When stepping into the vast, unforgiving Lands Between, many players find themselves wondering where to go first. FromSoftware has given us one of the most open-ended RPG experiences in recent memory, but that freedom can also be overwhelming. To help smooth out the journey, here’s a Elden Ring Recommended Progression Route that balances challenge, exploration, and gear upgrades.

Starting Out in Limgrave

Your first hours should be spent thoroughly exploring Limgrave. It’s the most forgiving area in the game, offering plenty of upgrade materials, dungeons, and NPC questlines. Don’t rush past the early caves and mini-bosses—clearing them provides smithing stones and talismans that make later challenges more manageable.

Moving into Weeping Peninsula

Once you’re comfortable, head south into the Weeping Peninsula. The enemies here hit harder, but the zone serves as a natural bridge between early-game and mid-game combat. The Castle Morne questline introduces heavier story elements while rewarding you with valuable loot.

Stormveil Castle and Liurnia of the Lakes

Stormveil Castle is the first legacy dungeon most players encounter, and it’s a brutal test of patience and skill. Clearing it not only pushes the narrative forward but also grants access to Liurnia of the Lakes, one of the most expansive and mysterious areas in the game. Explore its academies and ruins thoroughly—many powerful spells and weapons can be found here.

Altus Plateau and Beyond

After Liurnia, the natural step is Altus Plateau. By this point, you should have upgraded weapons to a comfortable level. Altus throws stronger enemies at you, but it also contains vital story paths leading to Leyndell, the Royal Capital. Progressing here feels like a genuine leap into late-game content.

Late Game Areas: Mountaintops and Consecrated Snowfield

Once Leyndell is cleared, you’ll begin unlocking the more punishing regions such as the Mountaintops of the Giants and Consecrated Snowfield. These zones are designed for high-level builds and fully upgraded weapons. Exploration here is crucial, as you’ll need the resources and power to face the endgame bosses.

Why Follow This Route

The beauty of Elden Ring Recommended Progression Route guides is that they offer a balance between player freedom and structured advancement. You’re never locked into a single path, but sticking to a logical progression ensures you don’t get stonewalled by difficulty spikes or miss out on key items.