Elden Ring progression: Best route & recommended levels

Elden Ring is easily one of the biggest games in recent RPG history, which is why it might be quite easy to get lost while exploring The Lands Between. Here’s an optimal progression route to let you know how to proceed from the beginning in Elden Ring.

Elden Ring is the most popular soulslike title out there, and its massive world full of content to discover justifies its success. With the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC already announced, players would be looking forward to getting back into the title to get ready for the expansion.

However, many new players are still getting into the game, and the sheer size and lore of The Lands Between might prove to be overwhelming for them. This is why, we have made a progression guide that would help you navigate the world freely.

Here’s the best Elden Ring progression route.

Best progression route in Elden Ring

As you start your journey in Elden Ring, you will be dropped in Limgrave, the western region of it to be exact. You might feel like exploring right away and heading off to different regions of the map, we advise you to stick to this area until you level up a bit, and then head to the eastern Mistwood region.

Here’s the best optimal route to take along with their recommended character and weapon levels in Elden Ring:

• West Limgrave – Level 1-15, Upgrades +0
• East Limgrave – Level 10+, Upgrades +1
• South Limgrave/Weeping Peninsula – Level 15-20, Upgrades +2
• Stormveil Castle – Level 30+, Upgrades +3
• Liurnia of the Lakes – Level 40, Upgrades +4
• Academy of Raya Lucaria – Level 45+, Upgrades +5
• South Caelid – Level 55+, Upgrades +10
• Altus Plateau – Level 65+, Upgrades +11
• Mt. Gelmir/Volcano Manor – Level 70+, Upgrades +13
• Leyndell, Royal Capital – Level 85+, Upgrades +15
• Forbidden Lands/Mountaintops of the Giants – Level 100+, Upgrades +22
• Consecrated Snowfields – Level 110+, Upgrades +24
• Miquella’s Haligtree – Level 120+, Upgrades +25
• Crumbling Farum Azula – Level 120+, Upgrades +25
• Leyndell, Ashen Capital – Level 130+, Upgrades +25

You will be coming across several underground regions as well such as Nokron, Nokstella, Deeproot Depths, Lake of Rot, and Moghwyn Mausoleum. However, these regions are directly linked to the game’s storyline, so as long as you are keeping up with the list above and not rushing, you will be fine.

Some points to remember while exploring Elden Ring

One of the biggest problems many players face in Elden Ring is being under-leveled for battle due to rushing through areas. Keep in mind that over-leveling is never an issue, but under-leveling definitely is. So make sure to grind up a few levels before heading onto difficult areas in the game.

Once you leave the Academy of Raya Lucaria, you will be tasked to head for Leyndell, Royal Capital in Altus Plateau. However, do not forget to visit Mt Gelmir and complete the Volcano Manor questline to get one of the best weapons in the game, the Blasphemous Blade.

Once you’re done with everything that is needed in this region, head to the Royal Capital, and complete the region to reach the Mountaintops of the Giants. This is where the enemies will start hitting really hard, so make sure to rank up your Vigor.

This was everything you had to know about the optimal progression route in Elden Ring. For more on the game, check out our other guides:

Where to find Castle Sol in Elden Ring: Location, items, more | How to get Bloodflame Blade in Elden Ring & best builds | Where to find Somber Smithing Stone 7 in Elden Ring | All Elden Ring achievements & trophies: Hidden, Platinum, more