve into the action, you’ll notice that the level of challenge or ease can drastically change based on the boss or adversary you encounter.

In simpler terms, when I say “changing your playstyle,” I’m referring to something like adopting a more proactive strategy if you typically play in a reserved manner, or opting for a more passive approach if you usually go all out.

If the approach feels overly similar to previous strategies for experimenting with a new weapon or character setup, consider adding a shield to the mix for variety, or take away a shield if you prefer.

Imagining you’re an assertive player who prefers to wield or handle two weapons at once. In such a case, equipping a shield significantly alters your gameplay, as it necessitates using a one-handed parrying weapon instead. This change enables you to block or parry a greater number of enemy attacks with the shield, ultimately modifying your playstyle.

If you’re a strategic player who prefers to bide your time and strike only when an opportunity arises, consider testing out the Buckler in combination with its Ash of War skill, Buckler Parry. While shield-guarding with a buckler isn’t particularly effective, focus on seeking parries instead, as this will provide ample chances for ripostes, enhancing your offensive options.

In a similar fashion, those relying on shields could choose to discard them for a two-handed weapon such as the Godskin Peeler or Elenora’s Poleblade, maintaining variety in their playstyle.

7. Try A Cosplay Run

No, I Am Malenia Blade Of Miquella

As the name suggests, a Cosplay run is where you cosplay as the character you want to play.

This type of run is enjoyable because you can dress up like your favorite character, carry their weapons and armor, and learn the corresponding spells or chants to mimic as many of their abilities as possible.

In this rephrasing, I’ve used simpler vocabulary and more conversational phrasing to make it easier for readers to understand and enjoy the content.

To this day, Malenia retains a reputation for her challenging nature. Intriguingly, she’s the sole demigod character in the game that you can’t engage until you conquer Morgott. Overcoming her is quite an accomplishment, and the reward for your efforts is her remembrance. This valuable token can be exchanged for one of the top Dexterity weapons in the game: the Hand of Malenia Katana.

This unique weapon stands out due to its Ash of War ability, enabling you to perform the waterfowl dance. By replicating her remembrance, you can also acquire Scarlet Aoenia, albeit not the strongest incantation, but it provides access to another one of her signature moves.

Now, combine it with her protective gear, and you’ll find yourself exposed to many enemy assaults. This necessitates learning her maneuvers and adjusting your gameplay strategy to align more closely with hers.

One example, among others, is Malenia. Alternatively, you can opt for Morgott and wield his Cursed Blade, or take on the role of Godrick with his Axe and Grafted Dragon.

6. Do Consumables Only Run

No Weapons? No problem!

Consumables are super useful in Elden Ring and something that you definitely shouldn’t sleep on.

Although the title might lead one to think of swiftly obtaining runes or temporary boosts in stamina recovery and physical attack through items like Pickled Turtle Neck or Exalted Flesh, its offerings are not limited to these.

If you’ve employed a Freezing Pot to halt Malenia’s Waterfowl, wielded the Kukri for its bleeding effect, or fired a Poison Bone Dart to cause poison and inflict harm, then you’ve utilized consumable items within this game.

In a Consumables-only playthrough, your objective is to finish the game exclusively by utilizing consumable items and avoiding the use of weapons, spells, or magic.

In this game, it may seem like you can only wield 30 Kukris in a single battle or after taking a break at a Site of Grace. However, the secret lies in using various consumables to effectively yield more than 30 Kukris throughout your adventure.

Instead, you could engage in combat equipped with items such as Bone-tipped Javelins (Bone Dart), Venomous Bone-tipped Javelins (Poison Bone Dart), Crystal-tipped Javelins (Crystal Dart), Throwing Knives (Throwing Daggers), Fan-shaped Throwing Knives (Fan Daggers), Kukri knives, and various Perfumes and Mists (Aromatics and Spraymists).

Using a Perfumer’s Talisman might come as an unexpected surprise, since it significantly increases the strength of your perfume items by 20%. If you find yourself needing a little extra power, this talisman could be quite helpful for you.

5. Do A Randomizer Run

Wait, Godfrey Shouldn’t Be In Limgrave

In the online platform Nexus Mods, there’s a mod called “Elden Ring Item and Enemy Randomizer” created by user ‘thefifthmatt’. This mod is designed to facilitate a randomized playthrough, similar to the experience of undertaking a Pokémon Nuzlocke challenge. If you have previously engaged in such a challenge, you should be familiar with how this Elden Ring mod operates.

In a Randomizer gameplay, you have the ability to alter the types of items and foes that appear within a specific area. This means that although you might be accustomed to an adversary’s moves, their whereabouts, and how to defeat them, the circumstances can significantly shift during a Randomizer game. For instance, you could encounter Starscourge Radhan in Elden Throne or Godskin Duo within the Academy of Raya Lucaria instead.

As a devoted enthusiast, I’ve discovered that opening a chance chest could reward me with an item as potent as the Remembrance of the Black Blade. On the other hand, vanquishing Maliketh might grant me a Golden Rune 1 or possibly a Melted Mushroom instead.

Additionally, you won’t locate weapons and enhancement items in the customary places, making it challenging to advance them. Consequently, you’re compelled to improvise with the resources available.

Ensure you establish a method to obtain a minimum of two Great Runes and the Rold Medallion, as failing to do so could prevent your progress. In such a case, you would need to start a fresh run.

4. Do An RL1 Run

No Leveling Up Yourself

While the earlier techniques might seem enjoyable and experimental, running an RL1 model marks your entry into the “mastery level.

In simpler terms, “RL1” refers to Rune Level 1, which means that you can’t advance your game character beyond this level, a concept dating back to the challenge of SL1 (Souls Level 1) in games like Dark Souls.

In the game, you initially choose the Wretch class, shaping your character’s starting build. However, what might appear as a disadvantage at first, surprisingly adds the most intrigue to your first playthrough (RL1 run).

With the appropriate charms at hand, you have the freedom to experiment with numerous character setups. This playstyle encourages careful consideration before adding any Talismans to your inventory, as you’ll want to understand their unique benefits and how they can complement your strategy.

In simpler terms, if you’re trying to utilize the Greatsword on a character at level 1 (RL1), you might think it’s impossible due to the Wretch starting with just 10 Strength, while the Greatsword needs 31 Strength to be effectively used. However, using it is quite straightforward.

To follow these instructions:

1. First, attach Radagon’s Soreseal to your equipment for a boost of +5 Strength.
2. Then, add the Starscourge Heirloom to gain another +5 Strength.
3. Next, wear the Haima Glintstone Crown to receive an additional +2 Strength.
4. Lastly, equip your weapon with both hands to use it as you normally would.

You can amplify your strength temporarily using items like Godrick’s Great Rune, Strength-knot Crystal Tear, and Oath of Vengeance (which boost it by 20), among others. By strategically employing various Dexterity weapons, spells (Incantations or Sorceries), Talismans, and buffs, you can enhance your power in specific instances.

Running an RL1 test will demonstrate the challenge level of the game, as even seemingly trivial decisions like choosing your weapon and armor can significantly impact gameplay.

It boils down to choosing between wielding a heftier weapon for greater poise disruption, with minimal armor consideration, or opting for a less burdensome weapon to don additional armor, thereby reducing the chances of a heavy roll and allowing you to absorb an extra blow.

It would be a blast for seasoned gamers to try a single run through the game on RL1 difficulty at least once, as it’s both enjoyable and demanding.

3. Do An RL1+0 Run

No Leveling Up Your Weapons Either

If you found an RL1 run tricky, let me introduce you to an RL1+0 run. The twist here is that your character and weapons remain at base levels throughout, which significantly alters the amount of damage you can inflict on opponents.

As you advance, what may initially appear as a minor adjustment becomes increasingly challenging, particularly during boss battles. Over time, you’ll encounter their intricate combo sequences and unique special moves more frequently, making it tougher to prevail against them.

This task serves as an effective test of your self-restraint, since accumulating more than necessary will lead to failure. Taking an additional strike could cost you 3 to 5 minutes of your advancement, contingent on the boss, necessitating a complete repeat of the battle.

As a gamer, let me tell you, tackling the Fire Giant with his whopping 42,363 HP isn’t just a fight – it’s a challenge in an arena that feels like it was designed to frustrate. But if you somehow emerge victorious amidst those tough conditions, trust me, the satisfaction is unparalleled. It’s the type of battle that tests your gaming mettle and leaves you with a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to beat.

2. Do A Deathless Run

0 Deaths

In essence, the objective here is to persist through a game or trial without meeting defeat. If by chance you are defeated, you must begin anew with the challenge.

As a seasoned gamer, I can tell you that pulling off an unstoppable gameplay (deathless run) is no walk in the park. It takes heaps of perseverance, countless hours of honing skills, and above all, strategic thinking to chart a course that leaves no room for unexpected pitfalls.

To achieve an unbeatable playthrough, focus on significantly boosting your Vitality (Vigor) first and then your Stamina (Endurance). A larger Vitality gives you increased Health Points, allowing you to withstand more attacks, while a higher Endurance provides you with additional load capacity for better armor selection.

To ensure a successful journey, always prioritize safety and caution. This means steering clear of unessential visits to dangerous dungeons teeming with aggressive mobs or traps that could lead to your demise. Additionally, be mindful while navigating the game’s challenging platform segments, as you will encounter one of the toughest adversaries in all FromSoft games: Gravity itself.

Here are some points to bear in mind specifically for the main game map, and it’s crucial to have an extensive knowledge of boss actions and the most efficient ways to conclude them.

In simpler terms, if you anticipate your character will soon perish in the game, it might be wise to exit before the “Game Over” or “You Died” message appears. This way, technically speaking, your character hasn’t actually died, but instead, it could be considered a learning experience or practice round.

1. Do A Hitless Run

No Need For Vigor If You Won’t Get Hit

Ultimately, the most rigorous self-set task in Elden Ring is the hitless or unstoppable run, where if you are struck even once, you have to begin anew.

It’s best to perform a hitless run next, following successfully completing a ‘RL1+0’ and a deathless run. The ‘RL1+0’ phase helps you get accustomed to the majority of boss movements, drastically minimizing the likelihood of taking any damage.

Regarding the endless run, it is designed to teach patience in gameplay. Additionally, it aids in managing your weapon, and strategizing a route for collecting all the required Smithing or Somber Smithing Stones for upgrading your weapon.

Unlike an RL1+0 setup, this environment allows character advancement, meaning you won’t need to invest heavily in Vigor due to avoiding combat. Instead, you can focus on enhancing your Endurance, Strength, Dexterity, or other stats according to the character build you have chosen.

In addition, it might be beneficial to assign some points to Vigor since there’s a special Ash of War known as “Assassin’s Gambit.” This skill grants you a degree of invisibility and also muffles your footsteps at the expense of some health points.

It could be worth investing in Vigor because there’s an ability called Assassin’s Gambit that makes you almost invisible and quiets your steps, but it takes away some of your health.

Absolutely, here are a few methods to mix up your gaming experiences. Upon finishing all these tasks, you can add more excitement by combining several at once. For instance, you could attempt a randomized, deathless run, or a no-damage, RL1 (Radhanite League 1) run.

2025-04-01 18:41