9 Best Early Game Elden Ring Items for Survival
Surviving the early hours of Elden Ring is often more about preparation than skill. Between ambushes, punishing bosses, and limited resources, the Lands Between can chew up unprepared Tarnished with ease. Fortunately, there are a handful of early-game items that can significantly improve your odds of survival. Whether you're new to the Souls genre or just looking to optimize your run, here are 9 of the best early game Elden Ring items you should grab as soon as possible.
1. Flask of Wondrous PhysickThis customizable healing tool is unlocked early by visiting the Third Church of Marika. Combine different Crystal Tears to tailor its effect, such as restoring HP, boosting stamina, or even adding temporary resistance. It’s a huge asset in boss fights and can save you when flasks run dry.
2. Crimson Amber MedallionAvailable in the starting keepsake selection or found later in Limgrave, this talisman boosts your maximum HP. The increased health pool gives you more room for error, especially helpful when you're still getting used to dodging and blocking effectively.
3. Spirit Calling BellAfter meeting Renna at the Church of Elleh at night, you'll get the Spirit Calling Bell, allowing you to summon Spirit Ashes. These spectral allies are crucial for early game encounters, often drawing aggro and letting you deal damage more safely.
4. Lone Wolf AshesAlongside the Spirit Calling Bell, the Lone Wolf Ashes are a strong early-game summon. While not the most durable, they’re fast and disruptive—perfect for crowd control or stalling tougher enemies.
5. Staunching BolusesHemorrhage builds up quickly in areas like Caelid or when fighting certain enemies. Having a few of these boluses on hand early can save you from a quick death if you wander into danger. They can also be crafted if you collect the right cookbook.
6. Shortbow (or any ranged weapon)Limgrave has several flying enemies and enemies that like to kite from range. A Shortbow lets you control space, lure enemies one at a time, and deal damage before they reach you. With low stat requirements, it’s a practical backup for most builds.
7. Flame Drake TalismanYou’ll find this in Groveside Cave after defeating the Beastman of Farum Azula. It increases fire resistance, which is surprisingly useful early on. It reduces damage from enemies like dragons and certain traps you’ll encounter in Limgrave and beyond.
8. Crafting KitPurchased from Merchant Kale at the Church of Elleh, this item is essential for on-the-go survival. Once you have it, you can start crafting healing items, arrows, and status cures using materials gathered in the world.
9. Stone Sword KeysUnlocking imp statue doors can lead to powerful weapons, talismans, or gear that might otherwise be inaccessible until much later. Buying a few early and using them wisely (like in the Fringefolk Hero’s Grave or Weeping Peninsula) can give you a notable edge.
While these items won't make you invincible, they provide a strong foundation for surviving Elden Ring’s ruthless introduction. If you're looking to speed things up a bit or explore alternative build paths, some players opt to buy Elden Ring Items directly to jump past early-game grind. Others search for cheap Elden Ring runes to help with leveling and experimenting with different weapons or spells. However you choose to play, getting your hands on these survival tools early will make your journey through the Lands Between a little less punishing—and a lot more rewarding.