Character creation is the unofficial first boss of Elden Ring, but players in the know can get an easy start.
Elden Ring brings up character creation as soon as players start a new save file, with no story or gameplay introduction before the process. There’s a surprisingly large amount of options at the start, with some even affecting gameplay.
If you’re just now jumping into the Lands Between, here’s how character creation can affect gameplay in Elden Ring and how to get the easiest start.
How does character creation affect Elden Ring gameplay?
A few options chosen in character creation can affect gameplay in Elden Ring, but those choices are fairly easy to spot.
As for aesthetics in character creation, the size, gender, and appearance of your character makes absolutely zero difference in Elden Ring gameplay. The largest and smallest possible characters still share the exact same hurtbox.
You’ll normally only see your character’s face during cutscenes. You’ll also get a good look at them in at least one cutscene if you align yourself with the Frenzied Flame.
However, new Elden Ring save files must also select a starting item and class. These decisions do have a considerable impact on gameplay, as the classes come with equipment that is difficult to acquire at the start. As for the item, they all come with descriptions of their effects.
If you want the easiest experience, we recommend picking either the Golden Seed or the Crimson Amber Medallion. The seed adds an extra charge to your healing flask while the ring boosts HP by 6%.
What’s the best class to pick in Elden Ring?
Elden Ring is a challenging game no matter what, but some classes are generally considered to the better starts than others. Here are the four best classes to pick for each specific combat stat.
- Strength – Hero gets a battle axe and a shield right at the start
- Dexterity – Warrior is meant for agile players with two swords
- Intelligence – Astrologer starts with high INT and multiple spells
- Faith – Prophet gets 16 faith and offensive and defensive miracles
How to change your character’s appearance and stats
If you want to return to character creation halfway through Elden Ring, you’ll need to defeat one of the game’s biggest bosses and return with a special item.
Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, is one of the five crucial bosses in Elden Ring — and defeating her in Raya Lucaria grants access to an important feature. By returning to the defeated Rennala with a Larval Tear, Tarnished can go back to character creation and change both the physical appearance of their character as well as reset all of their accumulated levels.
The fastest way to get a Larval Tear in Elden Ring is to head to grace near Agheel Lake South. Travel directly east until you find a lone wandering noble, who will inexplicably turn into a giant bear. Defeating the beast is the fastest way to get a Larval Tear in Elden Ring, but you will still need to conquer Raya Lucaria and defeat Rennala to actually use it.
