Even if it’s more open in design than its predecessors, there’s no doubt that Elden Ring is a tough game. Groups and large enemies are challenging, while the bosses are purely punishing. Because of this, it’s always important to prepare for a Souls game like Elden Ring as much as possible.

Whether that’s considering one’s Elden Ring build ahead of time or choosing a class, it’s not a game anyone rushes. This should be doubly so for anyone relatively new to the genre. Choosing a good newcomer/beginner class for Elden Ring is helpful, but improving one’s overall build from the get-go helps players approach challenges a lot.

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Luckily, someone has already found a way to quickly provide any Elden Ring character with a ton of early advantages. It’ll eventually wear off, but for anyone looking for a good head start or a newcomer needing a little extra push, there’s a good, relatively risk-free way to do so right from the start of the game.

Elden Ring: What to Do At The Start

Although it can be done by anyone at any early stage of Elden Ring, it is recommended to do this right from the start. This method was discovered by YouTuber Boomstick Gaming and independently verified by Game Rant. Essentially, players will need to follow Boomstick’s path as outlined in the above video, which will take players into a few locations in Elden Ring. This excursion will take players into a few dangerous areas, but the rewards outweigh the risk.

Following Boomstick’s route as outlined above will net players a +4 weapon, potentially a set of improved armor, additional and stronger flasks, a strong spirit, tons of runes, a few levels and a few other boons. This will, as a whole, improve any Elden Ring build as players prepare for the first few bosses (and mini-bosses of the game).

Elden Ring: Tips + Tricks For This Early OP Build Method

elden ring katana +4
elden ring flasks

There are a few key things players should keep in mind as they follow Boomstick’s route:

  • This is ideal when done as early as possible.
  • This will NOT make Elden Ring easy, but it will help.
  • Once Elden Ring players can summon Torrent, they should stay on him as much as possible while traveling The Lands Between to acquire all of this.
  • Be mindful to check everything when raiding the small tombs.
  • Boomstick was not attacked by the wolves or the bear in that sequence of the video, but we were. Grab and go as quickly as possible.
  • Avoid combat as much as possible for now.
  • Do no worry about death in completing this Elden Ring path. Because these rewards are items, they are not lost. BUT players should be sure NOT to cash in their Golden Runes before finishing this—in case they do get killed.
elden ring golden runes

Once Elden Ring players, especially newcomers, complete all of this, it is recommended to return to the start and then play the game as one normally would. These improvements, like the heals and the weapons, will make the early game of Elden Ring more approachable. Again, the game will catch up to the player eventually, but this method may help many find their groove early without too much pressure.

Elden Ring is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.

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