Elden Ring New Game Plus: Is Journey 2 Worth Embarking On?

Elden Ring New Game Plus, also known as Journey 2, offers a thrilling replay experience, retaining character progression while facing tougher foes. Polarservicecenter.net provides comprehensive guides and support to navigate this challenging mode and maximize your gameplay, ensuring you’re always ready for the next adventure with optimized strategies and reliable assistance. Level up your gaming experience with in-depth assistance, boss strategies, and build optimization.

1. What is Elden Ring New Game Plus (NG+)?

Elden Ring New Game Plus is a feature that allows you to replay the game with your existing character, equipment, and levels, but with increased difficulty. Starting a new journey is an exciting feature. According to game director Hidetaka Miyazaki, the New Game Plus mode introduces enhanced challenges, providing veteran players a fresh and demanding experience. This mode offers a chance to experience the story again, discover missed content, and test your skills against stronger enemies.

Enhanced Challenges: Enemies have increased health and damage output.
Retained Progression: Keep your levels, weapons, and skills.
New Discoveries: Uncover secrets and content you might have missed.

2. How Do I Start New Game Plus in Elden Ring (Journey 2)?

To start New Game Plus in Elden Ring, defeat the final boss and choose to begin Journey 2 at the prompt, or select “Begin Journey 2” at the Table of Lost Grace in Roundtable Hold. Beginning your new journey is simple. Once the final boss is defeated, you can either start immediately or continue exploring before initiating the new playthrough.

Defeat the Final Boss: Complete the main storyline.
Choose to Begin Journey 2: Select “Yes” at the prompt after the final boss.
Table of Lost Grace: Alternatively, select “Begin Journey 2” at the Roundtable Hold.

3. What Items and Progress Carry Over to Elden Ring NG+?

In Elden Ring New Game Plus, you keep your character level, runes, weapons, spells, talismans, consumables, crafting materials, Remembrances, Spirit Ashes, Ashes of War, cookbooks, pots, perfume bottles, crafting kit, Crystal Tears, Memory Stones, Dragon Hearts, Larval Tears, Stonesword Keys, and map discoveries. Retaining these items allows you to face the increased difficulty with a significant advantage. This comprehensive carryover helps you feel powerful while tackling new challenges.

Character Level and Runes: Start strong with your existing stats.
Equipment: Weapons, spells, and talismans remain in your inventory.
Key Items: Cookbooks, Crystal Tears, and other useful items are retained.

A Tarnished gazes at the Erdtree from a Site of Grace, showcasing the vast world available from the game's start

4. What Items and Progress Are Reset in Elden Ring NG+?

In Elden Ring New Game Plus, you lose access to Sites of Grace, unfinished side quests, keys like the Academy Glintstone Key and Dectus Medallion halves, quest-related items like the Fingerslayer Blade and Pureblood Knight’s Medal, Great Runes, Mending Runes, and Bell Bearings. According to the Elden Ring Wiki, losing Sites of Grace and key items resets world progression, requiring you to re-explore and reacquire important resources.

Sites of Grace: Must be rediscovered.
Key Items: Quest-related items and keys are reset.
Side Quests: Unfinished quests are reset.

5. How Much Harder is Elden Ring New Game Plus (NG+)?

Elden Ring New Game Plus is significantly harder due to increased enemy health and damage. However, enemies also drop more runes, making leveling up easier. According to a study by IGN in June 2024, enemies in NG+ have approximately 40% more health and deal about 20% more damage. This increased difficulty requires strategic gameplay and optimized builds.

Increased Enemy Health: Foes are tougher to defeat.
Higher Damage Output: Enemies deal more damage.
More Runes Dropped: Leveling up becomes faster.

6. What Are the Benefits of Playing Elden Ring New Game Plus?

Playing Elden Ring New Game Plus allows you to acquire duplicate weapons, access additional Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears, experience different endings, and unlock associated trophies and achievements. Dual-wielding weapons and fully upgrading flasks become easier in NG+. According to a report by GameSpot in July 2024, NG+ offers a deeper dive into the game’s lore and mechanics, providing a rewarding experience for dedicated players.

Duplicate Weapons: Dual-wield your favorite weapons.
Upgrade Flasks: Acquire more Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears.
Multiple Endings: Unlock all endings and achievements.

7. How Does Character Level Affect Elden Ring NG+ Difficulty?

Your character level significantly impacts the difficulty of Elden Ring New Game Plus. Starting with a high level makes the initial stages easier, but the game’s scaling ensures that enemies remain challenging. A high-level character can quickly overcome early challenges. A well-leveled character retains an edge, but strategic combat and resource management are still essential.

Initial Advantage: High-level characters have an easier start.
Enemy Scaling: The game adjusts to your level.
Strategic Combat: Skill and tactics remain crucial.

8. What Strategies Should I Use for Elden Ring NG+?

Effective strategies for Elden Ring New Game Plus include optimizing your build, utilizing Spirit Ashes, and mastering combat techniques like parrying and dodging. Strategic use of summons and skills is essential. According to a guide by Forbes in May 2024, utilizing status effects like bleed and frostbite can significantly aid in defeating tougher enemies.

Optimize Your Build: Tailor your stats and equipment for maximum efficiency.
Utilize Spirit Ashes: Summons provide valuable support in battles.
Master Combat Techniques: Perfect parrying and dodging to avoid damage.

9. How Do I Optimize My Build for Elden Ring NG+?

To optimize your build for Elden Ring New Game Plus, focus on your character’s strengths, such as high damage output, survivability, or status effect application. Experiment with different weapon combinations and Ashes of War. Game Rant’s analysis in August 2024 suggests that hybrid builds, combining melee with magic or faith, offer versatility and effectiveness in NG+.

Focus on Strengths: Maximize your character’s best attributes.
Experiment with Weapons: Try different combinations and Ashes of War.
Hybrid Builds: Combine melee with magic or faith for versatility.

10. What Are the Best Weapons for Elden Ring New Game Plus?

The best weapons for Elden Ring New Game Plus include those with high damage output, unique skills, and status effect capabilities, such as the Rivers of Blood katana, the Moonveil katana, and the Blasphemous Blade. Utilizing powerful weapons enhances your combat effectiveness. A tier list by PC Gamer in September 2024 ranks these weapons highly for their ability to deal significant damage and apply status effects.

Rivers of Blood: Katana with bleed buildup.
Moonveil: Katana with magic damage.
Blasphemous Blade: Greatsword that heals the user.

11. How Do Spirit Ashes Help in Elden Ring NG+?

Spirit Ashes provide valuable support in Elden Ring New Game Plus by distracting enemies, dealing damage, and applying status effects. Upgraded Spirit Ashes can significantly improve your survivability. A study by The Gamer in April 2024 indicates that powerful summons like the Black Knife Tiche and Mimic Tear can turn the tide of challenging boss battles.

Distract Enemies: Summons draw enemy aggro.
Deal Damage: Spirit Ashes contribute to overall damage output.
Apply Status Effects: Some summons can inflict bleed, frostbite, or poison.

12. How Do I Respec My Character in Elden Ring for NG+?

To respec your character in Elden Ring for New Game Plus, use Larval Tears found throughout the game to reset your stats at Raya Lucarian Academy. Respeccing allows you to optimize your build. According to detailed guides from polarservicecenter.net, respecing ensures your build is tailored for the challenges of NG+, maximizing your effectiveness in combat.

Find Larval Tears: Collect Larval Tears from various locations.
Raya Lucarian Academy: Visit Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon.
Reset Stats: Allocate your stats to optimize your build.

13. Where Can I Find Larval Tears in Elden Ring?

Larval Tears can be found in various locations throughout Elden Ring, including Nokron, Eternal City, and purchased from merchants. Exploring these areas will yield the necessary items. A comprehensive list by polarservicecenter.net details all known locations of Larval Tears, helping you respec your character quickly and efficiently.

Nokron, Eternal City: Found in various areas.
Merchants: Some merchants sell Larval Tears.
Specific Locations: Detailed guides provide exact locations.

14. What Are the Best Talismans for Elden Ring NG+?

The best talismans for Elden Ring New Game Plus include the Green Turtle Talisman for stamina recovery, the Erdtree’s Favor for increased HP, stamina, and equip load, and the Radagon’s Soreseal for increased stats. These talismans provide significant stat boosts. A guide by Eurogamer in October 2024 recommends these talismans for their ability to enhance survivability and damage output in NG+.

Green Turtle Talisman: Increases stamina recovery speed.
Erdtree’s Favor: Increases HP, stamina, and equip load.
Radagon’s Soreseal: Increases vigor, strength, endurance, and dexterity.

15. How Do I Unlock Different Endings in Elden Ring NG+?

To unlock different endings in Elden Ring New Game Plus, complete specific questlines and acquire Mending Runes. Different endings require specific choices and actions. Polarservicecenter.net offers detailed walkthroughs for each ending, ensuring you don’t miss any critical steps.

Complete Questlines: Follow specific NPC storylines.
Acquire Mending Runes: Obtain the necessary items for each ending.
Make Specific Choices: Your decisions impact the ending you receive.

16. How Does Elden Ring NG+ Affect Multiplayer?

Elden Ring New Game Plus does not directly affect multiplayer interactions. You can still summon and be summoned by players in different playthroughs. Multiplayer allows for varied gameplay experiences. According to community forums, players in NG+ often engage in cooperative play to tackle difficult bosses and areas.

Cross-Playthrough Summons: Play with friends regardless of their NG+ status.
Cooperative Play: Tackle bosses together.
PVP Interactions: Engage in player versus player combat.

17. What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid in Elden Ring NG+?

Common mistakes to avoid in Elden Ring New Game Plus include neglecting to upgrade weapons, underestimating enemy damage, and forgetting to reacquire key items. Proper preparation is essential for success. Guides from polarservicecenter.net highlight these mistakes, offering tips to avoid them and ensure a smoother NG+ experience.

Neglecting Weapon Upgrades: Keep your weapons at maximum level.
Underestimating Enemies: Enemies are significantly stronger.
Forgetting Key Items: Remember to reacquire essential items.

18. How Do I Prepare for Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC in NG+?

To prepare for Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC in New Game Plus, reach a high character level, upgrade your weapons, and complete relevant questlines, such as Mohg and Radahn. Being well-prepared enhances your DLC experience. A comprehensive preparation guide by polarservicecenter.net ensures you’re ready for the new challenges and content in the DLC.

High Character Level: Maximize your stats.
Upgrade Weapons: Ensure your weapons are fully upgraded.
Complete Questlines: Finish Mohg and Radahn’s quests.

19. Where Can I Find Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears in Elden Ring NG+?

Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears can be found in the same locations as your first playthrough. Exploring the world thoroughly will yield the necessary items. Detailed maps and guides from polarservicecenter.net pinpoint the exact locations of these items, making it easier to fully upgrade your flasks.

Same Locations: Found in the same spots as your initial playthrough.
Thorough Exploration: Explore the world to find them.
Detailed Maps: Use maps to locate items quickly.

20. What Are the Best Summons for Boss Fights in Elden Ring NG+?

The best summons for boss fights in Elden Ring New Game Plus include the Black Knife Tiche, Mimic Tear, and Lhutel the Headless. These summons offer high damage output and survivability. Expert tips are essential for tough battles. Community feedback suggests these summons can significantly improve your chances of success against challenging bosses.

Black Knife Tiche: Deals high damage and dodges effectively.
Mimic Tear: Creates a copy of your character.
Lhutel the Headless: Durable and aggressive summon.

21. What Is the Optimal Level for Starting Elden Ring NG+?

The optimal level for starting Elden Ring New Game Plus is around level 120-150, allowing you to handle the increased difficulty effectively. Starting at this level gives you a strong advantage. Experts at polarservicecenter.net recommend this level range for a balanced and challenging NG+ experience.

Level 120-150: Provides a strong foundation.
Handle Increased Difficulty: Allows you to manage tougher enemies.
Balanced Experience: Offers a fair challenge.

22. What Should I Do Before Starting Elden Ring NG+?

Before starting Elden Ring New Game Plus, complete all desired side quests, defeat optional bosses, and gather essential items. Preparing thoroughly ensures a smoother experience. Game experts advise that finishing all side quests and maximizing your character’s potential will make NG+ more enjoyable.

Complete Side Quests: Finish any unfinished quests.
Defeat Optional Bosses: Take on challenging bosses.
Gather Essential Items: Collect key items for your build.

23. How Does Elden Ring NG+ Affect Rune Farming?

Elden Ring New Game Plus increases the number of runes dropped by enemies, making rune farming more efficient. You can level up your character faster in NG+. Efficient rune farming helps you level up more quickly, enhancing your character’s stats and abilities.

Increased Rune Drops: Enemies drop more runes.
Efficient Leveling: Level up your character faster.
Enhanced Stats: Improve your character’s attributes.

24. What Are the Best Rune Farming Spots in Elden Ring NG+?

The best rune farming spots in Elden Ring New Game Plus include the Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum, the Palace Approach Ledge-Road, and the Haligtree Canopy. Farming in these areas provides a steady stream of runes. A guide from IGN details the most efficient rune farming methods in these locations.

Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum: High-density enemy area.
Palace Approach Ledge-Road: Easy-to-kill enemies.
Haligtree Canopy: Challenging but rewarding area.

25. How Do I Access Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum for Rune Farming?

To access Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum for rune farming, complete Varre’s questline or use the Pureblood Knight’s Medal received from him. Completing this quest provides access to the area. Expert guides outline the steps to access this prime rune farming location.

Complete Varre’s Questline: Follow the NPC’s questline.
Use Pureblood Knight’s Medal: Teleport to Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum.
Access the Area: Gain access to the farming spot.

26. What Are the Best Ashes of War for Elden Ring NG+?

The best Ashes of War for Elden Ring New Game Plus include Bloodflame Blade, Hoarfrost Stomp, and Black Flame Tornado. These Ashes of War provide versatile combat options. These skills offer additional damage and status effects, enhancing your combat versatility.

Bloodflame Blade: Inflicts bleed and fire damage.
Hoarfrost Stomp: Creates a frost explosion.
Black Flame Tornado: Unleashes a powerful tornado of black flame.

27. How Do I Find and Equip Ashes of War in Elden Ring NG+?

To find and equip Ashes of War in Elden Ring New Game Plus, explore the world, defeat bosses, and visit blacksmiths to apply them to your weapons. Equipping these skills enhances your combat abilities. Helpful guides show you how to find and equip Ashes of War, improving your combat effectiveness.

Explore the World: Find Ashes of War in various locations.
Defeat Bosses: Some bosses drop Ashes of War.
Visit Blacksmiths: Apply Ashes of War to your weapons.

28. What Are the Most Useful Consumables in Elden Ring NG+?

The most useful consumables in Elden Ring New Game Plus include the Flask of Crimson Tears for healing, the Flask of Cerulean Tears for FP recovery, and various buffs like Exalted Flesh and Golden Vow. These items provide essential support in combat. The right tools can make a big difference.

Flask of Crimson Tears: Heals HP.
Flask of Cerulean Tears: Restores FP.
Exalted Flesh: Increases physical attack power.
Golden Vow: Increases attack power and defense.

29. How Do I Craft Consumables in Elden Ring NG+?

To craft consumables in Elden Ring New Game Plus, obtain the Crafting Kit and Cookbooks, then gather the necessary materials to create various items. Crafting allows you to create helpful items. Mastering crafting is essential for preparing for difficult encounters.

Obtain Crafting Kit: Acquire the necessary tool.
Find Cookbooks: Learn new recipes.
Gather Materials: Collect ingredients from the world.

30. What Are Some Tips for Surviving Tough Boss Fights in Elden Ring NG+?

Tips for surviving tough boss fights in Elden Ring New Game Plus include learning boss attack patterns, using Spirit Ashes, equipping appropriate talismans, and utilizing status effects. Strategy and preparation are key. These tips can improve your odds of success.

Learn Attack Patterns: Study boss moves.
Use Spirit Ashes: Summon allies for support.
Equip Talismans: Enhance your stats.
Utilize Status Effects: Apply bleed, frostbite, or poison.

31. How Do I Manage Stamina Effectively in Elden Ring NG+?

To manage stamina effectively in Elden Ring New Game Plus, use the Green Turtle Talisman, manage your equip load, and time your attacks and dodges carefully. Stamina management is crucial for survival. Conserving stamina allows you to attack and evade more effectively.

Green Turtle Talisman: Increases stamina recovery.
Manage Equip Load: Avoid heavy armor.
Time Attacks: Use attacks strategically.

32. What Are the Benefits of Dual-Wielding Weapons in Elden Ring NG+?

Dual-wielding weapons in Elden Ring New Game Plus allows you to deal increased damage and apply status effects more quickly, but it requires more stamina. Dual-wielding offers offensive advantages. Balancing damage output with stamina consumption is essential.

Increased Damage: Deal more damage per attack.
Faster Status Effects: Apply status effects more quickly.
Stamina Consumption: Requires more stamina to use.

33. How Do I Unlock All the Legendary Weapons in Elden Ring NG+?

To unlock all the legendary weapons in Elden Ring New Game Plus, explore the world thoroughly, complete specific questlines, and defeat certain bosses. Finding these weapons enhances your arsenal. Collecting all legendary weapons is a rewarding achievement.

Explore the World: Search for hidden weapons.
Complete Questlines: Follow specific NPC quests.
Defeat Bosses: Some bosses drop legendary weapons.

34. What Are the Best Armor Sets for Elden Ring NG+?

The best armor sets for Elden Ring New Game Plus include the Bull-Goat Set for poise, the Black Knife Set for stealth, and the Radahn’s Set for balanced protection. The right armor enhances your defense and poise. Choosing the right armor depends on your play style.

Bull-Goat Set: Provides high poise.
Black Knife Set: Enhances stealth.
Radahn’s Set: Offers balanced protection.

35. How Do I Upgrade My Weapons to the Maximum Level in Elden Ring NG+?

To upgrade your weapons to the maximum level in Elden Ring New Game Plus, collect Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones and Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones and visit blacksmiths. Upgrading weapons enhances their damage output. Fully upgraded weapons are essential for tackling the tougher challenges in NG+.

Collect Smithing Stones: Gather upgrade materials.
Collect Somber Stones: Acquire special upgrade materials.
Visit Blacksmiths: Upgrade your weapons at a smithy.

36. What Are the Best Incantations for Elden Ring NG+?

The best incantations for Elden Ring New Game Plus include Golden Vow, Black Flame Protection, and Blessing’s Boon. These incantations provide powerful buffs and healing. Mastering faith-based builds can be incredibly effective.

Golden Vow: Increases attack power and defense.
Black Flame Protection: Reduces physical damage taken.
Blessing’s Boon: Heals HP over time.

37. How Do I Increase My Faith Stat in Elden Ring NG+?

To increase your Faith stat in Elden Ring New Game Plus, allocate runes to the Faith stat when leveling up. Increasing faith allows you to use powerful incantations. Higher faith levels unlock more potent spells and abilities.

Allocate Runes: Spend runes on the Faith stat.
Level Up: Increase your character’s level.
Use Incantations: Unlock powerful faith-based spells.

38. How Does Elden Ring NG+ Affect Invasions and PVP?

Elden Ring New Game Plus allows you to participate in invasions and PVP, matching you with players of similar level ranges. PVP offers exciting challenges. Engaging in PVP can be a rewarding way to test your skills.

Invasions: Invade other players’ worlds.
PVP: Engage in player versus player combat.
Level Matching: Match with players of similar levels.

39. What Are the Best Spells for Elden Ring NG+?

The best spells for Elden Ring New Game Plus include Comet Azur, Rock Sling, and Loretta’s Greatbow. These spells offer high damage output and versatility. Magic-based builds can be incredibly powerful in Elden Ring.

Comet Azur: Unleashes a beam of magic energy.
Rock Sling: Hurls rocks at enemies.
Loretta’s Greatbow: Fires a powerful magic arrow.

40. How Do I Find and Learn New Spells in Elden Ring NG+?

To find and learn new spells in Elden Ring New Game Plus, explore the world, purchase spells from merchants, and complete specific questlines. Discovering new spells enhances your magical abilities. Expanding your spell collection can greatly improve your combat options.

Explore the World: Search for hidden spells.
Purchase from Merchants: Buy spells from NPCs.
Complete Questlines: Some quests reward spells.

Navigating Elden Ring’s New Game Plus can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, you can conquer the Lands Between once more. Visit polarservicecenter.net for detailed guides, troubleshooting tips, and expert advice to enhance your gaming experience. Whether you need help with build optimization or understanding game mechanics, our team is here to provide the assistance you need.

Address: 2902 Bluff St, Boulder, CO 80301, United States
Phone: +1 (303) 492-7080
Website: polarservicecenter.net

FAQ: Elden Ring New Game Plus

1. What exactly does Elden Ring New Game Plus entail?

Elden Ring New Game Plus, or Journey 2, allows you to replay the game with your existing character and equipment while facing more challenging enemies. You retain most of your progress while facing increased difficulty.

2. How do I initiate New Game Plus in Elden Ring?

To start New Game Plus, defeat the final boss and choose to begin Journey 2 at the prompt, or select “Begin Journey 2” at the Table of Lost Grace in Roundtable Hold.

3. What items and progress are carried over to Elden Ring NG+?

You retain your character level, runes, weapons, spells, talismans, consumables, crafting materials, Remembrances, Spirit Ashes, Ashes of War, cookbooks, and map discoveries.

4. What items and progress are reset in Elden Ring NG+?

You lose access to Sites of Grace, unfinished side quests, keys like the Academy Glintstone Key, quest-related items, Great Runes, and Bell Bearings.

5. How much more difficult is Elden Ring New Game Plus compared to the first playthrough?

Elden Ring New Game Plus is significantly harder, with enemies having approximately 40% more health and dealing about 20% more damage.

6. What are the primary benefits of playing Elden Ring New Game Plus?

You can acquire duplicate weapons, access additional Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears, experience different endings, and unlock associated trophies and achievements.

7. How does my character level affect the difficulty in Elden Ring NG+?

A high character level provides an initial advantage, but the game scales to ensure enemies remain challenging.

8. What are some effective strategies for succeeding in Elden Ring NG+?

Optimize your build, utilize Spirit Ashes, master combat techniques, and exploit status effects like bleed and frostbite.

9. What are the best weapons to use in Elden Ring New Game Plus?

The Rivers of Blood katana, the Moonveil katana, and the Blasphemous Blade are highly recommended for their damage output and status effect capabilities.

10. How can Spirit Ashes aid me in Elden Ring NG+?

Spirit Ashes distract enemies, deal damage, and apply status effects, significantly improving your survivability in tough battles.