As you step into The Lands Between, the game’s open-ended design can feel both exhilarating and daunting. With countless paths to explore, it’s easy to wander into areas where enemies can crush you in seconds. To help you navigate, I’ve crafted a detailed progression route for the base game, drawing from my own experiences and insights from trusted gaming resources. This guide provides a recommended order for tackling major areas, along with suggested character levels, weapon upgrades, and key objectives to ensure you’re ready for the challenges ahead. While Elden Ring encourages freedom, this path balances story progression with exploration, helping you avoid frustration while uncovering the game’s riches.

Why Follow a Progression Route?

Elden Ring’s open world is one of its greatest strengths, but it can overwhelm new players. Some areas are significantly tougher than others, and stumbling into a high-level zone too early can lead to repeated deaths. A progression route helps you:

• Stay at an appropriate level for each area’s enemies and bosses.
• Collect essential items, like Smithing Stones and Sacred Tears, to strengthen your character.
• Follow the main story while leaving room for optional content.
• Avoid missing key NPCs, quests, or secrets that enhance your experience.

If you’re looking to enhance your journey with powerful gear or rare collectibles, be sure to check out trusted marketplaces that offer Elden Ring Items for sale. From upgraded weapons and talismans to crafting materials and cosmetic gear, these can help speed up your build progression and give you an edge in the most challenging areas of The Lands Between.

This guide focuses on the base game but briefly mentions the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for those interested. Recommended levels and weapon upgrades are approximate, as your build (e.g., strength, dexterity, or magic-focused) and skill level will influence difficulty. If you’re struggling, consider exploring side areas to level up or upgrade your gear.

Recommended Progression Route

Below is a suggested order for exploring The Lands Between, with details on each area, recommended levels, weapon upgrades, key bosses, and notable items. The route follows the natural flow of the story, guided by the golden trails of the Guidance of Grace, while incorporating side content for a well-rounded experience.

1. Limgrave (Levels 1-20, Weapon Upgrade +0 to +2)

Overview: Limgrave is your starting point, a lush region perfect for learning Elden Ring’s mechanics. It’s divided into West and East Limgrave, with the Weeping Peninsula to the south.

What to Do:

• West Limgrave: Begin by exiting the starting dungeon and reaching the Gatefront Site of Grace, where you’ll meet Melina. She grants you the ability to level up and gives you Torrent, your spectral steed. Visit the Church of Elleh to meet Merchant Kale, who sells the Whetstone Knife for upgrading Ashes of War. Explore nearby caves like Limgrave Tunnels for Smithing Stones to upgrade your weapons.
• East Limgrave: Venture east to face tougher enemies and find dungeons like the Deathtouched Catacombs. Avoid the Tree Sentinel early on, as it’s a challenging foe for new players.
• Key Boss: Margit, the Fell Omen, guards the path to Stormveil Castle in Stormhill. At level 15-20 with a +1 or +2 weapon, you should be ready to take him on. Use the nearby Site of Grace to summon NPC allies or co-op players for help.
• Tips: Collect Golden Seeds to increase your Flask charges and Sacred Tears to enhance Flask potency. Explore thoroughly to gather Runes for leveling up, but be cautious of Rune Bears in forested areas.

Notable Items: Whetstone Knife, Bloodhound’s Fang (from an optional Evergaol boss), and early Smithing Stone Bell Bearings.

2. Weeping Peninsula (Levels 20-30, Weapon Upgrade +3 to +4)

Overview: This southern peninsula, accessible via a bridge from Limgrave, is a great place to gain levels and resources before tackling Stormveil Castle.

What to Do:

• Explore Castle Morne, a dungeon with manageable enemies and the powerful Bloodhound’s Fang weapon as a reward for defeating the Leonine Misbegotten.
• Visit Tombsward Catacombs to obtain the Mimic Tear spirit ash, a versatile summon that mimics your character.
• Collect Sacred Tears at churches to upgrade your Flask.

Key Boss: Leonine Misbegotten (Castle Morne). A Bleed weapon, like the Morning Star, can make this fight easier.

Tips: The Weeping Peninsula is less punishing than other mid-game areas, making it ideal for farming Runes and materials. Watch out for the Night’s Cavalry at night for a challenging optional fight.

3. Stormveil Castle (Levels 30-40, Weapon Upgrade +3 to +4)

Overview: This legacy dungeon is your first major test, filled with knights, traps, and the Shardbearer Godrick the Grafted.

What to Do:

• Navigate the castle’s winding paths, activating Sites of Grace for checkpoints. Stock up on Smithing Stones from nearby mines to upgrade your weapon.
• Face Godrick, a multi-phase boss who tests your dodging and stamina management. Summon the NPC Nepheli Loux or use spirit ashes like the Lone Wolves for support.

Key Boss: Godrick the Grafted. Defeating him grants his Great Rune, which can be activated at the Divine Tower of Limgrave for a stat boost.

Tips: Explore the castle thoroughly for items like the Rusty Key and Talismans. If Godrick feels too tough, return to Limgrave or the Weeping Peninsula to level up further.

4. Liurnia of the Lakes (Levels 40-50, Weapon Upgrade +3 to +6)

Overview: After Stormveil, you’ll enter Liurnia, a waterlogged region with the prestigious Raya Lucaria Academy.

What to Do:

• South Liurnia: Explore the lake shores for dungeons like the Stillwater Cave and collect Glintstone crafting materials for sorcery users.
• Raya Lucaria Academy: Obtain the Academy Glintstone Key (found behind Glintstone Dragon Smarag or in a chest) to enter. Face the Red Wolf of Radagon and Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, another Shardbearer.
• Caria Manor: Located in northwest Liurnia, this dungeon offers the Carian Knight’s Shield and leads to the Three Sisters area. Defeat Royal Knight Loretta for rewards.

Key Bosses: Red Wolf of Radagon and Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon (Raya Lucaria Academy). Rennala’s fight is unique, requiring you to break her protective spell before dealing damage.

Tips: Liurnia is rich with Glintstone-related items, ideal for magic builds. Explore the Three Sisters for Ranni’s questline, which unlocks additional areas later.

5. Caelid (Levels 70-80, Weapon Upgrade +10 to +12)

Overview: Caelid is a scarlet rot-infested region with tough enemies, accessible from Limgrave or Liurnia.

What to Do:

• Trigger Radahn’s Festival by progressing Ranni’s questline or speaking to NPCs like Jerren. This event takes place at Redmane Castle, where you’ll face Starscourge Radahn in a massive battle.
• Explore dungeons like Sellia Crystal Tunnel for Smithing Stones and the Minor Erdtree for Talismans.

Key Boss: Starscourge Radahn. This fight allows you to summon multiple NPCs, making it a chaotic but thrilling encounter.

Tips: Caelid’s enemies hit hard, so ensure your weapon is upgraded and consider using Scarlet Rot-resistant gear. Defeating Radahn unlocks Nokron, Eternal City.

6. Altus Plateau (Levels 70-80, Weapon Upgrade +10 to +12)

Overview: This golden-hued region is accessible via the Grand Lift of Dectus (requires both halves of the Dectus Medallion) or alternative paths like the Ruin-Strewn Precipice.

What to Do:

• Explore the plateau for dungeons like the Shaded Castle and collect Golden Seeds.
• Prepare for Leyndell, Royal Capital, which you’ll visit later. For now, focus on gathering resources and leveling up.

Key Boss: Draconic Tree Sentinel (guards the entrance to Leyndell). A strong shield or ranged attacks can help.

Tips: The Altus Plateau is a hub for side quests, including those tied to Volcano Manor. Stock up on Smithing Stones from local mines.

7. Volcano Manor (Levels 85-100, Weapon Upgrade +15 to +18)

Overview: This optional legacy dungeon in Mt. Gelmir offers a unique questline and a challenging Shardbearer boss.

What to Do:

• Join Lady Tanith’s assassination contracts to progress through the manor. Alternatively, explore Mt. Gelmir to reach the manor directly.
• Face the God-Devouring Serpent and Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy. The Serpent-Hunter weapon, found in the arena, is key to this fight.

Key Boss: Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy. His Remembrance offers powerful rewards for magic or melee builds.

Tips: Volcano Manor’s quests reward unique items, but you can skip them if you prefer to focus on the main story. The area’s lava fields require careful navigation.

8. Leyndell, Royal Capital (Levels 90-100, Weapon Upgrade +18 to +21)

Overview: The grand capital city is a pivotal story location, home to another Shardbearer.

What to Do:

• Navigate the city’s complex layout, facing knights and Erdtree Guardians. Explore the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds for optional content like the Frenzied Flame Seal.
• Defeat Morgott, the Omen King, a fast-paced boss who requires precise dodging.

Key Boss: Morgott, the Omen King. His Great Rune enhances your survivability.

Tips: Leyndell is dense with loot, including the Erdtree’s Favor +2 Talisman. Ensure your weapon is upgraded to handle the city’s tough enemies.

9. Mountaintops of the Giants (Levels 100-110, Weapon Upgrade +21 to +24)

Overview: This snowy region is accessible via the Grand Lift of Rold after defeating Morgott.

What to Do:

• Explore Zamor Ruins and the Freezing Lake for high-tier Smithing Stones.
• Face the Fire Giant at the Foot of the Forge, a massive boss that guards the path to the endgame.

Key Boss: Fire Giant. Use Torrent to maneuver around his attacks and target his weak points.

Tips: The Mountaintops are cold and unforgiving, so equip fire-resistant gear. Optional areas like the Consecrated Snowfield can be accessed with the Haligtree Secret Medallion.

10. Crumbling Farum Azula (Levels 120+, Weapon Upgrade +25)

Overview: This floating ruin is a late-game legacy dungeon with intense enemies and bosses.

What to Do:

• Navigate the crumbling platforms and face dragons and beastmen.
• Defeat the Godskin Duo and Maliketh, the Black Blade, a critical story boss.

Key Bosses: Godskin Duo and Maliketh, the Black Blade. Maliketh’s speed and Black Blade attacks demand high endurance and damage output.

Tips: Stock up on healing items and ensure your weapon is fully upgraded. Explore thoroughly for the Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman.

11. Leyndell, Ashen Capital (Levels 120+, Weapon Upgrade +25)

Overview: After major story events, Leyndell transforms into its ashen state, leading to the final battles.

What to Do:

• Face Sir Gideon Ofnir, the All-Knowing, followed by Godfrey, First Elden Lord, and Hoarah Loux, Warrior.
• Confront the final bosses: Radagon of the Golden Order and the Elden Beast.

Key Bosses: Radagon and the Elden Beast. These back-to-back fights require stamina management and versatile strategies.

Tips: Ensure you have maxed-out Flasks and a fully upgraded weapon. Experiment with different spirit ashes to find what works best for your build.

Optional Areas

Elden Ring is packed with optional content that can enhance your journey:

• Siofra River and Ainsel River (Levels 60-70): Underground areas with unique bosses like the Regal Ancestor Spirit.
• Nokron and Nokstella, Eternal Cities (Levels 70-90): Accessible after Radahn, these areas offer lore and powerful items like the Moonlight Greatsword.
• Miquella’s Haligtree (Levels 130-145): An optional legacy dungeon with Malenia, Blade of Miquella, one of the game’s hardest bosses.
• Mohgwyn Palace (Levels 100-120): Home to Mohg, Lord of Blood, accessible via a portal in the Consecrated Snowfield or Varre’s questline.

Additional Tips

• Weapon Upgrades: Visit the Roundtable Hold to upgrade weapons with Smithing Stones. Bell Bearings, found in dungeons, unlock more upgrade materials.
• Spirit Ashes: Summons like the Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche can turn the tide in tough fights. Upgrade them with Glovewort.
• Side Quests: Engage with NPCs like Ranni, Fia, and Blaidd for unique rewards and storylines. Check the Roundtable Hold regularly for updates.
• Shadow of the Erdtree DLC: If you’re ready for more, access the DLC via Mohgwyn Palace after defeating Mohg, Lord of Blood. It introduces the Realm of Shadow, with new areas and bosses. Recommended Scadutree Blessing levels start at 1-3.