Elden Ring is an expansive and complex action RPG that rewards exploration, preparation, and the smart use of key tools. As someone who has poured over 100 hours into the Lands Between, I can say without hesitation that choosing the right Elden Ring items at the beginning can dramatically shape your experience. Whether you’re looking to survive longer, deal more damage, or make your character progression smoother, picking the right gear early on is critical.

Below, I’ll share five must-have Elden Ring items that I believe every player should prioritize during the early stages of the game. These picks come from personal experience, trial-and-error experimentation, and deep familiarity with what works when starting your journey.

1. Flask of Wondrous Physick

This unique item becomes available relatively early and allows you to customize a healing or buffing potion by mixing two Crystal Tears. The Flask of Wondrous Physick can turn the tide of tough fights, especially if you’re tackling strong enemies before you're fully leveled up. I often paired a boost to stamina regeneration with a temporary shield, which helped me survive bosses like Margit the Fell Omen on my first attempt.

You can find Crystal Tears across the map, so make it a habit to explore and seek them out. Having the right combination in your Flask makes it one of the most versatile Elden Ring items in the game.

2. Spirit Calling Bell

One of the best additions in Elden Ring is the ability to summon Spirit Ashes — companions that assist you in battle. But to use them, you need the Spirit Calling Bell, which you can get early by speaking to Renna at the Church of Elleh after you acquire Torrent.

Having access to Spirit Ashes helped me survive several dungeons that would have otherwise been near-impossible at my level. The Lone Wolf Ashes were especially helpful in distracting enemies, letting me focus on dealing damage from a safe distance.

3. Uchigatana

If you're going for a dexterity build or simply want a fast, bleed-inducing weapon, the Uchigatana is one of the best early-game finds. You can get it in the Deathtouched Catacombs in Limgrave. As someone who enjoys fast-paced, agile combat, this weapon carried me through the first half of the game.

It scales well with dexterity and builds up blood loss, which is powerful even in late-game areas. I highly recommend grabbing this as soon as possible if it fits your playstyle.

4. Map Fragments

Although not a traditional item in terms of combat, the importance of collecting map fragments early cannot be overstated. Elden Ring’s world is vast and dangerous. Having full visibility of each region helps you track important locations, mark bosses, and identify loot-rich areas.

My early experience was frustrating until I started seeking out these fragments systematically. Once I did, the game became far more manageable and enjoyable. You can usually find them at stone monuments near the center of each new area.

5. Crafting Kit

Buy this from Merchant Kale at the Church of Elleh right at the beginning of the game. The Crafting Kit enables you to make a variety of useful consumables, including firebombs, arrows, and status-curing items. It might not seem glamorous, but having access to crafting lets you stay stocked without needing to rely on shops or rare drops.

Being able to craft poison-resistant items saved my life in the Aeonia Swamp, and I wouldn’t explore a dangerous area without a full supply of tools made from gathered materials.

Final Thoughts and Where to Buy Elden Ring Items

In a game as rich and punishing as Elden Ring, having the right tools from the beginning makes a major difference. These five Elden Ring items not only helped me survive but also enhanced my gameplay in meaningful ways. If you ever find yourself short on time or looking to jumpstart your character’s progress, you might consider checking out a trusted buy Elden Ring item shop like U4GM. They offer a reliable and fast way to access hard-to-find gear, especially if you’ve already played through once and want to optimize your build for New Game+.

Ultimately, the beauty of Elden Ring lies in its freedom. But that freedom is best enjoyed when you're well-equipped and prepared. With these essential items in your inventory, you’ll be better positioned to explore boldly and battle with confidence.

Update Alert: Elden Ring Grafted Scion Guide: Location, Drops, Weakness