How to Sprint in Elden Ring

With countless enemies to face and vast lands to explore, sprinting is an essential gaming mechanic. Whether you’re on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, mastering sprinting should feel like second nature.

By learning how to sprint effectively, you’ll improve your mobility and gain a crucial advantage in surviving the dangers of the Land Between. Explore the controls, tips, and strategies to elevate your gameplay and help you outrun enemies.

Sprinting Mechanics by Console and PC

PC

Hold the Spacebar while using the WASD keys or the arrow keys to move your character. Tapping the Spacebar without directional input will cause your character to backstep.

PlayStation

Hold the Circle button while moving the left control stick in the desired direction. If you simply tap the circle button with no directional input, your character will take a step back.

Xbox

Hold the B button while moving the left joystick in the desired direction. Tapping the B button without directional input will result in a backstep.

Tips for Sprinting in Elden Ring

Watch Your Stamina

Always keep an eye on your stamina bar while sprinting. If your stamina bar gets too low, you might not have enough stamina to dodge or attack when needed, putting you at risk during combat.

To optimize your stamina usage, aim to use lighter attacks while dodging enemies strategically and avoid any unnecessary running. You can also equip special Talismans like the Green Turtle Talisman to boost your stamina recovery.

Armor weight also impacts your stamina bar. Consider your armor weight and how it impacts your mobility, and utilize the "stealth run" technique to regain stamina while moving quickly.

Sprint Strategically

Use sprinting to evade large groups of enemies or to escape difficult situations. However, avoid sprinting excessively in combat unless necessary, as it can leave you vulnerable if the enemy attacks.

Combine Sprinting with Dodging

Use sprinting to get distance between you and enemies before dodging. This can help you reposition or create space when facing aggressive foes. To dodge, press B/space/Circle (depending on what platform you’re playing on) while moving.

Optimize Your Equip Load

Keep your Equip Load under 70% to maintain a faster sprint speed. Light and medium loads allow for efficient stamina usage, while a heavy load severely limits your mobility. To reduce your equip load, you can remove excess armor, use lighter weapons, increase your endurance, or use special talismans like Radagon's Scalesword, which helps manage your build’s weight.

Experiment with Key Bindings

If you find the default sprint button isn’t the best option for you, remap it to a more accessible key or button. This will help you react faster when you need to sprint away.

Practice Sprinting with Different Builds

Different builds affect your stamina and sprinting capability in different ways. If you're using a Dexterity build, take advantage of your higher stamina to sprint more often while still being able to attack or dodge. Armor also impacts your stamina, so consider this when equipping heavy-duty armor like the Bull-Goat Set.

Use the Environment

You can also leverage environmental features like ledges or walls when sprinting. Try sprinting to a wall, jumping, and then quickly changing direction to confuse enemies.

Plan Your Escape Routes

Get familiar with the layout of areas you traverse. Knowing where to sprint to find cover or safe zones is invaluable during encounters with tough enemies or bosses you want to avoid.

Sprint Your Way Through The Lands Between

Sprinting is a vital movement mechanic in Elden Ring. It can not only save your life but also help you traverse the vast open world more efficiently. Now that you know the sprinting mechanics and have a few tips under your belt, you can enhance your mobility and survivability throughout your journey in the Riftlands.

How to Sprint in Elden Ring: FAQs

Can I sprint while using a shield?

Yes, you can sprint while using a shield. However, be aware that sprinting may affect your ability to block incoming attacks effectively. It’s best to disengage and sprint when you need to reposition rather than during a block.

Does armor weight affect sprinting speed?

Yes, heavier armor can impact your mobility, which in turn affects your sprint speed. If you find sprinting difficult, consider lightening your armor load to improve your agility.

What happens if I run out of stamina while sprinting?

Being in contact with an enemy is the last place you want to exhaust your sprint meter. If you do run out of stamina, your character will slow to a stop and be unable to sprint again until your stamina regenerates.