Elden Ring is a massive game in which player choice is at the fore, set in a massive open world known as The Lands Between. From the moment you emerge into Limgrave, the game’s starting area, you are free to head in any direction you like. It can be a little overwhelming, so let’s take a look at the best Elden Ring progression route to keep you on the right track.
Best Progression Route in Elden Ring
It’s worth noting that the beauty of Elden Ring is its open-ended nature, and while the game does nudge you towards specific areas at specific times, you should get off the beaten path once in a while. Wandering into Caelid during your first hours can be a fun, if terrifying, experience! But, for the purposes of this guide, we will focus on directing you toward the bosses that gate story progression, leaving you to experience the rest of the game as you see fit.
In order to beat Elden Ring, 10 mandatory bosses are standing in your way (although lesser bosses are preventing you from reaching each of them), which you will need to defeat on your journey to become Elden Lord. Each is quite tough and will require practice and some grinding in order to overcome. We will try to keep this guide as spoiler free as possible, but for full guides to each boss encounter, follow the links provided.
Margit the Fell Omen (Level 20-30, Weapon 2+)
Margit the Fell Omen is the first major boss in the game, and likely the first you will encounter, as they guard the approach to Stormveil Castle, the imposing edifice towering above Limgrave. From the Gatefront Ruins, head towards the castle gates, and Margit will find you.
Godrick the Grafted (Level 30-40, Weapon 3+)
From Margit, proceed through Stormveil Castle. You can head directly through the gate (quicker) or take the more circuitous route (safer). Stormveil is Elden Ring’s first Legacy Dungeon and is an expansive area in its own right, full of secrets, treasure, and powerful foes. Godrick the Grafted is the ruler of these lands and awaits you in the inner sanctum of Stormveil Castle.
Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon (Level 50-60, Weapon 5+)
After defeating Godrick, proceed north to Liurnia of the Lakes, Elden Ring’s next major area. Our goal is the Academy of Raya Lucaria, the castle-like structure dominating the center of the region. To enter this next Legacy Dungeon, you will need to acquire the Academy Glintstone Key. You will encounter the Red Wolf of Radagon part way through, before your battle with Renalla, Queen of the Full Moon, herself.
Godfrey, First Elden Lord (Shade) (Level 80-90, Weapon 10+)
With two Shardbearers defeated, we can now access the Royal Capital of Leyndell, the third Legacy Dungeon, and the home of our next target. In order to get there, you will need to activate the Grand Lift of Dectus. Once you reach the Altus Plateau, you can enter the city from the northern part of the map. Once inside, you will need to fight through hordes of enemies until you encounter the shade of Godrey, First Elden Lord.
Morgott, the Omen King (Level 90-100, Weapon 15+)
From Godfrey, our next target is blessedly close. Simply continue along the critical path to reach the very familiar-looking Morgott, the Omen King, who guards the entrance to the Erdtree.
Fire Giant (Level 100+, Weapon 15+)
After defeating Morgott, you will be tasked with finding the Forge of the Giants, located in the eastern section of the Mountaintop of the Giants area. You reach the Mountaintop of the Giants by leaving Leyndell via the northeastern exit of the city. Make your way through the area, and keep climbing upwards until you encounter the next mandatory boss encounter, the Fire Giant.
Godskin Duo (Level 120+, Weapon 20+)
After the events at the Forge of the Giants, you will be taken to Crumbling Farum Azula, the final Legacy Dungeon on Elden Ring’s critical path. As you proceed, you will need to defeat the Farum Azula Dragon boss, in order to reach the Godskin Duo. You may want to summon in another player, or the NPC Bernahl, for the Godskin Duo, as this encounter is notoriously difficult.
Maliketh, the Black Blade (Level 120+, Weapon 25+)
Continue to the end of the Crumbling Farum Azula Legacy Dungeon, and a true test will await you: Maliketh, The Black Blade. Defeating Maliketh won’t be easy, but we are in the home stretch now.
Godfrey / Hoarah Loux (Level 150+, Weapon 25+)
Upon defeating Maliketh, head back to the base of the Erdtree in Lyendell (Where you fought Morgott, the Omen King), and your next challenge will be Godfrey / Hoarah Loux, two forms of the same powerful being. Once defeated, the path into the Erdtree lies open, and the final boss encounter awaits you.
Radagon of the Golden Order / Elden Beast (Level 150+ Weapon 25+)
The final boss encounter is also a two-parter, against first Radagon, and then the otherworldly Elden Beast. This battle will test your skills to the very limits and is the final challenge that awaits you. Defeat them both, and crown yourself Elden Lord.
You will then see an ending based on your choices at various points throughout the game. Congratulations, you just beat Elden Ring!
And that’s it, everything you need to know about the best Elden Ring progression route. For more helpful Elden Ring guides, check out our expansive guide wiki, or the list of suggested articles below.
