If you're lost and feeling overwhelmed at the start of your adventure in The Lands Between, here's where you should go first.

Elden Ring is a large, intimidating game. Like other FromSoftware titles, the difficulty can be punishing at times. Unlike the others, this is an open-world game, and its size can make it hard to know where to go next. You can go nearly anywhere you want, right from the get-go. But where should you go first?​​​​​​

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This list of locations is a mere drop in the bucket of those worth visiting in the Lands Between. However, there are things in these places that will help you considerably on your journey, and should not be missed. Arise now, ye Tarnished. Adventure awaits you.

The Church of Elleh is the first place you should visit when you emerge into the wider world. Just follow the trail of light from where you start, and avoid the Tree Sentinel patrolling on horseback. The church contains a Site of Grace, a smithing table, and the Merchant Kale.

Kale will sell you the Crafting Kit, which allows you to create simple items while you are out adventuring. Be sure to come back here after meeting Melina and getting Torrent. Renna will be waiting to give you the Spirit Calling Bell and Lone Wolf Ashes, your first summon.

Following the road north from the Church of Elleh will eventually lead you to the Gatefront Ruins. Several Godrick soldiers have set up camp in the ruins, so it is wise to skirt around the west side, where you'll see a Site of Grace near the gate to Stormveil Castle. Resting at this Site of Grace will introduce you to Melina.

This mysterious woman will grant you the ability to use the Sites of Grace to spend Runes on leveling your character. She also gives you the Spectral Steed Whistle, allowing you to call the horned steed Torrent — making it faster to explore the wider world. If you have what it takes to clear the ruins of enemies, you will find an underground room containing a Whetstone Knife and the Storm Stomp Ash of War.

While still at the gate to the Stormveil Castle area, you should explore an area just east of the telescope on the road from the Gatefront Ruins, heading toward the bridge. You are in the right spot if you hear a disembodied voice calling to you.

The voice belongs to Boc, a unique Demi-Human who apparently ran into Don Cheadle's Captain Planet after being kicked out of his cave. Freeing him will start his questline, allowing him to make cosmetic alterations to your armor free of charge.

The Dragon-Burnt Ruins can be found at the southern end of Agheel Lake. There is a big surprise waiting for you on the way, but you can avoid it by circling carefully. Once at the ruins, you will find some enemies, who aren't too dangerous, and a set of steps leading down to a chest.

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This is not the chest you want. It is a trap that will teleport you across the map into a very unfriendly area. Low walls surround the chest you do want to open. Use Torrent to hop over, head down those stairs, and grab the Twinblade, a formidable early weapon.

You have your trusty steed. You have your first set of Ashes. Now you want to test your mettle. The Gatefront Ruins are likely still a little challenging at this point, but there are some smaller cave dungeons in the area that are perfect for getting your feet wet. You'll need a Torch, which you can get from Merchant Kale.

Groveside Cave and the Stormfoot Catacombs are smaller dungeons that can help you understand what to expect later. These early dungeons are optional, but the Flamedrake Talisman you get from defeating the Groveside Cave boss can be a handy thing to have.

Coastal Cave is an optional location with a familiar face. If you have freed Boc from his arboreal prison, you will find him in rough shape at the Site of Grace. Working your way through the dungeon will lead you to a tough early boss fight, but it will reward you with the Sewing Needle you require to progress Boc's questline.

Continue moving through the cave after defeating the boss, and you will find yourself at the Church of Dragon Communion. You can purchase spells here later on, once you have some Dragon Hearts.

If you are looking to boost your gear at the smithing tables, you are going to need some Smithing Stones. The Limgrave Tunnels, located on the northwest corner of Agheel Lake, are where to get your hands on some.

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The creatures in the tunnels are resistant to melee attacks, so if you have any magical chops, the tunnels are the place to show them off. Just be sure to save some FP for the boss at the end of the dungeon. Clearing the tunnels should net you a handful of Smithing Stones, one Somber Smithing Stone, and the Roar Medallion.

There are a few shacks in Limgrave that are worth your time. The Artist's Shack, the Warmaster's Shack, and Stormhill Shack. Each one of these locations has something to offer.

The Artist's Shack sets you on your path as an art collector. The Warmaster's Shack will have a merchant that sells Ashes of War. There is also a boss there if you know where to look. At the Stormhill Shack, you will find a woman named Roderika. Speaking to her a few times will get you a new pose and the excellent Spirit Jellyfish Ashes.

Getting to Murkwater Cave can be difficult. Head down the path to the lake south of the bridge in Limgrave. Follow the shore north and under the bridge, but go carefully. Bloody Finger Nerijus will invade as you reach the cave. You will have help from another NPC, but still, it is a tough fight.

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Upon clearing the cave and looting a chest, Patches, a FromSoftware veteran, will pick a fight with you. You will get the chance to spare his life during the battle, after which he becomes a merchant, selling Margit's Shackle, Stonesword Keys, and other items.

Kenneth Haight has a problem. He is supposed to be the next ruler of Limgrave, but he has no seat from which to rule. He asks you to give him a hand and clear out Fort Haight.

You find Kenneth on the road north, past the bridge heading away from the Gatefront Ruins. He'll be on top of some tower debris lying across the road. Head to his fort and defeat the knight at its top, and Kenny will reward you with an Erdsteel Dagger. And maybe even a knighthood.

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