How to ng+ elden ring
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Last updated: April 4, 2026
Key Facts
- You keep your character's level and stats.
- Most key items, like Great Runes and Spirit Ashes, are retained.
- Key story items like the map fragments and Stonesword Keys are reset.
- Enemy and boss difficulty increases significantly in NG+.
- New items, such as unique crafting materials and certain weapons, can appear in NG+.
What is New Game Plus (NG+)?
New Game Plus, often abbreviated as NG+, is a staple in many action RPGs, and Elden Ring is no exception. It's a mode that allows players to restart their journey through the Lands Between after completing the main story. The core concept is to offer a fresh playthrough with increased challenges while preserving the player's progression in terms of character development and equipment. This means you can dive back into the vast world with your hard-earned levels, powerful weapons, and accumulated knowledge, facing tougher enemies and bosses.
How to Start New Game Plus in Elden Ring
Starting NG+ in Elden Ring is straightforward. After you defeat the final boss and witness the ending cinematic, you will be presented with a prompt asking if you wish to begin New Game Plus. Simply select 'Yes' to start your second playthrough. There is no specific item to find or quest to complete to unlock this mode; it's automatically available after your first playthrough concludes. You'll begin at the very start of the game, back in the Chapel of Anticipation, but with your character's current stats, equipment, and inventory.
What Carries Over to NG+?
One of the most crucial aspects of NG+ is understanding what elements of your current playthrough transfer over. This helps players strategize for their next journey:
- Character Level and Stats: Your character's level, attribute points, and overall build are fully retained. This allows you to continue experimenting with different playstyles or simply steamroll through early-game challenges with your accumulated power.
- Weapons and Armor: All weapons, shields, armor pieces, talismans, and consumables you possess will carry over. This includes upgraded weapons; however, you will need to find Smithing Stones again to upgrade them further.
- Great Runes: Any Great Runes you have acquired from defeating Shardbearers will be kept. You can re-equip and use their powerful buffs as soon as you reach the appropriate Sites of Grace.
- Spirit Ashes: Your collection of Spirit Ashes, including their upgrade levels, will also carry over. This means your trusty Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche will be ready to assist you from the beginning.
- Ashes of War: Any Ashes of War you've collected are retained, allowing you to customize your weapon affinities and skills from the outset.
- Remembrance: You will keep any Remembrances you haven't yet turned in for weapons or spells.
What Does NOT Carry Over to NG+?
While much of your progress is preserved, certain items and progress elements are reset to ensure a sense of progression and challenge:
- Key Story Items: Important story-related items, such as map fragments, Stonesword Keys, Golden Seeds, Sacred Tears, and Keys like the Academy Glintstone Key, will need to be rediscovered.
- Quest Progress: All NPC quests will reset. You'll need to start them from the beginning if you wish to complete them again or pursue different outcomes.
- World State: The world essentially resets to its initial state. All bosses will respawn, all enemies will reappear, and all locked areas will be accessible again.
- Sites of Grace: While you retain access to all discovered Sites of Grace, any Sites of Grace you've activated in your previous playthrough will need to be re-activated. However, the fast travel points remain unlocked.
Increased Difficulty in NG+
The primary draw of NG+ for many players is the increased challenge. In Elden Ring's NG+, enemies and bosses are significantly tougher:
- Higher Health and Damage: Enemies and bosses will have considerably more health and deal more damage than in your first playthrough. This requires more strategic combat, better timing of dodges and attacks, and a deeper understanding of enemy patterns.
- New Item Drops: While most items are the same, some enemies might drop different or additional items in NG+. For example, certain crafting materials or consumables may have a higher drop rate or be exclusive to NG+ playthroughs.
- Boss Rematches: You'll face all the bosses again, but with their enhanced stats. This provides an opportunity to test your mastery of the game's combat system and perhaps try new strategies or builds against familiar foes.
Benefits of Playing New Game Plus
Embarking on an NG+ journey in Elden Ring offers several compelling benefits:
- Collect Missed Items: If you missed any crucial items, weapons, spells, or Spirit Ashes during your first playthrough, NG+ provides the perfect opportunity to acquire them.
- Achieve Different Endings: Elden Ring features multiple endings based on specific choices and quests completed. NG+ allows you to pursue these alternative endings without starting a completely new character.
- Experiment with Builds: With your high level and access to a wide array of weapons and spells, NG+ is an ideal environment to experiment with different character builds and combat strategies you may not have tried before.
- Challenge Yourself: For players who enjoy a significant challenge, the ramped-up difficulty of NG+ offers a rewarding experience. Overcoming formidable foes with your established character provides a strong sense of accomplishment.
- Unlock Achievements/Trophies: Certain achievements or trophies may require multiple playthroughs or completing specific tasks that are easier to manage on subsequent runs.
Tips for a Successful NG+ Run
To make your NG+ experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible, consider these tips:
- Focus on Upgrades: Ensure your primary weapons are upgraded to their maximum potential. Even though enemies are tougher, a maxed-out weapon can still be a significant advantage.
- Respec if Necessary: If you want to try a different build, consider using Rennala's Larval Tears to respec your stats early in the NG+ run.
- Revisit Quests: Keep a checklist of NPC quests you want to complete or pursue different outcomes for.
- Explore Thoroughly: Since many items reset, make sure to explore every nook and cranny of the Lands Between again to find missed collectibles and valuable loot.
- Prepare for Bosses: Research boss weaknesses and prepare appropriate gear, consumables, and Spirit Ashes for challenging encounters.
New Game Plus in Elden Ring is more than just a difficulty bump; it's a chance to re-experience the epic journey with new challenges and opportunities, making it a highly rewarding endeavor for dedicated players.
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