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Elden Ring’s inventory can quickly become cluttered with gear, consumables, and crafting materials. In the rush to free up space or earn a few extra runes, it's tempting to discard or sell items that seem unnecessary. But some items, even those that seem useless at first glance, are essential to progression, builds, or unlocking powerful mechanics. Here are 24 key items in Elden Ring you should think twice about before letting go.

1. Larval TearUsed to respec your character at Rennala. These are limited, and you’ll need them for build experimentation, especially if you're shifting between melee and magic playstyles.

2. Stonesword KeysUsed to open imp statue doors throughout the Lands Between. Some hide critical loot, optional bosses, or shortcuts. Always keep a few in your inventory.

3. Celestial DewAllows you to reverse NPC aggression at the Church of Vows. If you accidentally strike an NPC or trigger a hostile response, this is your one shot at redemption.

4. Rune ArcsThese enhance your character when a Great Rune is equipped. They may not seem important early on, but they become a core part of your strategy during boss fights.

5. Golden SeedsEssential for upgrading your flask usage. More flasks equal longer survivability — it’s that simple.

6. Sacred TearsThese improve how much your flasks heal. Selling or discarding these slows your overall power curve.

7. Ancient Dragon Smithing StoneUsed to fully upgrade regular weapons to +25. These are extremely rare and should be reserved for your top-choice weapon.

8. Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing StoneSame as above, but for special weapons. There's only a small number in the game — hoard them until you're sure which weapon deserves the upgrade.

9. Memory StonesIncrease the number of spells you can equip. If you’re running any sort of magic build, these are vital.

10. Talisman PouchesUnlock additional talisman slots. Don't discard these under any circumstances — they provide huge build flexibility.

11. Cracked PotsReusable containers for thrown items like firebombs or sleep pots. These are limited and essential for crafting tactical items on the fly.

12. Ritual PotsUsed to craft more powerful throwing items. They’re rare and usually tied to specific builds or fights.

13. Perfume BottlesEnable the use of perfumes, which offer offensive or utility effects. Great for support builds or PvP.

14. Dragon HeartsUsed to purchase dragon incantations at altars. Even if you don’t use them right away, these unlock some of the game’s most destructive magic.

15. RemembrancesDropped by major bosses, they can be exchanged for powerful weapons or spells. You can duplicate them at Walking Mausoleums — don’t sell them until you know what they offer.

16. Haligdrake Talisman (and variants)These talismans greatly boost resistances, especially useful in areas like the Haligtree or against holy damage bosses.

17. Sealbreaker KeysCritical for exploring certain locked areas in Seluvis’ questline and other hidden zones.

18. Weathered Map and other Quest CluesThese don't look useful at first, but they provide subtle hints for progressing certain NPC quests. Hold on to them if you’re not using guides.

19. Bell BearingsAllow the Twin Maiden Husks in Roundtable Hold to sell useful items. They open up crafting and gear options you might otherwise miss.

20. Great RunesWhile they require activation and Rune Arcs to be effective, they provide some of the most powerful passive buffs in the game.

21. Dragon Communion SealsCritical for boosting the strength of dragon incantations. If you’re dabbling in this magic path, don’t toss this away.

22. Fanged Imp AshesOne of the more underrated Spirit Ashes for early-to-mid game due to their bleed damage. Easy to miss, but potent in the right situations.

23. Mimic Tear AshesStill arguably one of the most versatile summons in the game. Even after nerfs, it remains extremely effective for tough boss encounters.

24. Cookbook VolumesWhether it’s Armorer’s or Missionary’s, these unlock crafting recipes. They aren’t consumed and don’t have obvious use until you need that specific item — so don’t discard them casually.

The temptation to sell off unused items for a few extra runes is understandable, especially when elden ring runes for sale are easily available across communities. But managing your inventory wisely can prevent a lot of regret down the road. Many of these items play a bigger role than they initially seem and can even save you the need to seek out cheap Elden Ring Items later when you're in a pinch.

Take your time, read item descriptions, and always double-check before selling. In a game like Elden Ring, what you throw away today could be the exact thing you need to survive tomorrow.