Do Stonesword keys carry over to New Game Plus?
Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s latest masterpiece, has captured the hearts of many gamers. As the game offers an incredible immersive experience, the question lingering in the minds of most players is: what will happen to their progress if they choose to play on a New Game Plus? One crucial item that receives special attention is the Stonesword Key, which raises numerous questions and concerns among the gaming community.
Carry-Over Explained
Contrary to expectations, Stonesword keys do not automatically reset or re-spawn upon entering a New Game Plus. Initially, you will retain all the keys you possessed in your previous playthrough. However, these keys can still be reused in the subsequent playthrough. To utilize them successfully, it’s essential to open areas and routes previously blocked by imp statues with these keys to explore the game world seamlessly.
Benefits of Preservation
Keeping the Stonesword keys provides an obvious advantage in future playthroughs. 26 additional keys lie scattered throughout the map, offering access to previously hidden areas, treasure, and secret routes. By exploiting this mechanic, you’ll unlock the following benefits:
- Easy access: Uncover secret areas that previously required traversing grueling paths.
- Hidden loot: Discover invaluable items and treasure chests overlooked in initial playthroughs.
- Streamlined progression: Gain a tremendous head start, allowing for faster completion and exploration.
- Immersion enhancer: Enrich the overall experience with the prospect of discovery and exploration.
- Infinite fun: Replay Elden Ring, uncover new secrets, and master challenging areas once more.
Challenges and Concerns
- Balancing: An increased availability of keys in subsequent playthroughs, along with existing ones from previous games, may imbalance the difficulty of certain zones and bosses. This balance could impact the overall playing experience and boss fights in the subsequent games.
- Strategy changes: Without the Stonesword keys initially available, strategy and routing would require more careful consideration and adaptability, enriching the experience.
- Initial learning curve: Players without knowledge of how the key mechanics work during the initial playthrough could experience confusion upon entering the New Game Plus.
Best Practices and Tips
• Savvy players who plan multiple playthroughs should always save at least one additional Stonesword Key in case you don’t complete the journey the first time around.
• Map exploration, though arduous and demanding, paves the way for enhanced understanding and knowledge of world secrets, especially in exploration-based games.
• For those unsure of the perfect timing to enter the NG+, a safe bet would be using keys before advancing significantly to unlock challenging routes.
In conclusion, for Elden Ring enthusiasts keeping the Stonesword Key in mind will significantly affect their NG+ experience, both in terms of advantage and the complexity of decision-making. Mastering each area’s routes and unexplored territories will add an exciting dimension to further playthroughs. Understanding the game mechanics will allow us to reap the benefits provided by this mechanism, rendering it essential for effective and rewarding NG+ performances.
References:
• Vanguard
• TheGamer
• GamerRadar
• GamesRadior