Picking the right class and subsequent path to aim towards is a difficult choice faced by players at the start of FromSoftware’s highly popular latest release Elden Ring. While a class can be widely customized and tailored to every player’s needs and liking, it still presents the player with a particular template on which to build upon.
Along with deciding a starting class, players can also choose between nine different Keepsakes, an item or items that a player can use from the very beginning, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. There is the obvious tenth option of starting without one, but rejecting a free item in a notably difficult game suggests that the player is simply looking for the hardest possible experience.
9 The Bewitching Branch Is An Interesting Concept Of Forcing Foes To Become Allies
The Bewitching Branch is a Keepsake option that seems especially useful in theory, with it being used to charm and sway enemies while consuming FP, having the potential to get them fighting for you.
Receiving just five of these is a big drawback, as they are likely to be used up rather quickly. However, gaining a fleeting ally can be a huge lift and help in many of the grueling fights that Elden Ring has to offer. These can indeed be found or bought, but can easily be forgotten about unless used and experienced towards the start.
8 Boiled Prawns Boost Physical Damage Negation
When compared to the other Keepsakes on offer, five Boiled Prawns may not seem like the most appealing of options. But they do have their benefits, albeit rather short-lived ones. Each Boiled Prawn provides a damage negation boost for a short period of time, which can prove extremely useful in the early parts of Elden Ring.
However, as consumables, they will likely be used up within the first five fights of the game. While they will likely help streamline the process of getting to the first few Sites of Grace, there are better Keepsakes on offer that have benefits in the long run.
7 Shabriri’s Woe Attracts & Incites Aggression
Shabriri’s Woe will not appeal to everyone, as it forces combat situations. Its purpose is to draw an enemy’s aggression and attention. Players who want to try and exercise as much stealth and precaution as they can will want to steer clear of this Keepsake option, but it does still have its uses.
Players who like to make the most of Elden Ring‘s co-op play, can have one person equip Shabriri’s Woe as a Talisman and attract the enemies so that a friend can unleash surprise attacks and crits on distracted foes. This method is seriously underrated and becomes especially useful in allowing a friend to retreat and heal up.
6 Cracked Pots Are Especially Useful In Item Crafting
Cracked Pots are extremely useful for players who like to make the most of Item Crafting, with Firebombs being one of many examples of what can be made from them. They can be easily found in all manner of different places throughout the Lands Between, but getting some early on is a perfect way to try them out.
One of the several Keepsake options for players to choose from at the beginning of the game is receiving three of these Cracked Pots, and while it may be initially underwhelming compared to many of the other options, it isn’t the worst.
5 The Lands Between Rune Gives Players A Welcome Batch Of Runes
The Lands Between Rune grants a player 3000 Runes upon starting the game, allowing for immediate leveling up. While this may seem especially useful for those impatient players that want to become strong as quickly as possible, there are certainly more beneficial Keepsakes to choose, when considering the long-term benefits of the correct decision.
However, Runes can also be spent at merchants, giving players a chance to upgrade equipment almost immediately, without having to brave enemies until they are absolutely ready.
4 Fanged Imp Ashes Are A Nice Early Alternative To Wolves & Jellyfish
As far as Spirit Ashes go, the Lone Wolves and the Spirit Jellyfish are often the go-to summons used by players at the start of the game, upon receiving the Spirit Calling Bell. However, there is an alternative option, with players being able to pick the Fanged Imp Ashes as their Keepsake of choice.
The two Fanged Imps from these Ashes are exceptionally fast and while they may not be the strongest of summons, they can prove to be exceptional distractions if the player is cornered or trapped by foes.
3 Stonesword Keys Allow For Even More Exploration Without Hinderance Or Obstacles
Stonesword Keys allow players to access certain rooms or areas that are closed off for general use, which normally have a special item, quest start or experience hidden behind them. Choosing this Keepsake at the beginning grants the player two of these, making it a good idea for the curious players that want to explore straight away.
Stonesword Keys can be found or bought from many different locations throughout the Lands Between, but having them at the start allows for more exploration without having to prepare in this regard first.
2 The Crimson Amber Medallion Grants The Player Additional Health
In a game as difficult as FromSoftware’s Elden Ring, players are always going to have one eye on their health, due to the sheer amount of frustration that dying can bring. This makes Vigor one of the most important attributes to spend Runes on upon leveling up in order to boost the maximum HP, ultimately allowing players to take more hits.
The Crimson Amber Medallion is a Talisman that grants the user +26 overall health when equipped, and while it may not seem like too much of a boost, it can make all the difference when facing the first few tough enemies of the game.
1 Golden Seeds Are Undeniably Crucial In The Long Run
Among all of the Keepsake options available at the start of Elden Ring, the Golden Seed is one that the players are desperate for when in-game, so to have a head start in this regard is always a bonus. Golden Seeds are found at the base of illusory trees and allow players to upgrade their flask allocation.
This means that they can replenish their HP or FP more times when faced with immediate danger, depending on how they distribute their flask allowance, and being able to upgrade this at the beginning of the game is a huge help for beginners.
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