Starting Elden Ring for the first time feels like stepping into another world — one that’s both breathtakingly beautiful and brutally unforgiving. As someone who’s more used to cruising through GTA V as Michael or Trevor, the shift into FromSoftware’s dark fantasy chaos was overwhelming at first. But after hours of fumbling with controls, dying to oversized monsters, and rolling through every possible mistake, I began to understand why this game has such a legendary reputation.
Character Creation: The Overwhelming Start
The game doesn’t waste time throwing you into deep customization. You can choose from multiple classes like Warrior, Hero, or Samurai — and honestly, the Samurai just looks too cool to pass up. Between adjusting skin tones and fiddling with stats, I quickly learned that health (HP) is crucial early on. That extra stamina can be the difference between surviving an ambush and watching another death screen.
What struck me most was how detailed the characters look. From the lighting on armor to the subtle facial tones, every choice feels significant. Even though I spent far too long picking the “perfect” look, it’s part of the charm — Elden Ring lets you make this world your own, even before the first enemy encounter.
The Harsh Reality of Combat
Once the game began, I realized Elden Ring doesn’t hold your hand. There’s no “easy mode,” no tutorial pop-ups explaining what to do when a massive horse-riding knight barrels toward you. The first big battle felt almost impossible. My Samurai had no idea how to jump, the sword seemed to vanish randomly, and before I could even figure out how to block, I was crushed under a boss’s horse.
That’s when I truly understood what players meant when they said this game was “hard.” It’s not unfair, though — it’s about observation and patience. Watching attack patterns, timing rolls, and managing stamina are all skills that come with practice. When you finally land that perfect dodge or critical hit, it’s pure satisfaction.
For players looking to experiment with faster progress or new builds, many turn to farming or trading runes. Some prefer to buy Elden Ring runes to save time grinding through early levels, especially when testing new weapon setups. Still, mastering the combat by experience remains one of the most rewarding parts of the game.
The Open World Surprise
What really sets Elden Ring apart from other action RPGs is its massive open world. I expected a dark, linear story, but instead found an endless landscape full of mystery. One moment you’re admiring the golden Erdtree shining in the distance, and the next, a massive dragon drops out of the sky to end your life in two hits.
Every step feels dangerous yet exciting. Exploring without a guide brings constant surprises — hidden caves, strange NPCs, and sudden weather changes that make the Lands Between feel alive. I wandered off the main path several times and discovered enemies that looked impossible to defeat. But that’s part of Elden Ring’s appeal: it doesn’t tell you where to go, but every path leads to a story.
Learning Through Failure
Dying in Elden Ring isn’t failure — it’s progress. Every death teaches something new: timing, positioning, patience. I can’t count how many times I got flattened by the same knight or burned by the same dragon before realizing my weapon wasn’t upgraded enough. That’s when I started focusing more on resource management and rune farming.
Some players use external platforms like U4GM, which offer reliable in-game trading. Their option to buy Elden Ring runes U4GM instant delivery helps those who don’t have endless hours to farm enemies for small rune drops. While I still prefer earning my progress the hard way, it’s undeniably useful for players wanting to test late-game builds early or jump straight into high-level PvP.
The Small Details That Make It Special
Beyond the combat and exploration, Elden Ring stands out for its attention to detail. The environmental storytelling is subtle but powerful — from ruined temples hinting at lost civilizations to eerie characters muttering cryptic prophecies. Even the weather shifts add emotion to the world. One moment, you’re riding under bright sunlight; the next, heavy rain sets the mood for an upcoming boss fight.
The control scheme can be confusing at first — especially when certain attack combinations require precise timing — but once you get the rhythm, it becomes instinctive. The sense of accomplishment after finally defeating a powerful foe is unmatched.
Elden Ring is not just another open-world RPG — it’s a brutal yet beautiful experience that tests your patience, skill, and determination. From clumsy first steps as a confused Samurai to learning how to dodge perfectly timed attacks, every moment feels earned. Whether you choose to grind for runes yourself or use trusted services like U4GM to speed things up, one thing is clear: this game rewards persistence above all else.
If you’re ready to embrace both pain and glory, Elden Ring delivers an unforgettable journey through the Lands Between.
