Where to Change Your Character Name

You can change your character's name at the Site of Grace called the Roundtable Hold, which you unlock after defeating Godrick the Grafted or reaching Leyndell, the Royal Capital. Once you're there, speak to the NPC named Melina, and she will offer you the option to change your character's appearance and name through a menu.

The name change is free and can be done as many times as you want. There's no limit to how often you rename your character, so you can experiment with different names without penalty.

If you haven't reached the Roundtable Hold yet, you won't be able to change your name until you do. The earliest you can typically access this feature is after defeating your first major boss or progressing far enough into Limgrave and Liurnia.

Key Takeaways

  • You can only change your character's name at the Roundtable Hold, a location you unlock by defeating Godrick or reaching Leyndell.
  • Speak to Melina at the Roundtable Hold and select the appearance and name change option from her menu.
  • Name changes are completely free and can be done as many times as you want throughout your playthrough.
  • Your character name is visible to other players in multiplayer, so choose something you're comfortable with others seeing.
  • If you want to change your name before reaching the Roundtable Hold, you'll need to progress further into the game.

How to Access Melina's Menu

Once you're at the Roundtable Hold, find Melina standing near the Site of Grace. Approach her and interact by pressing the button to talk to NPCs (X on PlayStation, A on Xbox, or the interact button on PC). A dialogue menu will appear with several options.

Look for the option that says something like "Change appearance" or "Alter your appearance." This is the menu where you can modify your character's name along with other physical features like hair color, facial structure, and body type. Select this option to open the character customization screen.

Entering Your New Name

Once you're in the appearance customization menu, navigate to the name field. You'll see your current character name displayed in an editable text box. Clear the old name and type in your new one using your controller or keyboard, depending on your platform.

Elden Ring allows you to use letters, numbers, and some special characters in your name. There are character limits—your name can typically be up to 16 characters long, though this may vary slightly. Avoid extremely offensive language, as other players will see your name in multiplayer interactions.

After you've entered your new name, confirm the change by selecting the accept or confirm button. The menu will close, and your character's name will be updated when ready.

What Happens After You Change Your Name

Your new name takes effect right away. If you're playing online, other players will see your updated name the next time you interact with them through multiplayer features like co-op or invasions. Your name will also appear on your character's save file and in any messages you leave for other players.

Changing your name does not affect your progress, inventory, level, or any other aspect of your character. It's purely a cosmetic change to how your character is identified in the game world.

Limitations and Things to Know

You cannot change your character's name before reaching the Roundtable Hold, so if you're unhappy with your choice early in the game, you'll need to progress further. There's no way to rename your character at the start screen or during character creation after you've begun playing.

If you're playing offline, your name change only affects what you see on your own screen. Once you go online or enable multiplayer features, other players will see the new name. There's no way to have different names for offline and online play—the name is tied to your character save file.

Name changes are permanent until you change them again. There's no undo button, so make sure you're happy with your new name before confirming.

Why You Might Want to Change Your Name

Many players rename their characters to match a specific build or roleplay concept. For example, you might start with a generic name and later decide to rename your character to something that fits a knight, sorcerer, or faith-based build you've developed.

Others change their names for practical reasons—maybe you chose a name you later regretted, or you want a name that's easier for friends to remember during multiplayer sessions. Since there's no penalty for changing your name, you can adjust it whenever you feel like it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my character's name before reaching the Roundtable Hold?

No. The Roundtable Hold is the only place in the game where you can change your character's name. You need to defeat Godrick the Grafted or reach Leyndell to unlock access to this location. Until then, you're stuck with the name you chose at the start.

Is there a character limit for names?

Yes, your character name is typically limited to 16 characters. This includes letters, numbers, and some special characters. If you try to enter a name longer than the limit, the game will prevent you from confirming the change.

Will other players see my new name if I change it?

Yes. Once you change your name and play online, other players will see your updated name in multiplayer interactions, messages, and bloodstains. Your old name won't appear anywhere in the game world.

Can I change my name back to what it was before?

You can type in any name you want, including your old one, but the game doesn't store a history of your previous names. If you remember exactly what your old name was, you can manually re-enter it. Otherwise, you'll need to choose a new name.

Does changing my name affect my save file or progress?

No. Changing your character's name is purely cosmetic and doesn't affect your level, inventory, quest progress, or anything else in your save file. It's one of the safest changes you can make to your character.