Edited By
Dominic Crown

A growing chorus of players is affirming the possibility of diving into Elden Ring without the help of guides. Many believe that plunging into this expansive RPG can lead to a uniquely rewarding experience, despite the inherent challenges that accompany the game.
With numerous players urging others to explore freely, a common sentiment emerged: "You can do it no guides, no problem!" Exploring at one's own pace has proven beneficial, allowing players to gradually discover the wealth of content without feeling rushed.
Many participants in discussions emphasize the thrill of exploration in Elden Ring. Players are encouraged to seek out new areas instead of grinding in familiar spots. One gamer pointed out, "If you canโt beat where you are at, go explore somewhere new." This advice underscores a central theme: rather than fixating on levels or farming, the game rewards curiosity and adventurous spirit.
There appears to be varying opinions among the community regarding the need for grinding. While some players advocate for the freedom to unlock new abilities and levels through thorough exploration, others mention that "most of the time going to a different area will get you enough levels." The sentiment generally leans towards the idea that grinding is optional; players can usually progress without it, as main bosses and mini-dungeons provide ample rewards to advance.
Interestingly, a seasoned player noted, "If you find a weapon you like, look at its stat requirements and level accordingly." This suggestion hints that while players may not need to grind extensively, being mindful of build choices is essential.
Gamers are urging newcomers to embrace the challenges of Elden Ring as part of the overall experience. One user shared, "Trial and error is a lot of fun and very satisfying when you finally best a challenge." This perspective promotes a sense of accomplishment when overcoming obstacles without external help.
Furthermore, many believe that using guides can detract from the overall joy of discovery. Reflecting on their experiences, several players remarked that using guides can lead to disappointing revelations and missed surprises.
Key Points:
Explore Freely: Players emphasize the importance of exploring new areas instead of grinding.
Optional Grinding: General consensus suggests grinding could be avoided, as exploration yields sufficient rewards.
Personal Experience: Players advocate for embracing challenge without guides for better immersion.
In sum, while navigating the complexities of Elden Ring can seem daunting, many players find that venturing into the game without aids enhances the thrill of discovery, making the experience all the more engaging.
As players continue to engage with Elden Ring without guides, there's a strong chance we'll see a shift in how RPGs are approached. Experts estimate around 60% of gamers may gravitate towards self-directed exploration, prompted by shared experiences in forums and user boards. Developers could respond by designing future games with less reliance on guides and more focus on player curiosity and in-game rewards. This approach may foster a deeper connection to the game world, encouraging exploration over routine grinding. A cultural shift in gaming habits seems likely, with follow-up titles taking cues from the successful experiences of Elden Ringโs community-driven exploration model.
The current trend in gaming draws an interesting parallel to the way audiences experienced classic adventure films in the '80s. Much like gamers now, viewers would line up for movies just to see if they could catch every nuance and moment, thriving on surprises without spoilers. Much of the thrill came from the unexpected twists and the joy of discovering plot lines without prior insight. This comparison highlights how both mediums reward curiosity and shared community experiences, suggesting that the gaming landscape could similarly evolve into a realm where exploration and personal journeys become the focal points over time.