To level up in Elden Ring, follow these detailed steps:

1. Complete the Tutorial Area:
– Start by completing the optional tutorial dungeon, the Cave of Knowledge. This will introduce you to basic mechanics like using Sites of Grace and interacting with NPCs.

2. Find Melina:
– After leaving the tutorial area, head to the Stranded Graveyard and then north to the Gatefront Ruins. Here, you’ll find a Site of Grace. Rest at this Site of Grace (or two others) in succession. This will trigger Melina’s appearance.

3. Accept Melina’s Offer:
– When Melina appears, she will offer to become your maiden. Accept her offer to unlock the ability to level up at any Site of Grace.

4. Rest at a Site of Grace:
– Once Melina has accepted your offer, you can rest at any Site of Grace to level up. This will allow you to access the “Level Up” option in the menu.

5. Level Up Using Runes:
– At the leveling menu, you can choose which attribute point to assign and to what. Each point you assign will increase your character’s level by an additional point. The amount of Runes needed to level up will increase as your level increases.

6. Manage Your Runes:
– Runes are acquired by defeating enemies, conquering bosses, and exploring The Lands Between. Be aware that dying will drop all of your currently held runes, which can be retrieved by returning to the site of your death. However, if you die again before retrieving them, they will be lost forever.

7. Prioritize Your Stats:
– When deciding which stats to level first, prioritize attributes like Vigor and Endurance for increased health and stamina, respectively. Strength and Dexterity are important for melee builds, while Intelligence is crucial for magic users.

By following these steps, you will be able to level up your character in Elden Ring effectively.