Elden Ring: Seven Exciting Ways Guide
With FromSoftware's current move toward multiplayer-driven titles like Elden Ring: Nightreign and The Duskbloods, the original Elden Ring- alongside its upcoming Shadow of the Erdtree expansion- remains a prime destination for single-player Soulslike fans. Now over three years old, many players have completed Elden Ring multiple times, prompting the question: How can you keep the experience fresh for another run?
Luckily, Elden Ring's vast, flexible world is perfect for creative replays. With its unmatched weapon diversity, expansive areas, and endless combat possibilities, it offers new thrills for hundreds of hours. Here's a guide to seven exciting ways to spice up your next journey through the Lands Between.
1. Master New Weapons
The game offers far more than just greatswords.
Elden Ring and its expansion boast an unrivaled variety of weapons. Even within the same weapon class, unique movesets and Ashes of War can completely change your combat style.
Instead of defaulting back to old favorites, try something entirely new. Test out curved greatswords, colossal weapons, twinblades, or even whips. With over 400 unique weapons available, you'll likely find fresh favorites that make familiar encounters feel brand new.
2. Play a Different Build
Switch from melee to ranged or full-on magic dominance.
Sure, crushing enemies with a hulking sword is satisfying- but have you tried obliterating bosses with a barrage of spells from across the arena?
Experiment with:
·Pure Intelligence or Faith magic builds
·Bow-focused or hybrid Strength/Dexterity ranged setups
·Status ailment specialists using poison, frost, or bleed
Elden Ring's flexible RPG systems allow for massive creativity. Changing your playstyle can make bosses you once struggled with feel trivial, and turn once-easy enemies into new challenges.
3. Hunt Down Every Optional Boss
Go for a full boss rush experience.
It's easy to miss content in Elden Ring. Hidden caves, secret catacombs, and remote cliffs conceal dozens of optional bosses, many of which are among the game's hardest fights.
For your second run:
·Make a checklist of optional bosses.
·Explore every hidden dungeon.
·Visit every underground area.
Finding and defeating every boss (without over-leveling) transforms Elden Ring into a thrilling, non-stop boss rush.
4. Complete All Side Questlines
Discover all the hidden stories and epic rewards.
NPC questlines are some of Elden Ring's most memorable content- but they're easy to miss, and even easier to fail without knowing precise steps.
Completing side quests will:
·Reveal emotional and shocking story arcs.
·Unlock unique armor sets, weapons, and magic.
·Influence your ending options.
Pursuing every side quest feels like exploring an entirely new layer of Elden Ring's rich narrative.
5. Unlock a Different Ending
Six endings, each with different requirements and consequences.
If you achieved one ending in your first playthrough, aim for another this time. Elden Ring features six possible conclusions:
·Four "standard" endings
·Two unique, hidden ones: Age of Stars and Lord of Frenzied Flame
Each offers fresh lore insights and dramatically different final scenes. Some endings require extensive quest chains, making them a natural goal for a second or third run.
6. Try a No-Summons Run
No Spirit Ashes, no NPCs, no jolly cooperation.
Summons (both spirit and player) are powerful tools, but removing them adds a brutal layer of difficulty. Fighting bosses completely solo forces you to:
·Learn attack patterns inside and out.
·Perfect your dodges and counters.
·Master patience and aggression timing.
Going summonless makes Elden Ring's bosses feel fiercer and victories even sweeter. It's the ultimate way to test your skills without needing to tackle extreme Level 1 challenges.
7. Explore Randomizer Mods (PC Only)
Or dive into Elden Ring's massive modding scene.
If you're playing on PC, modding can transform your next run. Randomizer mods are especially popular, shuffling boss and Elden Ring Items locations to create chaotic, unpredictable adventures.
Other mods to try:
·Expanded weapon arsenals
·New classes or skills
·Hardcore or survival difficulty tweaks
Mods can turn even a fourth or fifth playthrough into an entirely new experience, keeping Elden Ring endlessly replayable.
Final Thoughts
No matter how many times you've beaten Elden Ring, it remains a game that rewards curiosity, boldness, and experimentation. Whether it's to Elden Ring Runes, swapping weapons, flipping your entire build, hunting hidden bosses, or embracing the chaos of mods, there are endless ways to rekindle the magic of your first journey through the Lands Between.
So grab your flasks, sharpen your blade, and get ready- a whole new adventure awaits.
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