Elden Ring is known for its vast open world and brutal difficulty, where every encounter demands preparation and smart resource management. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran of FromSoftware titles, having the right inventory can often mean the difference between a swift death and a hard-earned victory. Over countless hours exploring the Lands Between, I’ve discovered a collection of essential Elden Ring Items that consistently help me survive and thrive.

Here’s a rundown of 18 must-have items that I recommend keeping close at hand on your journey.

1. Flask of Crimson Tears

This classic healing item is your lifeline. Upgrading it should be a top priority to keep your health topped up during intense fights.

2. Flask of Cerulean Tears

Magic is a powerful tool in Elden Ring, and this flask replenishes your FP, enabling you to cast spells and use weapon skills without pause.

3. Ruinous Boluses

A situational but lifesaving item that damages nearby enemies, helping you create space when overwhelmed.

4. Preserving Boluses

Great for removing poison buildup quickly, which can otherwise drain your health unexpectedly during exploration or boss fights.

5. Firebombs

A reliable ranged attack option, especially useful for staggering enemies or interrupting their attacks.

6. Stonesword Key

Many locked areas hide valuable loot and shortcuts. Carrying a few Stonesword Keys lets you unlock these secrets, which often include powerful gear or upgrades.

7. Golden Seed

Increasing the number of Flask uses is invaluable for extended exploration and boss fights, making Golden Seeds one of the most important items to collect.

8. Smithing Stones

To enhance your weapons, you’ll need Smithing Stones. Upgrading gear is essential to keep your damage output competitive as enemies get tougher.

9. Seed of the Rotten

This item helps in building bleed effects on enemies, critical for players using Dexterity or Arcane-based builds focusing on status effects.

10. Slumbering Dragoncrest Ring

A defensive ring that suppresses enemy detection, allowing you to sneak past or gain an advantage in combat.

11. Erdtree’s Favor

This talisman increases your HP, stamina, and equip load, essential stats for surviving longer fights and carrying heavier armor.

12. Radagon’s Scarseal/Sourceal

Boosts physical attack power at the cost of some defense — a worthy tradeoff for players confident in dodging enemy strikes.

13. Somber Smithing Stones

Used for upgrading special or unique weapons, which can often be game changers in certain builds or boss fights.

14. Bolt of Gransax

A powerful spear weapon that can deal lightning damage, especially effective against bosses weak to this element.

15. Great Rune Fragments

Collecting these allows you to restore and activate Great Runes, which grant potent buffs that can turn the tide in difficult encounters.

16. Beast Blood Pellet

Boosts your attack power temporarily, perfect for tough boss battles where every bit of damage counts.

17. Cursemark of Death

A high-risk, high-reward item that significantly increases damage but also makes you more vulnerable, suited for aggressive playstyles.

18. Starlight Shards

For magic users, this item helps recover FP over time, complementing your Flask of Cerulean Tears and enabling longer spellcasting sessions.

Keeping a balanced selection of these Elden Ring Items in your inventory will significantly improve your chances of survival. One tip I’ve learned is to farm and wisely buy Elden Ring runes to afford essential upgrades and consumables. It’s easy to get caught up in leveling your character but don’t underestimate the power of having the right items ready at a moment’s notice.

Elden Ring’s challenge lies not just in your combat skills but also in your preparation and adaptability. Experiment with different combinations of items to find what works best for your playstyle and the threats you face. With these essentials by your side, the Lands Between will feel a little less hostile and a lot more conquerable.