Starting out in Elden Ring can be overwhelming. With a vast open world, countless enemies, and cryptic mechanics, it's easy to miss some of the most useful early game tools. Having spent extensive time exploring Limgrave, Weeping Peninsula, and parts of Liurnia right after stepping into the Lands Between, I’ve compiled a list of essential Elden Ring items and elden ring equipment that helped me survive and thrive in those crucial first hours. Here are 10 top picks that I personally used and recommend to any Tarnished just getting started.

1. Flask of Wondrous Physick (Third Church of Marika)
You can pick this up very early by heading northeast from the starting area. What makes it so useful is its flexibility—you can customize its effects by mixing different Crystal Tears. I used one combination to boost health regeneration and stamina recovery, which made early boss fights like the Tree Sentinel much more manageable.

2. Spirit Calling Bell and Lone Wolf Ashes
This pair is incredibly helpful when learning the game’s combat. Summoning Spirit Ashes provides much-needed support during tough encounters. Ranni the Witch gives you this bell after visiting the Church of Elleh at night, shortly after you meet Melina. I still remember how the Lone Wolves helped me beat my first dungeon boss.

3. Uchigatana (Deathtouched Catacombs)
For those who prefer dexterity-based elden ring equipment, the Uchigatana is a standout choice. It's fast, has good bleed buildup, and can be infused with Ashes of War. I relied on it heavily during my early game runs, especially against faster enemies.

4. Greatshield Soldier Ashes (Night's Sacred Ground)
These Spirit Ashes summon five shield-bearing warriors that excel at drawing enemy attention. Even in the early game, they provide excellent distraction against minibosses. I used them to keep enemies busy while I healed or repositioned during difficult fights.

5. Map Fragments
While not traditional gear, map fragments are essential items that help you navigate the world. They’re often located near large stone obelisks along roads. The Limgrave map alone helped me uncover hidden ruins and shortcuts that drastically improved my early exploration.

6. Radagon’s Scarseal (Fort Faroth)
This talisman increases strength at the cost of taking slightly more damage. For melee players like me, the trade-off is worth it. I picked it up earlier than intended by sneaking through the dangerous Caelid region—and it immediately enhanced my two-handed sword playstyle.

7. Ash of War: Gravitas (Seaside Ruins)
This is a versatile Ash of War found in the Limgrave coastal area. It adds a gravity-based attack and scales with intelligence. It gave my weapons an AoE option that helped me control groups of enemies in tight caves and dungeons.

8. Crimson Amber Medallion (Fringefolk Hero’s Grave)
This talisman increases your max HP and is accessible if you use two Stonesword Keys at the tutorial area. It helped me survive many early hits that would have otherwise been fatal. Though the dungeon itself is tricky, the reward is well worth it.

9. Chain Armor Set (Merchant Kalé)
This is often the first elden ring equipment upgrade players can get. Bought from the Church of Elleh’s merchant, it offers decent protection early on. I wore this for many hours before finding better armor, and it gave me just enough poise to avoid being constantly staggered.

10. Roar Medallion (Limgrave Tunnels)
This talisman boosts the power of roar and breath attacks. If you're using a build with dragon incantations or roar-type Ashes of War, this is a fantastic early find. I used it in a strength build where War Cry was a major part of my damage rotation.

The early game of Elden Ring can be brutal, but the right Elden Ring items and elden ring equipment can make a massive difference. Each of these ten picks gave me an edge in different situations, from tanking damage to landing critical hits. Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran starting a new build, these items lay a solid foundation for success in the Lands Between. Keep your eyes open, explore thoroughly, and always be prepared—you never know what powerful tool is hidden just around the corner.

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