The Tarnished will need all the help they can get if they want to lay their hands upon the Elden Ring. Your choice of starting Keepsake gift in Elden Ring is a small but vital part of that quest. Though you gain access to these same objects later in the game, getting your hands on them early can make the start of your run faster and easier. Whether you’re stepping into the Lands Between for the first time or gearing up for a hitless run, it’s worth taking a moment to consider your starting loadout in FromSoftware‘s Soulslike epic. Here are our picks for the best Keepsakes in Elden Ring, ranked from good to excellent.
5. Crimson Amber Medallion
The Crimson Amber Medallion raises your maximum HP, which is always good. Being able to take even one extra hit can save you during a difficult boss fight or while slogging through a dungeon in search of a shiny new weapon. Though it’s one of the best Keepsake gifts in Elden Ring for Heroes and other frontline classes, the Crimson Amber Medallion isn’t without its drawbacks. Enemies in the Lands Between hit hard, and the modest HP boost this trinket provides won’t spare you from many blows. It’s also possible to buy this item early in the game, further reducing its overall value.
4. Golden Seed
The Golden Seed allows you to enhance your Flask, which serves as your most important healing item. A Seed allows you to add one charge, which might not sound like much but makes a big difference, especially for new players trying out their first Vagabond. If you’re an Elden Ring veteran, there are better Keepsakes for your journey, but for newcomers, the Golden Seed is a fantastic choice. Whether you’d like some more survivability for your sword-and-board build or more mana for your mage, the Golden Seed will serve you well in the early game.
3. Bewitching Branch
Compared to some of the other Keepsakes, the Bewitching Branch is a bit finicky. There are many enemies in the game it doesn’t work against. There are also some circumstances in which it works but offers little to no value for your effort. Bewitching Branches allow you to take control of an enemy’s mind, briefly converting them into your ally on the battlefield. Mind control and command abilities are potent whether you’re playing a Bandit or Confessor, making the Bewitching Branch one of the best Keepsakes in Elden Ring.
2. Imp Ashes
Imps are an infuriating enemy that many players will encounter early in Limgrave. When they’re not leaping off of walls to gank you, these Imps can be recruited to bring some misery to your enemies instead. These Ashen allies are adorable, but they’re also surprisingly helpful, especially if you’re playing an Astrologer or Prophet and need a speedy distraction. Though there are many bosses they struggle against, they’re solid assistants early in the game when many players need help the most. Even if you later replace them with superior summons, the Imp Ashes are a great choice.
1. Stonesword Key
While the Golden Seed may be the best Keepsake for new players in Elden Ring, the Stonesword Key is likely the best for experienced ones. Stonesword Keys are relatively rare, and the rewards they unlock are typically worthwhile. This Keepsake is much more of a gamble if you’re new to the game. When you have the benefit of knowing exactly where to go and what you’ll be unlocking, however, the Stonesword Key proves its worth. Whether you’re using it as a Wretch to dive headfirst into the Fringefolk Hero’s Grave or grab a special weapon later in Elden Ring, the Stonesword Key is a fantastic starting gift.
Elden Ring is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
