When you start a new game in Elden Ring, you can choose a Keepsake along with your class. We will tell you what they are and which Keepsake you should choose.
What are Keepsakes? Right after choosing your class in Elden Ring, you are allowed to not only customize the appearance of your character, but also choose a Keepsake.
The Keepsake is an item that your character will have in their inventory right from the start. You may choose 1 from 9 different items – or forgo a Keepsake entirely.
While you cannot make a truly bad choice that will disadvantage you in the long run, as all Keepsakes can also be found in the open world.
However, only 2 Keepsakes are really good, especially for the beginning. You can safely ignore the rest of the selection, as they are replaceable or not good enough.
The 2 best Keepsakes: Stone Sword Key and Golden Seed
Which Keepsake is the best? Although you have the choice from 9 items, you should really only consider 2: The Stone Sword Key or the Golden Seed.
An overview of all Keepsakes:
- Red Amber Medallion: A talisman that slightly increases your health points.
- Land Between Rune: 3000 runes that you can use as XP or currency.
- Golden Seed: Provides an additional charge to your health or mana flask.
- Ash of the Vampire Witches: Summons vampire witch spirits with the Spirit Calling Bell.
- Stone Sword Key: Opens certain passages in the game.
- Enticing Branches: 5 consumable items that briefly distract enemies.
- Cooked Shrimp: Increases resistance to physical damage.
- Shabiri’s Woe: A talisman that makes enemies attack you significantly more aggressively.
Why is the key so good? The Stone Sword Key is clearly the best choice for experienced Soulsborne players. With this, you can already open another part of the cave waiting behind a milky fog wall in the tutorial dungeon.
In this secret part of the dungeon, which you can open with the Stone Sword Key, you will find numerous goodies. Without revealing too much: Most of what you find there directly replaces many of the other Keepsakes.
With the Stone Sword Key, you have the opportunity right from the beginning to gather several important items early on. Even if the additional dungeon is too difficult for you at first, you can always return and try again. The loot won’t run away from you.
Why is the Golden Seed so good? If you don’t feel up to tackling an additional dungeon right at the start, or if you generally want an easier entry into Elden Ring, the Golden Seed is also worthwhile.
With this, you can give your healing or mana flask one extra charge at a Site of Grace. This way, you can afford to make more mistakes at the beginning compared to players who started with a different Keepsake.
Your choice should therefore preferably fall on the key. However, if you are completely new to FromSoftware games and want the option to heal more often right away, the Golden Seed is a good alternative.
Which Keepsake did you choose? Do you share our opinion? Let us know in the comments.
If you are already further along and have problems with the first proper boss in Elden Ring, we have here some important tips and tricks for you:
Elden Ring: Tips and tricks against Margit – How to beat the first real boss more easily
