Summary
The Cave of Knowledge is a tutorial zone that introduces core game mechanics.
Type
Dungeon (Tutorial)
Description
After character creation and the initial cinematics, the player awakens in a new area with access to the Cave of Knowledge, a tutorial zone designed to introduce the core mechanics of Elden Ring. By jumping into the cave, players can hone their skills across the following game mechanics:
1. Using Items
Learn how to use consumable items placed on the Quick Item Bar, such as the Flask of Crimson Tears (restores HP) and the Flask of Cerulean Tears (restores FP).
2. Sites of Grace
Discover the functions of Sites of Grace, including restoring HP and FP, cleansing status ailments, and refilling Sacred Flasks. Note that resting at a Site of Grace also revives nearby enemies.
3. Camera Reset
Learn how to reset the camera view, lock onto a target, and remove the target lock.
4. Basic Attack
Perform a basic attack with a right-handed weapon or a two-handed weapon.
5. Strong Attack
Execute a powerful strong attack with a right-handed or two-handed weapon for increased damage.
6. Guarding
Use armaments, especially shields, to block incoming attacks. Guarding consumes stamina and is most effective with a shield equipped.
7. Dodging
Avoid enemy attacks using a dodge roll or backstep. Both actions consume stamina and are crucial for survival.
8. Jumping
Learn how to jump over obstacles and onto ledges, a vital skill for exploration and combat.
9. Dashing (Sprinting)
Master sprinting to move quickly across the environment and reposition during combat.
10. Material Gathering
Learn to gather and pick up crafting materials scattered throughout the world.
11. Wielding Armaments
Equip multiple armaments in each hand and toggle between them. Understand the differences between one-handed and two-handed weapon stances.
12. Switching Targets
Practice switching targets while locked on to maintain focus during combat.
13. Using Bows
Equip bows and learn to use two types of arrows. While target-lock ensures auto-aim, precision aiming is also available for more control.
14. Weapon Skills
Explore the unique Skills of weapons, which range from powerful attacks to temporary effects. Skills consume FP when activated.
15. Crouching
Use crouching to avoid enemy detection, especially in tall grass or bushes. Attacking unaware enemies deals increased damage.
16. Critical Strikes on Unaware Enemies
Perform a critical strike by attacking an enemy from behind, dealing significantly more damage.
17. Stance Breaking
Use specific attacks, such as a jump attack or charged attack, to break an enemy’s stance and open them up to a critical strike.
18. Stakes of Marika
When a player dies, they are typically revived at the last Site of Grace visited. However, if a Stake of Marika is nearby, players can choose to respawn there. These checkpoints are often located near bosses.
19. Guard Counters
Execute a Guard Counter immediately after blocking an enemy’s attack. This counterattack has a high chance of breaking the enemy’s stance, leading to a critical strike opportunity.
Boss
Soldier of Godrick
At the end of the tutorial a player will encounter the first boss fight facing Soldier of Godrick. This is clearly a tutorial boss, that is easily defeated, introducing the mechanics of boss fights in Elden Ring. When a boss appears in Elden Ring, the boss health bar is horizontally displayed at the bottom of the screen. In certain cases a player can only access a boss by going through a fog door, once entered there is no way to escape other than defeating the boss or dying.
Items and Materials
The Cave of Knowledge doesn’t drop any items, however, when existing the Cave of Knowledge gives access to a Gesture - Strength! Gestures are body movements that in certain situations are required for completing quests.