Elden Ring's Build Variety Can Best be Explored With Fresh Save Files

gamerant.com:

Elden Ring is the latest Souls-like from developer FromSoftware, and it is absolutely massive. Even if players meticulously scour the map for dozens of hours on their first run through the game, it is still impossible to try themany weapons, spells, and play styles Elden Ring has to offer. This is due to nearly every item in the game having prerequisite stats. Player's stats can be changed mid-playthrough, but only a handful of times — not nearly enough to encompass everything the game has to offer.

In order to test new builds, some players have opted to redistribute their stats in Elden Ring's New Game Plus mode. New Game Plus is a great confidence boost after completing the game. All the bosses and enemies that tormented players are now pushovers with endgame-level stats. There is a downside to this, though: Testing new builds in New Game Plus only shows how they behave at their strongest — the best way to truly experience a different build is to start a fresh save file.

Elden Ring: 10 Great Weapons For The Early Game

Players have many decisions when it comes to deciding on a build in Elden Ring, all starting with choosing a class at the beginning of the game. Elden Ring has 10 classes, all with their own specialty. The Vagabond has plenty of health and is heavily armored, with its sword and shield lending to a Strength build. Astrologers, on the other hand, start with a high Intelligence stat, spells, and a staff — perfect for those looking to experiment with the game's sorceries. Then there is the Samurai, who has a katana and a high Dexterity stat. The list goes on.

Elden Ring players are encouraged to only raise stats in a few key categories. It is possible to evenly distribute stats throughout one's playthrough, but