Here’s how to choose the best keepsake item in Elden Ring

Getting off to a strong start is important in Elden Ring, and choosing the best keepsake item is the best way to do so.

FromSoftware games have traditionally given players prefabricated “classes” to choose from at the start of a game. Alongside that is an extra item that can help make up for the weaknesses of a class or give players a boost in other ways. In Elden Ring, these items are called keepsakes and players have nine to choose from.

The list of keepsake item options include:

• Crimson Amber Medallion
• Lands Between Rune
• Golden Seed
• Fanged Imp Ashes
• Cracked Pot
• Stonesword Key
• Bewitching Branch
• Boiled Prawn
• Shabriri’s Woe

Though players can choose to start without a keepsake, that’s nothing but a handicap. The real trouble lies in choosing only one of these items because there isn’t really a cheeky Dark Souls 1 Pendant option to speak of.

So what is the best keepsake? That’s a complicated question with no clear answer, but there are some guidelines to follow.

Stonesword Key is the best Elden Ring keepsake for most classes

A Stonesword Key is the safest option out of any of Elden Ring’s keepsakes. Stonesword Keys are similar to the Fragrant Branch of Yore items from Dark Souls 2, unlocking optional shortcuts or offering rare items that can help players. These are fairly rare items in a regular playthrough, so having access to an extra one right from the start is very helpful.

Outside of choosing a Stonesword Key, the best Elden Ring keepsake choice varies based on the player’s class and preferences when playing.

The Golden Seed grants an extra use for the Sacred Flask, similar to Estus Shards from Dark Souls 3 or Gourd Seeds in Sekiro. This is another all-around strong option that all classes can get some use from.

Past those two are more granular options. The Crimson Amber Medallion is helpful for Astrologers and other casters. Having extra health is a big boon for squishy classes in Elden Ring’s early game, and the Crimson Amber Medallion offers that right from the start.

A Lands Between Rune can be used to give the player free experience to gain some extra early levels. While nobody can go wrong choosing some extra levels, the requirement for leveling up grows each time, meaning this isn’t an especially great option.

Past that is up to the player. Some of the consumable keepsake items may be best for new Elden Ring players as they can help tackle early-game bosses. Some might want to have an early spirit option with the Fanged Imp Ashes, while some might just want to flex their skills by choosing nothing.