Elden Ring offers players a vast world with seemingly endless paths to explore, but there is a clear, critical path you need to follow to progress through the game and reach its ending. This walkthrough will focus on guiding you through the main story while allowing for exploration and side content along the way.

1. The Opening (Chapel of Anticipation)

Starting Class & Keepsake: Choose your starting class and Keepsake, then begin at the Chapel of Anticipation.

Tutorial: You'll be guided through the opening, which is a brief introduction to combat mechanics. After facing a boss (intended to die here), you'll respawn in the Stranded Graveyard, which leads to the main world of The Lands Between.

2. Stranded Graveyard to Limgrave

Exit the Graveyard: Once you've navigated through the Graveyard (which is the tutorial area), head outside to the world's open map.

Activate the Site of Grace: This is where the game's primary navigation system kicks in. Follow the yellow glowing arrows (called the Guidance of Grace) to navigate your way through the world.

3. Church of Ellah

First Major Stop: At this point, head towards the Church of Ellah, where you can find the Merchant. He sells important Elden Ring items like the Crafting Kit (which allows you to craft consumables) and other useful tools, such as a Torch.

Prepare for Exploration: It's highly recommended to pick up the Whetstone Knife and Limgrave Map Fragment here. These will aid your exploration and upgrade options.

4. The Gatefront Ruins

Melina's Introduction: After resting at the Gatefront Ruins Site of Grace, you'll encounter Melina, who offers you the ability to level up and gifts you Torrent, your spectral steed. This is essential for getting around faster.

Side Content: At this point, feel free to explore Limgrave, take on some optional dungeons, and explore caves for cheap Elden Ring items and equipment. You can also visit nearby merchant shops and look for upgrade materials.

5. Stormveil Castle

The Main Path: From the Gatefront Site of Grace, follow the road to Stormveil Castle, the first main legacy dungeon. You'll find a hoard of enemies guarding the entrance.

Golden Seed: Along the way, you will encounter a Golden Seed, which is crucial for increasing your healing flasks.

Exploration: Proceed into the castle through a tunnel after defeating or avoiding the enemies. Make sure to activate the Site of Grace inside Stormveil Castle.

6. Legacy Dungeons: Stormveil Castle and Beyond

Focus on Bosses: Each major dungeon (like Stormveil Castle) has a main boss that you'll need to defeat to continue. Inside the castle, you'll face Godrick the Grafted, a crucial boss in the story.

Defeat Godrick: Upon defeating Godrick, you'll earn the Great Rune and continue progressing through the game.

7. The Roundtable Hold

Transition Area: After Stormveil Castle, you'll be transported to the Roundtable Hold, a central hub where you can talk to NPCs, upgrade your gear, and learn more about your mission.

NPC Interactions: This is a great place to gather lore and meet NPCs who may offer side quests or critical information about the world.

8. Liurnia of the Lakes

New Region: After Stormveil Castle, you'll travel to Liurnia of the Lakes, a large open region. Here, you'll encounter Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, the next main boss.

Navigating Liurnia: Be sure to visit Rennala's Academy, the area where she resides. There are plenty of enemies to face, and the academy itself is a massive dungeon full of secrets.

9. Altus Plateau

The Upper Region: After defeating Rennala, you'll continue north and ascend to the Altus Plateau. This area is highly dangerous, but it is where you'll encounter important story elements.

Explore Thoroughly: This region features bosses, dungeons, and a huge open world to explore. You'll be able to gather key items to prepare for the next steps.

10. Leyndell, Royal Capital

Key Dungeon: After navigating through the Altus Plateau, you'll eventually find yourself in the Royal Capital of Leyndell, one of the most iconic legacy dungeons in the Elden Ring.

Endgame Progression: Inside, you'll face Morgott, the omen king, an important boss that ties into the game's lore.

11. The Forbidden Lands and Mountaintops of the Giants

A Path to the Endgame: Once you've made it through Leyndell, you'll journey to the Forbidden Lands, which will lead you to the Mountaintops of the Giants. Here, you'll be able to enter the Fire Giant's domain, the last major boss, before you reach the final area of the game.

12. The Endgame - The Elden Throne

Final Bosses: The final stretch involves preparing for the ultimate confrontation against Radagon of the Golden Order and The Elden Beast, the last bosses you'll need to defeat to finish Elden Ring.

Critical Path Summary:

Chapel of Anticipation: Tutorial area, death is expected.

Stranded Graveyard to Limgrave: Begin exploring the open world.

Church of Ellah: Gather early tools and resources.

Gatefront Ruins: Meet Melina and gain access to Torrent.

Stormveil Castle: First major dungeon and boss fight (Godrick).

Roundtable Hold: Central hub for upgrades and NPC interactions.

Liurnia of the Lakes: Second region with Renalla as a major boss.

Altus Plateau: New, dangerous region with more lore and bosses.

Leyndell, Royal Capital: Major city dungeon with Morgott.

Forbidden Lands/Mountaintops of the Giants: Path to the final stretch.

Elden Throne: Final bosses and the endgame.

Note: While the above covers the critical path, remember that Elden Ring rewards exploration. Side quests, hidden bosses, dungeons, and secret areas can all offer major rewards that will help you prepare for the challenges ahead. The game allows you to explore freely, so don't be afraid to stray from the critical path for extra experience and lore!