It’s easy for new players to miss Elden Ring’s tutorial, but FromSoftware seems to be aiming to change that with the game’s 1.04 update. The new patch adds a tutorial prompt that explains the tutorial well.
FromSoftware fans have always loved the studio’s esoteric game design, which requires players to figure out almost everything through trial and error, but Elden Ring provides a solid middle ground with features that make the game more accessible.
This includes a collection of more explanatory text boxes than ever before, and even a full tutorial section explaining core mechanics through a mix of text and gameplay.
All legendary weapons in Elden Ring
Known as the Cave of Knowledge, the surprisingly detailed (for Souls games at least) tutorials guide players through things like how to do guard counters, stealth, and use weapon skills. FromSoftware veterans may find this tutorial recaps of something they knew a decade ago, but it’s an essential part of the newbie experience.
The Cave of Knowledge is located in the Stranded Graveyard at the start of the game. It can be accessed by dropping a pit next to the ghostly NPC on the chair, who hints at it in the tutorial below. However, many seem to miss the pit entirely, or choose not to jump into the black hole because, well, this is a soul game.
While it wasn’t mentioned in the 1.04 patch notes, FromSoftware has quietly added a new automatic text box that will appear when the player approaches the pit, which explains the tutorial located below. You can see a screenshot of the new prompt (taken by IGN):
While multiple IGN staffers have been able to activate the prompt since the update, some testing has shown – at least for now – that the prompt doesn’t appear for all players after the update, even on new saves. We’ll update this story if we learn more.
Elden Ring’s 1.04 update also includes various bug fixes and performance improvements, enhancements to the Colossal weapon and some magical spells, and some new event stages for everyone’s favorite bastard patch. It also undercuts a popular way to beat the super tough boss Malenia – you might want to meet Let Me Solo Her.
Billy Givens is a freelance writer for IGN.
