Hey there, fellow Tarnished warriors! So, you’ve conquered Elden Ring, and now you’re eyeing that tempting New Game Plus (NG+) option. What exactly does NG+ bring to the table, and how can it enhance your journey through the Lands Between? Let’s dive into the exciting features and give you a laid-back tour of what to expect. To find more, check on tallbuildings.org
What is New Game Plus (NG+)?
First things first, what’s this whole New Game Plus thing? Well, in simple terms, NG+ lets you replay Elden Ring with all the gear, levels, and spells you’ve amassed during your initial playthrough. But don’t think it’s just a walk in the park with all your goodies. Enemies get tougher, and the stakes are higher, making for a fresh yet challenging experience.
What Carries Over?
When you enter NG+, you’ll notice that your character retains all weapons, armour, and spells from your first playthrough. This means you can dive right into combat with your favorite gear. However, don’t get too comfortable; you’ll need to adapt your strategy against tougher foes. Additionally, all your runes and consumable items make the journey with you, providing a head start in the early game.
What Resets?
While many of your hard-earned possessions carry over, several elements reset to keep the challenge alive. All main story bosses and mini-bosses return, ready to test your mettle once more. NPC quest lines reset, offering a chance to explore different dialogue options or outcomes. The world itself, filled with rich lore and secrets, awaits your exploration with fresh eyes.
Increased Challenge
Enemies in NG+ are not just a little tougher; they scale significantly in difficulty. This scaling ensures that even with your powerful gear, you’ll need to remain vigilant. The increased health and damage output of foes require a strategic approach to combat, making NG+ a thrilling test of your skills. Each encounter feels like a new puzzle to solve, injecting renewed excitement into familiar battles.
Why Play New Game Plus?
You might be wondering, “Why should I even bother with NG+?” Great question! Here are a few reasons:
Increased Difficulty
Think you’re a pro at Elden Ring? NG+ throws tougher enemies your way, so it’s a great way to test your skills and strategies. Facing these enhanced adversaries pushes you to refine your combat tactics. You might find yourself experimenting with new dodging techniques or weapon combinations to gain the upper hand. This elevated difficulty level ensures that every victory in NG+ feels hard-earned and satisfying.
More Lore
Elden Ring is rich with lore, and NG+ offers a chance to catch those intricate details you might have missed the first time around. Delve deeper into the backstory of the Lands Between by revisiting NPC dialogues and item descriptions. You might uncover hidden connections between characters or uncover secrets about the world’s past. NG+ encourages a more immersive exploration of the narrative tapestry woven throughout the game.
Completionist Goals
Missed some quests or items? NG+ is perfect for a completionist run to tick all those boxes. With the knowledge from your first playthrough, you can prioritize side quests and hidden items you overlooked. This time, you’ll be prepared to tackle branching paths and uncover every secret. Achieving 100% completion in NG+ is a rewarding endeavor for dedicated players.
New Achievements
NG+ often comes with its own set of achievements or trophies. These new challenges can motivate you to approach the game with different strategies. Whether it’s defeating a boss without taking damage or completing a specific quest line, these achievements add an extra layer of satisfaction. They provide unique goals that keep your NG+ journey engaging.
Preparing for New Game Plus
Before you jump into NG+, here’s a quick checklist to get you ready:
Level Up
Make sure your character is well-leveled. The enemies won’t take it easy on you. Consider focusing on leveling attributes that complement your preferred playstyle. Whether you enjoy magic or melee combat, ensure your character is versatile enough to handle various situations. Invest in stats that enhance both offense and defense for a balanced approach.
Gear Up
Stock up on weapons and spells. You’ll keep these in NG+, so go all out! Experiment with weapon upgrades and enchantments to maximize their potential. Gather rare crafting materials during your first playthrough to enhance your arsenal. Having a diverse selection of upgraded gear can be a game-changer when facing the tougher challenges of NG+.
Clear Side Quests
Finish any side quests you missed. It’s easier to focus on them in NG+ if you’ve done the main ones already. Completing side quests can also provide valuable rewards, such as unique weapons or spells. These rewards can give you an edge in NG+, making it worthwhile to revisit these quests. Additionally, engaging with different NPCs can reveal more about the game’s lore.
Inventory Management
Before starting NG+, take the time to organize your inventory. Sell or store unnecessary items to make room for new loot. This organization ensures you have space for the exclusive items and weapons you’ll encounter in NG+. Efficient inventory management becomes crucial when navigating the challenges of NG+.
What’s New in NG+?
Elden Ring’s NG+ isn’t just about tougher enemies. Let’s explore some new features and changes:
Harder Enemies
Enemies in NG+ hit harder and have more health. This means you’ll need to rethink your tactics and adapt your playstyle. It’s a fresh challenge that keeps the gameplay exciting. You’ll encounter new attack patterns and behaviors from familiar foes, requiring quick reflexes and strategic planning. This heightened difficulty encourages you to experiment with different approaches to combat.
Souls and Runes
In NG+, you earn more souls and runes from defeated enemies. This allows for faster leveling and the chance to experiment with different builds. Want to try that magic build you ignored the first time? Now’s your chance! The increased resource gain opens up opportunities to invest in diverse character attributes and skill trees. This flexibility lets you tailor your character to suit your evolving playstyle.
New Items and Weapons
While you retain your items, NG+ introduces new weapon drops and items not available in the first playthrough. Keep an eye out for these exclusive treasures! These unique items often come with special abilities or enhancements, adding a layer of excitement to exploration. Discovering these new additions can significantly impact your combat strategy and overall experience.
Exploring New Areas
Some areas might hold new secrets or hidden lore nuggets. NG+ is a great opportunity to explore every nook and cranny of the Lands Between. Revisiting familiar locations with a fresh perspective can reveal previously hidden paths or interactions. These discoveries enrich your understanding of the game world and provide a sense of wonder as you uncover its mysteries.
Unique Boss Challenges
NG+ introduces unique boss challenges that weren’t present in the initial playthrough. These challenges might involve altered boss mechanics or entirely new phases. Overcoming these enhanced encounters requires adaptability and precision. Each victory against these formidable foes is a testament to your growth as a player.
Tips for Thriving in NG+
Alright, you’re pumped and ready to dive back in. Here are some casual tips to help you thrive in NG+:
Mix Up Your Build
NG+ is perfect for trying out new builds. Experiment with different weapons, spells, and armor sets. You might discover a playstyle you love even more than your original one! Consider mixing and matching gear to create unique combinations that suit different combat scenarios. This experimentation keeps the gameplay fresh and allows you to appreciate the game’s depth.
Stay on Your Toes
Enemies are stronger, so don’t get complacent. Keep dodging, blocking, and using your environment to your advantage. The increased difficulty means that every battle requires focus and adaptability. Pay attention to enemy patterns and weaknesses to exploit openings effectively. This vigilance enhances your overall gameplay experience.
Co-op Play
NG+ is a great time to try co-op. Team up with friends or summon strangers to tackle tough bosses together. It adds a fun social element to your NG+ experience. Coordinating strategies with other players can lead to creative solutions in challenging encounters. The camaraderie of shared victories makes the journey even more enjoyable.
Lore Exploration
Take your time to explore the lore. Read item descriptions, talk to NPCs, and immerse yourself in the world. NG+ is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your understanding of Elden Ring’s rich narrative. Engage with side stories and character arcs you might have missed initially. This exploration adds layers to the overarching plot and fosters a deeper connection to the game.
Patience and Persistence
NG+ can be demanding, so approach it with patience and persistence. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks; instead, view them as learning experiences. Each defeat is an opportunity to refine your strategies and improve your skills. Maintaining a positive mindset is key to overcoming the challenges of NG+.
Conclusion: Embrace the Challenge
Elden Ring’s New Game Plus is more than just a replay; it’s a chance to experience the game anew. With tougher enemies, new items, and more souls, NG+ offers a compelling reason to dive back into the Lands Between.
Whether you’re a lore enthusiast, a challenge seeker, or just looking for more Elden Ring adventures, NG+ has something for you. So gear up, level up, and embrace the thrill of the unknown in Elden Ring’s New Game Plus!
Happy gaming, Tarnished! May your path be ever victorious.
