Elden Ring: 28 Smart Tips for Managing Items and Gear
Elden Ring throws a vast world at players filled with loot, upgrades, and inventory clutter. Managing your items and gear efficiently can make all the difference, especially in tougher late-game areas. After dozens of hours wandering the Lands Between, here are 28 practical tips to help you stay organized and make the most out of every drop and rune.
1. Ditch Early-Game WeaponsDon’t hoard outdated gear. As soon as you find a weapon that scales better with your stats or fits your playstyle more naturally, make the switch.
2. Use StorageThe chest at any Site of Grace lets you store excess gear. It’s worth using regularly to avoid endless scrolling through your inventory mid-battle.
3. Organize Your Pouch and Quick SlotsSet up quick items for healing, Torrent, and buffs. Keep situational tools like Margit's Shackle or the Mimic Veil in the pouch for easy access.
4. Mark Useful ItemsYou can mark items with symbols to keep track of gear you want to upgrade or test later. It’s especially helpful for comparing talismans or ashes of war.
5. Regularly Upgrade WeaponsFind a few weapons you like and commit to upgrading them. Somber Smithing Stones are rare—don’t waste them on weapons you won’t use.
6. Focus Your Build EarlyWhether you’re going for Faith, Dexterity, or Strength, align your gear and upgrades around your core stats. It’ll save you materials and improve combat efficiency.
7. Level Up Based on Equipment NeedsSome of the best weapons and armor sets require meeting stat minimums. Keep an eye on those requirements before dumping runes into a single stat.
8. Keep a Rune BufferAlways keep some runes in inventory (the item version, not the equipped total) for emergency upgrades or merchant buys. It also helps if you're unsure of when the next farming session will be.
9. Know When to Sell vs. StoreIf you’ve outgrown a weapon or armor piece and it doesn’t suit your build, it’s okay to sell it. Otherwise, store it away until you’re sure.
10. Carry a Range of Damage TypesSome enemies resist slash but are weak to pierce. Carry at least two different weapon types or have an Ash of War that adjusts damage.
11. Don’t Sleep on Ashes of WarExperimenting with different skills can completely change a weapon’s feel. The right Ash of War can turn an average weapon into a boss-melter.
12. Farm Smart, Not HardIf you're running low on runes or upgrade materials, farming the same spot can get tedious. Many players look for the Best Place to buy Elden Ring Runes to get past grinding fatigue, especially when replaying NG+.
13. Save Upgrade Materials for Late-Game FindsIt’s tempting to upgrade everything early, but some of the best weapons come later. Leave a cushion of materials so you're not scrambling later.
14. Use Preserving BolusesRot is no joke. Always keep a few on hand or learn the recipe from merchants and craft them before exploring areas like Caelid.
15. Check Gear Load RegularlyAvoid hitting heavy load unless you’re a tanky build. Swapping talismans or lighter armor can keep you fast on your feet.
16. Carry a Torch or LanternNot every dungeon is well-lit. A lantern frees up your hand, while torches can scare off certain enemies.
17. Resistances MatterIf a boss deals heavy fire or magic damage, swapping armor can mean the difference between life and death. Keep a few specialized sets in your chest.
18. Don’t Ignore CraftingCrafting isn’t just for fun—it’s useful. Fire pots, bone darts, and status-curing items are cheap and quick to make, and they save you during rough fights.
19. Duplicate Remembrances WiselyWalking Mausoleums let you clone boss Remembrances, but each one can only be used once. Prioritize those with gear or spells that suit your playstyle.
20. Respec When NeededYou can respec after defeating Rennala. If you’re deep into the game and realize your build feels off, don’t hesitate to adjust it.
21. Track Bell BearingsMerchants who die leave bell bearings that let Twin Maiden Husks sell their wares. Collect them all so you never miss out on critical items.
22. Don't Hoard Cracked PotsUse them. They're reusable, and crafting pot items like sleeping pots or rot pots gives you a tactical edge, especially in PvP.
23. Upgrade Spirit AshesThey scale surprisingly well with upgrades. Prioritize upgrading one or two that match your build and combat style.
24. Use the Physick Flask CreativelyCustomize the Flask of Wondrous Physick to suit each boss. Healing and boost combos can save you a flask and your life.
25. Stack Buffs Before BossesBefore entering a fog wall, use your weapon buffs, talisman effects, and Physick. You'll go in strong and might finish the fight faster.
26. Always Talk to Merchants TwiceMany vendors have quest progression that only advances if you exhaust their dialogue. It also helps you learn who sells what.
27. Test Weapons in Safe ZonesWant to see how a new weapon feels? Test its moveset in the Roundtable Hold or against weak enemies. It’ll prevent wasting runes or smithing stones.
28. Buy Items SmartlyNot every item is worth the rune cost, but sometimes it's more efficient to seek the Best site to buy Elden Ring Items, especially if you're tight on time or want to skip repetitive farming.
Whether you're new to Elden Ring or heading into NG+, managing your gear and inventory is just as important as dodging that next boss swing. Stay sharp, stay organized, and keep exploring—because there's always another hidden item waiting around the next fog gate.