Elderandbegins on a ship, which is on a quest to find the source of evil in this world. A group of priests has found a chosen mercenary, the player, in aiding their quest. On this voyage, the ship crashes, with the mercenary hero lost in a mesmerizing cave. Where are they? Where is the rest of the crew?
RELATED:Indie Games That Are Impossible To Beat Without A Guide
That’s the basic setup forElderand. Its story is a backdrop to the main focus though: gameplay. So, how does this latest indie action game actually play and what should players know before jumping in? Let’s dive in with some quick tips to get started.
7A Metroidvania Soulslike
There is no difficulty system in the game orany assist modesto make life easier. The challenge is on the level of a Soulslike wherein players have to constantly be on their toes. The game is also set up like a Metroidvania with a sprawling interconnected map just waiting for players to explore it.
Thankfully, death does not mean the loss of any currencies, which is a big plus. This makes the game more accessible even without any difficulties, but that doesn’t mean players should rush through maps.
6Stick To The First Area
If players head north, they can get to the forest area rather fast. The same is true if they head to the Northeast corner to get to the city area. It’s easy to get to both places, but players should hold back and complete the first map for starters.
RELATED:Indie Games That Are Amazing (After A Rough Opening Few Hours)
The two other areas in question are a lot harder and it is best to grind in the beginning caves like atypical action RPG. Try and make it to the boss, Shakna, who is a huge spider. In this boss' den players can rescue Guam who will become a vendor in the aforementioned forest area.
5An Easy Level Up Spot
There’s actually an easy level up spot to recommend to players inElderand. Eventually, players will stumble across a lizard-like mermaid creature called a Reject. The first encounter will be challenging, but the next encounter will be a piece of cake. Players will run across another after the chest that contains the first shield. There is a grouping of spikes right by this Reject as well.
If players jump down to lure the Reject into the spikes, it will fall for it every time, thus earning players easy experience points. Players can level up within two minutes every time although it does take longer the higher they get in levels, which istypical for RPGs.
4Getting To The Vendor
Wondering what all thatsweet gold currencyis for? There are vendors in the game and the first is around the middle of the map in the cave area. Once players reach him, Pollo, they should purchase a rod from his inventory. Rods will allow players to finally use magic, which is what that meter is for underneath the health bar. Stocking up on potions is also a good idea.
If players need money, they should find a good cropping of pots next to a screen barrier. There are plenty to choose from throughout the game. Simply smash the pots for money and items, transition to the next screen and back to respawn the pots, and then repeat the process.
3Setting Up Two Weapons
One of the nice things about the game is that it allows players to swap back and forth between two weapon loadouts. There are tons of weapons in the game to choose from between nimble daggers and heavy axes to the aforementioned rods.
Players would be wise to have these two gear slots focus on melee and ranged weapons, respectively. Besides the rods, players can get bows too for ranged attacks. There’s a lot to gather inElderand, and experimentation is the key to victory as it is inmost action gameswith diverse weaponry.
2What To Upgrade
Leveling up will reward players with ability points. These points can be used to upgrade one of four slots in the skill tree. They can increase health, magical abilities, melee power, or luck. All of these stats dictate a variety of things, but players should focus first on increasing melee damage and their health.
RELATED:Top Retro Indie Games That Will Make Players Feel Nostalgic
It takes a while to get the first rod, meaning that increasing magic would be a waste. Luck is good to have as it can increase finding items and gold as well as the occurrence of critical hits. Still, formost action RPGs, more health and attack power will do and that is true forElderandas well.
1Be Sure To Backtrack And Save
There are no autosaves in the game, meaning it is up to players to keep track of their tasks. Be sure to backtrack to save points as often as possible, especially if players gain some incredible, rare items from monster drops. There are nine save slots in total, meaning that players have plenty of room to create multiple backups for emergencies.
On the subject of exploring,Elderandis a Metroidvania, meaning that players will gain certain abilities to help progress further. If players come across a barrier they cannot cross, make a mental note of this blockage. This will make it easier to remember where they need to backtrack to once a new ability, like the double jump, unlocks.
Elderandis available on PC and Switch.
