Welcome to another part of this mini series – never thought this would become one. This time though, it’s not only about how you explore the game, it’s also about me most of the part.
Just in case you wondered how I wander through the Lands Between, here is all you want to know – or maybe not. Well, I explore Elden Ring first of all by dying a lot and by a lot, I mean a lot. If there is something in the game that can probably kill a player, it most definitely has killed me more than once. A special shout-out to goes to the players most feared enemy, who has killed me countless times: gravity. I don’t dare thinking about how man runes it has cost me throughout the game.
Surely, I’m not the most skilled player in the game, I just love playing it. When I see streamers running around in underpants (not the streamers themselves, just the character they play), with not more than two HP and a toothpick as a weapon, I can admire the level of skill, but yeah, that’s not me.
I’m more of a “use every tool in the toolbox” kind of Tarnished. Spirit ashes? You bet. Overpowered weapons? Sign me up. And if anyone tries to tell me that’s not how the game is “meant to be played,” well, I don’t give a shi… shiny little bit about that.
My game mantra really is “try, die, learn – repeat” and I will do that until “die” becomes “succeed” and “repeat” means NG+. If a tactic is not working, I will try something else. That goes for weapons, spells, incantations, spirit ashes – whatever there is, you name it. Sure, I attempt to analyze boss patterns and avoid getting hit, but let’s be real: I’m about as likely to achieve a no-hit run as Patches is to become a trusted ally.
We should create just another explorer type to characterize this type of game exploration and I would assume it is widely spread among you Tarnished out there as well – welcome to the club. May I present to you
The Resilient Rune Seeker
This name encapsulates several aspects of our gameplay:
- “Resilient” reflects our “never quit” attitude and our willingness to keep trying despite numerous defeats.
- “Rune” is a nod to the game’s currency and a core element of Elden Ring, representing our goal of progressing and getting stronger.
- “Seeker” emphasizes our exploratory nature and our drive to find and collect (nearly) all items in the game.
Yes folks, that’s what many of us are: Players, who may not be the most skilled, but determined, adaptable and thorough in their exploration of the Lands Between. It’s a playstyle that embraces the full range of tools the game offers and perseveres through challenges with a mix of strategy and sheer tenacity. I guess that does not sound to bad after all.
Where has this style of play ultimately led me? Despite my acknowledged lack of skills, I managed to Platinum the base game and collect about 99% of all items. (The Completionist would be proud, right?) How did I do it? Well, in the immortal words from the movie Galaxy Quest, “Never give up, never surrender!” or if you prefer the wisdom of John “Bluto” Blutarsky from the movie National Lampoon’s Animal House: “When the goin’ gets tough… the tough get goin’!”. Yes, these are old movies, but so am I. Nevertheless, the message behind the quotes is what matters.
Have you found yourself in the description of the Resilient Rune Seeker? How do you explore the Lands Between? Did any of the explorer types in the first two parts of this mini series ring a bell or is your approach a completely different one? Just let me know, if you like.
Oh, and if you haven’t done already, take a look at Part I and Part II of the “How Do You Discover Elden Ring?” series to find out more about a plethora of other player archetypes.
The Erdtree’s branches are many, Tarnished, much like the paths you can take. As you venture forth, may your chosen way bring you challenge, joy, and perhaps a little chaos. After all, that’s the beauty of the Lands Between.
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