Since my last adventure in Elden Ring, I raided catacombs and caves; climbed up mountains; defeat some dragons; and discovered new areas. I had to use markers to mark places that I wish to come back to at a later time. Quite frankly, I don’t enjoy having my attention pulled in so many different directions–especially not for task-oriented folks like myself. So, I can see why some people are just turned off by this game. At the same time, I can see why some people brag about beating the Souls’ games: it requires a lot of patience and perseverance to learn the gaming mechanics. But as the saying goes, to each their own. Some adults just don’t have that much time to invest in such a game. As for me, my life is as eventful as the monotonous prairie, which is relaxing but can be quite awfully still. Well, it’s beautiful when the wind is blowing through the tall grasses against the wide, endless blue sky until the storm is approaching. One moment it’s bliss, and then the other it’s a whirlwind madness. When it rains it pours and depending on your preference that could be a lovely thing. Similarly, the same thing can be said about Elden Ring, which perfectly describes my current emotional state. Plus, I like some of the scenery in the game. There’s something soothing about cathedrals, castles, churches, and ruins.

So far, I have already clocked in 100 hours and I feel like I am not near the end of the tunnel. There are still some mini-bosses that I still have to tackle; tower puzzles I have yet to solve; and questlines I need to complete. Slowly, I am starting to piece the story together, but it remains convoluted. However, I did learn a bit about Queen Rennala and her tragedy which ties in with the story. So far, the battle with Queen Rennala was one of the most impressive battles I have seen in a game. I also learned that she is an optional boss as well.

The good thing though if you do defeat her is that she reallocates your skill trees if you don’t like your current build. I haven’t tried it myself because I am quite content playing as a mage. But it was a real pain trying to defeat Queen Rennala as a mage since she is also a sorcerer. Longswords folks had it easier from what I’ve seen online. But if you are wondering how I survived as a mage class in the battle, I used Magic Fortification Incantation which increases magic damage negation. Her one-shot magic blast was brutal for me even when I equipped an armor with high magic defense. I believe if you upgrade your Arcane Stat it would also boost your vitality and negate some of that damage, which is something I learned later on in the game. I also summoned Lone Wolf Ashes to distract the boss and blasted her with a Rock Sling Sorcery spell. The spell can be located in the Street of Sages Ruins. Anyway, just some tips for players who might be struggling like I did in Phase II of the battle.

This game is indeed massive and the open world can be overwhelming, but I am learning more about its universe as I play. I wonder what purpose Minor Edrees serve. They are located throughout the map. I also wonder why the NPCs tend to be in mourning status rather than hostile toward intruders like myself. Everything and everyone seems to protect something and I am not sure if I am playing as the good guy. Well, I don’t think I am all that good if I am carving a path toward becoming the Elden Lord, which has to do with the big Yellow tree. Personally, I don’t care about ruling and establishing order if that is what it takes to be Elden Lord, although I do believe in some sort of structure in real life, but in video game life not so much. I just like adventure and beating bosses. I suppose that is why I decided to pursue Lady Ranni’s quest. She is the daughter of Queen Rennala. I am so curious why she decided to walk the dark path. She doesn’t seem so dark to me…It can’t be that bad being in a doll body on top of a tower with plenty of books to read. Is it?

Well, I am off to the Mistwood Ruins area to meet up with Ranni’s stepbrother Blaidd who can be found below Siofra River Well. Oh so exciting! More adventures to come! This game feels like playing inside a fantasy book. It’s a work of art!

P.S.