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Elden Ring is full of secrets, and many of them are tucked away behind optional side quests. Some of the game’s most compelling stories and rare Elden Ring Items come from these optional paths, but it’s surprisingly easy to miss them if you're not careful. Whether you’re a first-time Tarnished or returning for a new playthrough, here are eight practical ways to experience Elden Ring without missing out on its many side quests.

1. Talk to Every NPC Multiple Times

Many players miss side quests simply because they speak to an NPC once and move on. In Elden Ring, some characters require multiple interactions before they open up about their goals or offer a quest. Don’t rush your conversations—exhaust their dialogue options and revisit them after major events. This small habit unlocks more paths than you might expect.

2. Keep a Quest Journal

Unlike many modern RPGs, Elden Ring doesn’t track quests for you. That’s part of the charm—but it also makes it easy to forget where an NPC went or what they asked of you. Keeping a simple journal or note app with names, locations, and objectives can make a massive difference. This is especially useful when juggling multiple questlines that can intersect or conflict.

3. Explore Thoroughly and Return Often

Some side quests only progress when you revisit specific areas after a boss fight or story milestone. For example, returning to previously cleared zones can reveal new events, hostile takeovers, or characters in new states. The world of Elden Ring is reactive, so returning to old ground can reward you with powerful Elden Ring Items or a chance to advance someone’s story.

4. Check for Changes After Major Bosses

Key moments in the game’s story often shake up the world and its characters. After defeating a major boss—especially those tied to legacy dungeons—take time to revisit the Roundtable Hold and notable NPC hubs. Many questlines are affected by story progress, and characters can relocate or disappear entirely if you move on too fast.

5. Use In-Game Clues to Track NPCs

FromSoftware often leaves subtle breadcrumbs for side quests. If an NPC leaves a location, look for notes, bloodstains, or even enemy spawns that hint at where they’ve gone. Paying attention to these details helps you stay on track and prevents you from missing quests that lead to special endings or rare items.

6. Avoid Locking Yourself Out Early

Be mindful that certain story progressions can cut off side content. For example, entering the Forge of the Giants without finishing key character arcs can prematurely end their quests. If you’re unsure, it’s worth pausing before major story zones to double-check where your NPCs are and what they might still need. Some players even choose to buy Elden Ring runes in advance to prepare for difficult encounters tied to late-stage quests.

7. Co-op Carefully

Multiplayer is a huge part of Elden Ring, but joining other players’ worlds can sometimes interrupt your own quest flow. If you’re progressing a delicate questline or in a zone tied to NPCs, consider finishing key objectives solo first. That way, you can avoid unintentional consequences and make sure nothing is skipped or broken.

8. Use the Community Wisely

Despite Elden Ring’s opacity, the community has done an incredible job mapping out questlines. While you don’t need to follow a wiki step-by-step, checking in occasionally—especially if you think you’ve missed someone—can help. Sites like U4GM also offer resources, player guides, and even ways to buy Elden Ring runes to boost your build if you’ve fallen behind from skipping content.

Exploring every side quest in Elden Ring isn’t just about completion—it’s about getting the most out of its rich, mysterious world. Whether you’re chasing hidden lore or just want the best Elden Ring Items to maximize your build, keeping track of side content can drastically enhance your experience. Don’t forget to stay patient, stay curious, and let the world unfold around you at its own pace.