So you've finally whooped Radagon and Elden Beast? Congrats, champ! But guess what – those golden leaves rustling aren't just for decoration. Elden Ring's New Game Plus, aka 'Journey 2,' is basically the Lands Between leaning over your shoulder whispering, 'Bet you can't do it again... but harder.' It’s your golden ticket to relive the madness while keeping most of your hard-earned goodies. Just remember: bosses ain’t gonna play nice this time – they’ve been hitting the gym during your victory lap.

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Unlocking The Re-Run Ride

Starting Journey 2 isn't rocket science, but don't get trigger-happy when the game flashes that shiny 'Commence Journey 2' button after the final boss. That thing’s sneakier than a Mimic Tear! Hit yes immediately and poof – you’re locked out of unfinished business. The smarter move? Play hard-to-get. Decline the prompt, then mosey on back to Roundtable Hold later when you’re good and ready. Interact with the Site of Grace there like it’s an old buddy, and bam – you’ve got a fresh apocalypse to unwind in.

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Pre-Journey Grocery Run

Before diving back into the chaos, do these three things unless you fancy getting stomped by the first Tree Sentinel:

  1. Stockpile Smithing Stones: Bell Bearings ghost you in NG+, so clean out those Twin Maiden Husks! Grab:

  2. Regular Smithing Stones (buy 'em like candy)

  3. Somber ones for your fancy special weapons

  4. Seriously, hoard these like a dragon with trust issues

  5. Pimp Your Gear: Found a weapon that clicks? Max that bad boy out! Ashes of War feeling neglected? Give 'em some love. NG+ bosses hit like trucks carrying other trucks, so walking in with a +0 club is asking for pain.

  6. Rune Farming Spa Day: Treat yo’self to a rune bath! Stash enough golden goodness to:

  7. Buy out every merchant

  8. Skip early-game penny-pinching

  9. Basically flex on those starting zone plebs

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What Comes Along For The Ride

Here’s what survives the dimension hop to Journey 2:

Keepers Left Behind
Your Level & Stats Bell Bearings (RIP)
Weapons & Armor Key Story Items
Spells & Incantations Map Discoveries
Consumables Sites of Grace

Your health and strength tags along like a loyal Spirit Ash, but say bye-bye to Bell Bearings – gotta recollect those bad boys. Spells? They’re glued to your memory. Just don’t expect new hidden areas; the real change is bosses morphing into absolute units with health bars longer than Ranni’s questline and damage that’ll make you question life choices.

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So... feeling brave yet? Grab that maxed-out gear, stuff runes in every pocket, and dive back in. The Lands Between misses its favorite punching bag. Go show 'em who's boss – again! 🎮💥