So, you’ve conquered Elden Ring’s main story, and now you’re ready to tackle New Game Plus (NG+). This mode offers a chance to relive the adventure with all your gear, levels, and skills intact, but don’t be fooled—it’s no walk in the park. Here are some tips to help you master Elden Ring’s New Game Plus and get the most out of your second (or third, or fourth) run. Check out BIGWIN189 to know more
Understanding New Game Plus in Elden Ring
Before diving into the tips, let’s talk about what New Game Plus is all about. In Elden Ring, NG+ allows players to restart the game after completing it, but with a twist. You retain your character’s level, equipment, and most of your items, but face tougher enemies and new challenges. The stakes are higher, but so are the rewards.
What Changes in New Game Plus?
When you transition into NG+, the world of Elden Ring undergoes some noticeable changes. Enemies become more challenging, not just in terms of health and damage, but also in their behavior and patterns. Expect tougher bosses with new attack sequences that require keen observation and strategy to overcome. Additionally, certain areas may have new surprises, such as unexpected enemy placements or new environmental hazards that keep you on your toes.
Retained Progress and Its Impact
One of the key features of NG+ is the retention of your character’s progress. This includes your equipment, character level, and most inventory items. This continuity allows for a seamless transition and presents an opportunity to tackle previously insurmountable challenges with newfound strength. However, this also means that you’ll need to carefully manage your resources and make strategic decisions about upgrades and purchases, as leveling costs increase and resources become more precious.
The Allure of New Game Plus
The allure of NG+ lies in its ability to offer a fresh experience while maintaining the familiarity of your character’s progression. It provides an enticing blend of nostalgia and novelty, as you revisit familiar locations with new challenges to face. This mode also encourages exploration of alternate story paths and endings, allowing players to uncover hidden facets of the game’s narrative. Moreover, the heightened difficulty level serves as a testament to your growth as a player, rewarding perseverance and skilful play.
Tips for Thriving in New Game Plus
Ready to dive back into the Lands Between? Here are some essential tips to help you make the most of your NG+ journey.
Plan Your Build
One of the best things about NG+ is that you can refine your character build. Think about what worked well and what didn’t during your first playthrough. Maybe you want to try a different weapon type or focus more on magic. Whatever it is, planning your build before you start will give you a clear direction and make your experience more enjoyable.
Assessing Your First Playthrough
Reflect on your first journey through Elden Ring. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of your build. Did you find yourself struggling against certain enemy types? Were you overly reliant on specific spells or weapons? This self-assessment will guide you in making informed decisions about changes or improvements to your build.
Experimenting with New Playstyles
NG+ is the perfect opportunity to venture beyond your comfort zone and experiment with new playstyles. Consider trying out weapons or spells you previously ignored. If you primarily focused on melee combat, delve into the world of sorcery or archery. This experimentation can breathe new life into the game and open up new avenues for tackling challenges.
Balancing Offense and Defense
As enemies become more formidable, a balanced approach to offense and defense becomes crucial. Ensure your build includes a mix of offensive capabilities and defensive strategies. This might mean investing in both damage-dealing attributes and those that enhance your survivability, such as endurance or vitality. A well-rounded build can make a significant difference in your NG+ experience.
Upgrade Your Gear
In NG+, enemies hit harder and have more health, so upgrading your gear is crucial. Make sure your weapons are maxed out, and don’t forget about your armor and talismans. These upgrades can make a significant difference in battles, giving you the edge you need to overcome tougher enemies.
Prioritizing Weapon Enhancements
Weapons are your primary tools for dealing damage, so prioritize their enhancements. Focus on upgrading your preferred weapon to its maximum potential. Consider diversifying your arsenal to include weapons with different damage types, as this can be advantageous against various enemy resistances.
Armor and Talismans: Beyond Protection
While weapons are essential, do not underestimate the importance of armor and talismans. Armor provides crucial protection against enemy attacks, so invest in upgrading it to mitigate damage. Talismans, on the other hand, offer unique bonuses that can complement your playstyle. Experiment with different combinations to find the ones that best enhance your abilities.
Efficient Resource Management
Upgrading gear requires resources, which can be scarce in NG+. Efficiently manage your resources by prioritizing upgrades that offer the most significant impact. Consider farming specific areas for upgrade materials or trading with NPCs to acquire the items you need. A strategic approach to resource management ensures your character remains well-equipped for the challenges ahead.
Explore Every Nook and Cranny
On your first playthrough, you might have missed some hidden areas or quests. In NG+, take the time to explore every corner of the map. You might discover new items, quests, and lore that add depth to the story. Plus, exploring thoroughly can net you valuable resources and gear upgrades.
Revisiting Forgotten Areas
NG+ provides the perfect excuse to revisit areas you might have rushed through during your initial playthrough. Take the time to explore these locations thoroughly, as they may hold secrets and treasures you missed the first time around. Pay attention to environmental cues, as they often lead to hidden paths and valuable rewards.
Uncovering Hidden Quests and NPCs
The world of Elden Ring is teeming with hidden quests and NPCs. Engage with characters you might have overlooked previously, and complete side quests that offer unique rewards and story insights. These quests often provide opportunities to acquire rare items and deepen your understanding of the game’s lore.
Embracing Environmental Storytelling
Elden Ring is renowned for its environmental storytelling. As you explore, immerse yourself in the world by observing the details in the environment. Every ruin, landscape, and object has a story to tell, enriching your experience and enhancing your appreciation of the game’s intricate design.
Experiment with Different Strategies
NG+ is the perfect opportunity to experiment with different strategies. Try using spells and items you ignored before, or approach battles with new tactics. Mixing things up can make the game feel fresh and exciting, and you might discover new ways to tackle tough enemies.
Embracing Magic and Sorcery
If you relied heavily on melee combat during your first playthrough, consider incorporating magic and sorcery into your strategy. Experiment with different spell schools and discover powerful spells that can decimate enemies from a distance. Mastering the art of spellcasting can provide a significant advantage in challenging encounters.
Rethinking Battle Tactics
NG+ demands adaptability in battle tactics. Analyze enemy behaviour and adjust your approach accordingly. Experiment with different attack patterns, dodging techniques, and timing to find the most effective strategies for each encounter. This adaptability is key to overcoming the heightened difficulty of NG+.
Utilizing Consumables and Buffs
Consumables and buffs are invaluable tools in NG+. Stock up on items that enhance your abilities or provide temporary advantages in battle. Experiment with different combinations to maximize their effectiveness against specific enemies or bosses. These items can often turn the tide of difficult encounters in your favour.
Mastering Combat in New Game Plus
Combat in NG+ can be brutal, but with the right approach, you can come out on top. Here are some combat tips to keep in mind.
Study Enemy Patterns
Enemies in NG+ are more aggressive and deal more damage, so understanding their attack patterns is crucial. Spend some time observing their moves and look for openings to strike. Patience is key—rushing in can lead to quick deaths.
Observing Boss Behaviors
Bosses in NG+ are especially challenging, with new attack patterns and increased aggression. Take the time to observe their behaviors and identify patterns in their attacks. This knowledge allows you to anticipate their moves and find the right moments to counterattack effectively.
Identifying Weaknesses
Every enemy has weaknesses you can exploit. Pay attention to elemental resistances and vulnerabilities, as well as any patterns in their defenses. Identifying these weaknesses allows you to tailor your approach, using the right weapons, spells, or strategies to maximize damage and minimize risk.
Practicing Patience and Timing
Patience and timing are your greatest allies in NG+. Rushing into attacks can lead to mistakes and costly deaths. Instead, practice patience by waiting for openings and capitalizing on enemy vulnerabilities. This approach minimizes risk and maximizes your chances of success in challenging encounters.
Use Ashes of War Wisely
Ashes of War are powerful tools that can turn the tide of battle. Make sure you’re using them effectively by timing them right and choosing the ones that complement your playstyle. Experiment with different Ashes to see which ones work best against tougher enemies.
Understanding Ashes of War Mechanics
Ashes of War offer unique abilities that can be customized to suit your playstyle. Each Ash provides a different effect, from powerful attacks to defensive manoeuvres. Understanding their mechanics and how they complement your build is essential for maximizing their potential.
Timing and Execution
The timing and execution of Ashes of War can make all the difference in battle. Use them strategically, choosing moments when they will have the most significant impact. Whether it’s launching a devastating attack or creating a defensive barrier, proper timing enhances their effectiveness.
Experimenting with Combinations
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations of Ashes of War. Try pairing them with different weapons or integrating them into your combat strategy. This experimentation can lead to surprising synergies and powerful combinations that give you an edge in battle.
Keep Your Distance
In NG+, keeping your distance can be a lifesaver, especially against bosses with devastating melee attacks. Use ranged weapons or spells to chip away at their health from afar. This strategy can help you manage tough fights without taking unnecessary damage.
Mastering Ranged Combat
Ranged combat is an essential skill in NG+, allowing you to maintain a safe distance while dealing damage. Master the use of bows, crossbows, and spells to engage enemies from afar. This approach minimizes the risk of close-quarters confrontations and keeps you out of harm’s way.
Managing Aggro and Positioning
Effective positioning is critical in NG+. Pay attention to enemy aggro and positioning to maintain control over the battlefield. Use terrain and obstacles to your advantage, creating distance and forcing enemies to approach on your terms.
Balancing Offense and Evasion
While maintaining distance, balance offense with evasion. Keep a keen eye on enemy movements and be ready to dodge or block incoming attacks. This balance ensures that you can continue dealing damage while minimizing the risk of taking hits.
Crafting and Resource Management
Crafting and resource management are vital in NG+. Here’s how to make the most of your resources.
Stock Up on Consumables
Consumables like health potions, stamina boosters, and buff items can be game-changers in NG+. Make sure you’re well-stocked before heading into difficult areas. Craft and gather these items regularly to ensure you’re always prepared for battle.
Identifying Essential Consumables
Identify the consumables that are essential to your playstyle and the challenges you face. Health potions and stamina boosters are staples, but also consider items that enhance damage, defense, or resistance to specific enemy types. Stocking up on these essentials ensures you’re always prepared for battle.
Crafting and Gathering Strategies
Crafting and gathering resources efficiently is key to maintaining a steady supply of consumables. Identify areas rich in crafting materials and develop a routine for gathering them. Additionally, explore crafting recipes to create powerful items that can turn the tide of battle.
Managing Inventory Space
Inventory management becomes crucial in NG+. Prioritize the consumables and items you carry, ensuring you have space for new acquisitions. Regularly assess your inventory, discarding or storing items that are less useful to make room for more valuable resources.
Manage Your Rune Economy
Runes are your currency for leveling up and purchasing items, so managing them wisely is essential. In NG+, leveling costs more, so prioritize what you need most. Consider saving runes for essential upgrades and purchases to keep your character strong.
Strategic Leveling Decisions
As leveling costs increase in NG+, strategic decisions about attribute upgrades become crucial. Focus on attributes that enhance your playstyle and address any weaknesses. Consider the long-term benefits of each upgrade to ensure your character remains competitive in the face of tougher challenges.
Budgeting for Essential Purchases
In addition to leveling, runes are essential for purchasing items and services from NPCs. Budget your runes wisely, prioritizing essential purchases such as upgrade materials, consumables, and unique items. This strategic approach ensures you have the resources you need when you need them.
Farming Runes Efficiently
Efficient rune farming can alleviate the pressure of increased levelling costs. Identify areas with high rune yields and develop a farming routine. Additionally, take advantage of opportunities to earn extra runes through quests or challenges to bolster your rune economy.
Embrace the Challenge
Finally, remember that NG+ is meant to be challenging. Embrace the difficulty, and don’t be afraid to die and learn from your mistakes. Every defeat is a learning opportunity, and with persistence, you’ll conquer even the toughest challenges Elden Ring has to offer.
Learning from Defeats
Each defeat in NG+ is a valuable learning experience. Analyze what went wrong and identify areas for improvement. Whether it’s adjusting your strategy or refining your build, every setback brings you closer to mastering the challenges of NG+.
Cultivating Resilience and Patience
Resilience and patience are essential qualities in NG+. The heightened difficulty can be daunting, but maintaining a positive mindset and persevering through challenges is key to success. Embrace the journey and celebrate small victories along the way.
Celebrating Achievements
Every victory in NG+ is an achievement worth celebrating. Whether it’s defeating a challenging boss or discovering a hidden secret, take the time to acknowledge your accomplishments. These moments of triumph serve as motivation to continue pushing forward in your NG+ adventure.
Conclusion
Elden Ring’s New Game Plus mode is a thrilling way to re-experience the game with added difficulty and rewards. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to face the challenges ahead and make your NG+ run a memorable adventure. So gear up, plan your strategy, and dive back into the Lands Between—epic battles and hidden treasures await!