Can you go back from New Game Plus in Elden Ring? The answer is no, you can’t directly revert back to a previous playthrough once you’ve started Journey 2 (and beyond). This means your decision to enter New Game Plus is permanent for that specific character. However, there are some workarounds and things to consider that might influence your decision. Let’s dive deeper into the mechanics of New Game Plus and explore alternative options.
Understanding New Game Plus in Elden Ring
New Game Plus, often referred to as NG+, is a core feature in Elden Ring, and in many Souls-like games. It offers a heightened challenge for experienced players by increasing enemy difficulty and rewards. Starting NG+ carries over most of your progress, including:
- Levels
- Weapons
- Armor
- Talismans
- Spells
- Great Runes (deactivated)
However, it’s crucial to remember that key items related to progression are reset, requiring you to rediscover them:
- Sites of Grace are reset, although you’ll still have access to fast travel.
- Key items required to progress the main story are also reset.
- You’ll have to defeat shardbearers again to activate Great Runes.
Elden Ring New Game Plus Start Screen
Why You Can’t Reverse New Game Plus
Elden Ring’s NG+ system is designed to be a one-way journey, progressively scaling the difficulty. The game saves your progress after confirming the start of NG+, effectively locking you into that playthrough. This design encourages players to thoroughly explore the game world in each cycle, uncovering new challenges and strategies. Think of it as a continuous spiral of growth, pushing your skills to the limit with each subsequent journey.
Alternatives to Reverting NG+
While directly reverting is impossible, you have a few alternative options:
- Create a New Character: Starting fresh allows you to experience the game’s initial difficulty and explore different builds and playstyles. This is the most direct way to experience the game’s early challenges again.
- Backups and Cloud Saves (PC): For PC players, manually backing up your save files before entering NG+ allows you to revert to an earlier state. This requires foresight and careful management of your save files. Be sure to disable cloud saves to prevent overwriting your backup.
- Multiple Character Slots: Utilizing multiple character slots lets you maintain characters at different NG+ cycles, providing options for different difficulty levels whenever you want.
Elden Ring Multiple Character Slots
Preparing for New Game Plus
Before jumping into NG+, consider these preparations:
- Farm Resources: Stock up on upgrade materials, crafting items, and consumables to give yourself a head start.
- Optimize Your Build: Refine your character’s stats, weapons, and armor to be prepared for the tougher enemies ahead.
- Explore Thoroughly: Ensure you’ve completed any side quests, explored optional areas, and collected desired items before moving on.
Is New Game Plus Worth It?
Absolutely! NG+ in Elden Ring provides a rewarding experience for dedicated players. The increased difficulty keeps the gameplay fresh, encouraging you to master new combat techniques and strategies. The enhanced rewards offer further opportunities to upgrade your character and experiment with different builds. Each playthrough becomes a new adventure, pushing you to explore the depths of the Lands Between in new ways.
Elden Ring NG+ Boss Fight
FAQs: Can You Go Back From New Game Plus in Elden Ring?
- Can I undo New Game Plus in Elden Ring? No, the decision to start NG+ is permanent for that character.
- What carries over to New Game Plus? Levels, weapons, armor, talismans, spells, and deactivated Great Runes.
- What is reset in New Game Plus? Sites of Grace, key progression items, and the activation status of Great Runes.
- How do I access New Game Plus? Interact with the Roundtable Hold grace after defeating the final boss.
- Should I start New Game Plus immediately? Consider farming resources and optimizing your build beforehand.
- Why should I play New Game Plus? For increased difficulty, enhanced rewards, and a fresh gameplay experience.
- What if I want to play the game at the original difficulty again? Create a new character or utilize a backup save (PC).
Maximizing Your Elden Ring Experience
New Game Plus is just one aspect of the vast and immersive world of Elden Ring. Experimenting with different builds, exploring optional areas, and engaging in online play are just a few ways to enrich your experience. From mastering the art of combat to unraveling the intricate lore, Elden Ring offers endless opportunities for discovery and challenge.
Understanding Elden Ring’s Difficulty Curve
Elden Ring, like other Soulsborne games, is known for its challenging gameplay. Understanding the difficulty curve is essential for enjoying the experience. While the initial stages can be demanding, the game rewards patience, strategic thinking, and skillful execution. With each victory, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the game’s mechanics and a greater appreciation for the rewarding sense of accomplishment.
Exploring the Lands Between
The Lands Between is a vast and richly detailed open world, ripe for exploration. From towering castles to hidden catacombs, each area offers unique challenges and rewards. Taking the time to discover hidden paths, uncover secrets, and interact with the diverse cast of characters will significantly enhance your understanding of the game’s lore and deepen your immersion in the world.
In conclusion, while you can’t go back from New Game Plus in Elden Ring directly, you do have alternatives. Understanding the mechanics of NG+, utilizing backups (on PC), creating new characters, and strategically preparing can maximize your gameplay experience. Ultimately, the decision to embark on a new journey is yours, and Elden Ring offers a rewarding challenge no matter how you choose to play.