Elden Ring: Which Keepsake Starting Gift You Should Choose

Keepsakes in Elden Ring are similar to starting gifts in Dark Souls that provide a boost to players during the early game experience. Keepsakes are picked depending on the individual player’s build and gameplay approach. During character creation, players can pick one of nine Keepsakes in which their character can start the game, or choose to obtain none. Deciding on a Keepsake is only important during the early portions of the game, and it seems as though anything selected may be acquired later on.

Although Elden Ring can be stressful for new players, characters can be built with few limitations. Each Elden Ring class comes with its own unique elements and stats, and Keepsakes help the journey begin smoothly. Out of all the Keepsakes, there are four that could prove especially beneficial to new players: the Golden Seed, the Crimson Amber Medallion, the Stonesword Key, and the Fanged Imp Ash. There are five other Keepsakes that may be suited for more experienced players of previous Dark Souls games, including: the Lands Between Rune, the Cracked Pot, the Bewitching Branch, Boiled Prawn, and Shabiri’s Woe – plus the option to not take a Keepsake at all.

While new fans prep for Elden Ring’s Release, they may want to consider the Elden Ring starting gifts better suited for them. The Crimson Amber Medallion is likely one of the top choices for new players, serving as an equippable talisman that boosts the character’s maximum health. The Golden Seed is a material that can be used to increase the maximum charges in flasks, which heals a character, keeping characters healthy while they get used to the game. Fanged Imp Ashes allow the player to summon a familiar to assist in battles, helping draw aggro away and serving use in boss battles, which can help for those struggling with boss battles (though other Spirits can be found throughout the game). Elden Ring’s selection of Keepsake starting gifts also includes the Stonesword Key, which apes the function of the Pharros Lockstone from Dark Souls 2. The Stonesword Key is a somewhat rare item that can be used to unlock Imp Gargoyle Locks, which may hide new areas or rewards. Taking one allows for immediate access to these areas, which is universally useful for any character.

Some Keepsakes Are More Useful For Experienced Players

The other five Keepsakes in Elden Ring are more suited for experienced players as they require knowledge about how the systems in Dark Souls work or are less generally beneficial. Experienced players have a challenge awaiting with Elden Ring offering difficult optional bosses, but they can also choose from one of these items to get a slight advantage.

One of these options is the Lands Between Rune which will give them a bundle of early Runes to use for leveling up, enhancing gear, or buying items from merchants. However, Runes are lost upon death, so one should be careful after consuming it. The Cracked Pot is a crafting material that players can use to craft items like Fire Pots. This keepsake is less useful because of how widely available Fire Pots already are, likely being something players will be able to purchase through merchants somewhat early on. Some play styles in Elden Ring require more use of consumables, and the Bewitching Branch starting gift offers five sacred branches charged with power. Shabiri’s Woe is a Keepsake used to grab enemy attention, which is another basic consumable. Lastly, the Boiled Prawn is a consumable item that can be used to negate damage. It is effective against strong enemies, such as bosses, but has a one-time use with a limited effect duration.

Out of all these Keepsakes, players can additionally choose not to have one at all, offering an additional challenge. It still is important to note that Keepsakes are only useful towards the beginning of the game and all Keepsakes have their uses. Having the Golden Seed or the Crimson Amber Medallion are two great starting choices for new players.

Elden Ring’s official launch date is Feburary 25 and is available on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC.

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