Elden Ring gives players a vast open world to explore and conquer, but your journey becomes much smoother when you start with the right items. Whether you’re a melee-focused Vagabond, a spell-slinging Astrologer, or a stealthy Bandit, the early game can be punishing if you don’t prepare properly. In this guide, we’ll highlight 10 of the best Elden Ring items for starting classes—gear and tools that provide a serious edge right from the beginning.
Best for: Samurai, Vagabond
This katana offers a strong balance of speed and bleed buildup, making it deadly against early bosses. It starts with the Samurai class but can also be found in the Deathtouched Catacombs for others. Its early access and powerful scaling make it ideal for dexterity-focused builds.
Best for: All classes
Unlocked early at the Third Church of Marika, this customizable flask gives players a free buff or heal. Combining crystal tears found across the Lands Between, this item can be tailored to any build.
Best for: Astrologer, Prophet
This is one of the most powerful staves for Intelligence-based builds at the beginning of the game. Found in the Swamp of Aeonia in Caelid, it boosts gravity spells and requires no upgrades to be highly effective.
Best for: All classes
Spirit Ashes let you summon helpful allies, and the Lone Wolf Ashes are an early, reliable option. Available after talking to Renna at the Church of Elleh at night, these wolves distract enemies and help with tough bosses.
Best for: Confessor, Prophet, Vagabond
Golden Vow increases both attack and defense, making it perfect for both solo play and co-op. The Ash of War version is found early in Mt. Gelmir and can be equipped on various weapons, giving a powerful edge to faith or melee builds.
Best for: Vagabond, Hero
This talisman enhances guard boost, letting shield users block more effectively without losing stamina. Found in a chest behind a carriage in the Altus Plateau, it pairs well with the Great Turtle Shell or any heavy shield.
Best for: Hero, Warrior
Boosting Strength significantly, this talisman is great for melee classes looking to hit harder early on. It comes with a slight increase in damage taken, but the offensive power is worth the trade-off for aggressive builds.
Best for: All stamina-reliant classes
This talisman increases stamina regeneration, crucial for dodging, attacking, or blocking. Found in Summonwater Village, it’s easy to obtain early and pairs well with aggressive or defensive playstyles.
Best for: Astrologer, Prisoner
This gravity spell is devastating in the early game and scales with the Meteorite Staff. It deals high poise damage, making it perfect for interrupting enemies and bosses. Found near the Meteorite Staff location in Caelid.
Best for: Warrior, Vagabond
This curved greatsword has high bleed and strength scaling, making it an excellent weapon for fast, heavy-hitting builds. It’s dropped by Bloodhound Knight Darriwil in Limgrave and can carry you through mid-game with ease.
Choosing the right Elden Ring items early on helps each class shine in its own way. Whether you lean toward sorcery, melee, or hybrid styles, these tools give you the survivability and power needed to thrive in the game’s opening hours. Experiment and upgrade wisely—your journey through the Lands Between depends on it.