Alright, let's cut through the noise. That screen pops up right at the start of Elden Ring. You've just spent ages crafting your Tarnished, muscles tense from Margit memes, and now... "Select a keepsake." Panic? Maybe. Confusion? Definitely. Everyone shouts about the "best keepsake Elden Ring" choice, but what does that *actually* mean for *your* journey through the Lands Between? Is it a magic item? A boost? Something niche? Let me tell you, after six playthroughs (yes, slightly obsessive), dozens of dead characters, and way too many hours staring at loading screens, I've learned this choice matters way more than you think early on, and way less than you fear later. But picking smart makes those brutal opening hours smoother. We're not just ticking a box here; we're giving our Tarnished that tiny edge needed to survive Limgrave and beyond.
Remember my first run? I grabbed the Golden Seed because some forum post screamed it was OP. Solid choice, sure. But then I saw my mate Steve rocking the Crimson Amber Medallion. He tanked hits from that Tree Sentinel I just ran screaming from. Lesson learned: context is king. The best keepsake Elden Ring offers depends heavily on *you* – your planned build, your skill level (no shame!), and honestly, how much early-game pain you're willing to endure. This isn't about finding one mythical "best" item; it's about finding the *right tool* for *your* adventure. Let's break down every single option, warts and all, so you can confidently pick your starting gift and ditch the regret.
What Exactly Are Keepsakes? (No Fluff)
Think of keepsakes as your one freebie starting boost. They aren't game-breaking super weapons you'll use forever (though a couple come surprisingly close!), but strategic advantages tailored to early struggles. You pick one at character creation, right before you wake up in that chapel. The key thing? They are *unique* starting items. You can find *some* of them later in the world (like Golden Seeds or Stonesword Keys), but others, like the Crimson Amber Medallion+1? Nah, that starting variant is special. This makes your initial choice carry weight, especially for min-maxers or challenge runners. Choosing the ultimate Elden Ring starting keepsake often means grabbing something you can't easily replicate later, giving you a unique edge from minute one.
Critical Reality Check: No keepsake will magically make you beat Margit if you haven't grasped dodging. They provide utility, resources, or small stat bumps. Their power shines brightest in the first 10-20 hours. Don't stress endlessly – you *can* finish the game starting naked! But a smart pick? Makes life nicer.
Breaking Down Every Elden Ring Keepsake: The Brutal Truth
Time for the meat. Forget tier lists shouting "S-TIER MUST PICK!!". We're going granular. I've tested these extensively, sometimes to my character's grave despair. Let's see what each one *actually* does, who it's for, and where it shines (or flops).
Crimson Amber Medallion
This little red charm boosts your max HP by a flat 6%. Sounds small? Early on, when your Vigor is pathetic (maybe 10-15), that 6% can mean the difference between getting one-shot by a dungeon boss or surviving with a sliver of health to heal. I can't count how many times that tiny red sliver saved me in caves against annoying mini-bosses. It's passive, always active, zero management needed. Perfect for new players or anyone who hates dying in one hit.
Why it's great:
- Pure survivability boost, always active.
- Massive value for low-Vigor starts (Wretch, Astrologer).
- Scales slightly as your base HP increases.
- Cannot be obtained elsewhere until much later (and the base version is weaker).
Where it falls short:
- The benefit becomes less noticeable mid/late game with high Vigor.
- Doesn't help with damage output or utility.
- Can feel "boring" compared to flashier options.
Personal take: My go-to for any "squishy" caster build. Surviving that first magic glintstone pebble volley from an enemy mage feels good.
Lands Between Rune
This gives you a consumable rune worth 3000 runes. Pop it, get souls... er, runes. Cash money. Simple. Now, 3000 runes feels HUGE at level 1. You can instantly buy a toolkit, a weapon, or boost a stat or two. But here's the kicker: once spent, it's gone. Poof. No lasting benefit.
Why it's great:
- Immediate economic boost. Get that essential crafting kit or weapon upgrade early.
- Great for veterans speedrunning specific early purchases (like a key spell or ash of war).
- Helps mitigate early death rune loss anxiety.
Where it falls short:
- One-time use. Zero long-term value.
- 3000 runes become trivial very quickly (like, after the first real boss).
- Wasted if you die before spending it (it drops like normal runes!).
Confession: I picked this once thinking I was smart. Died to the Soldier of Godrick. Lost the rune. Never felt so foolish. Use it IMMEDIATELY.
Golden Seed
This is arguably the most consistently recommended best keepsake Elden Ring choice. It gives you one Golden Seed. These sacred tree seeds are used to permanently increase the number of Sacred Flask charges you have (Health or FP). You need multiple seeds for each upgrade tier.
Why it's great:
- Directly upgrades your core survivability tool (more healing/FP).
- Provides a permanent benefit that lasts the ENTIRE game.
- Golden Seeds are finite per playthrough. Getting one early means reaching max flask charges slightly sooner.
- Universal value for EVERY build.
Where it falls short:
- Only gives one seed. You need two for the first upgrade (starting flasks +1 seed = 1 upgrade). So you still need to find another seed quickly to feel the benefit.
- Many Golden Seeds are easily found in the open world early on (especially around Minor Erdtrees).
- Doesn't provide an immediate stat bump or combat advantage.
More heals *always* feels good when you're learning.
Fanged Imp Ashes
This gives you the Spirit Ash summoning bell and the Fanged Imp Ashes right away. Normally, you meet Ranni early to get the bell. This lets you skip that step. The imps are fast, aggressive spirits that inflict Bleed buildup.
Why it's great:
- Instantly unlocks Spirit Summoning, a core mechanic.
- Fanged Imps are surprisingly effective early game DPS and distraction.
- Bleed is powerful against many early bosses and tanky enemies.
- Saves a tiny bit of time getting to Ranni.
- Great for builds relying on summons or needing distraction.
Where it falls short:
- You get the bell VERY early normally (within 30 mins if you know where to go).
- Fanged Imps are fragile. They die fast against harder bosses.
- Many better Spirit Ashes are found early (like Lone Wolf, Jellyfish).
- If you never use Spirit Ashes (some players don't!), it's wasted.
Saw them shred a Tree Sentinel once. Was impressed. Saw them get squished by Margit's hammer twice as often.
Cracked Pot
Grants you 3 Cracked Pots. These are crafting vessels used *exclusively* for making throwable pot consumables (like Fire Pots, Poison Pots). You don't lose the pot when used; it returns to your inventory to be refilled with more craftables.
Why it's great:
- Cracked Pots are permanent reusable crafting tools.
- More pots = more throwables you can carry into battle at once.
- Essential for dedicated bomb-chucking builds.
- They are finite per playthrough. Extra ones are handy.
Where it falls short:
- Zero value unless you actively craft and use throwable pots.
- Crafting materials are needed to make the actual bombs.
- Niche appeal. Most players ignore pots after the early game.
- You find plenty of Cracked Pots exploring naturally.
Honestly? Only ever took this once for a challenge run themed around alchemy. Felt cumbersome. Could be the best keepsake Elden Ring has for a very specific, rare playstyle.
Stonesword Key
Gives you two Stonesword Keys. These are single-use consumables that unlock Imp Statue seals found throughout the world. These seals block paths to dungeons, hidden areas, and often valuable loot (weapons, talismans, crafting recipes).
Why it's great:
- Unlocks content immediately without needing to find keys.
- Potential for powerful early loot (e.g., the Twinblade in Dragon-Burnt Ruins!).
- Keys are finite per playthrough (though purchasable later... for a steep price).
- Great for veterans who know exactly which door they want to open ASAP.
Where it falls short:
- Requires knowledge. Using a key on a worthless room feels terrible.
- Many early Imp Statues lead to areas too dangerous for low-level characters.
- Keys become purchasable later from vendors (costly but available).
- No direct combat or survival benefit.
Opened that fog gate near the starting area early once. Got wrecked by a high-level knight. Learned the "key" lesson the hard way.
Bewitching Branch
Grants you 5 Bewitching Branches. These are consumable items that let you charm certain humanoid enemies for a short duration, turning them against their allies.
Why it's great:
- Unique crowd control utility.
- Can trivialize specific encounters with multiple humanoids (e.g., Godrick soldiers).
- Fun and chaotic!
- Can be crafted later... but requires rare materials.
Where it falls short:
- Limited uses (5).
- Only works on specific enemy types (humanoids, doesn't work on everything).
- Very niche application. Easy to forget you have them.
- Effect is temporary.
- Low overall impact compared to other choices.
Used one on a Kaiden sellsword. Watching him chop down his mate was hilarious... for the 15 seconds it lasted. Then I had to fight both. Not efficient.
Boiled Prawn
Gives you 5 Boiled Prawns. Consuming one boosts your physical damage negation by 15% for 60 seconds. A temporary defensive buff.
Why it's great:
- Significant physical damage reduction before tough fights (like bosses).
- Can be the difference in surviving a heavy combo.
- Easy to use - pop it right before entering a fog gate.
Where it falls short:
- Limited uses (5). Once gone, they're gone.
- Only boosts physical defense, not magic/fire/etc.
- Effect is short duration.
- Boiled Prawns can be purchased later from a specific merchant.
- Doesn't address core survival like HP flasks.
Saved my bacon against Margit once. Felt like cheating... but winning felt better.
Shabriri's Woe
This is a talisman. When equipped, it constantly draws enemy aggression towards you. Think of it as permanent taunt. Designed purely for co-op play where you want to tank for your friends.
Why it's great:
- Phenomenal for dedicated tank builds in co-op.
- Allows your spellcaster or archer allies to focus on DPS safely.
- Unique effect you can't replicate easily.
Where it falls short (majorly):
- Absolutely TERRIBLE for solo play. Aggroing *everything* is suicidal.
- Takes up a valuable talisman slot.
- If you don't play co-op regularly, it's useless.
- Can be obtained elsewhere mid-game (though slightly later).
Solo players: Avoid Shabriri's Woe like the Scarlet Rot. Seriously.
None
Bragging rights? The ultimate challenge? You start with nothing extra. Just your class gear.
Why it's great:
- Purest starting experience.
- No "wasted" choice.
- For the truly hardcore or role-players.
Where it falls short:
- Gives up a significant early advantage for no tangible benefit.
- Makes the hardest part of the game even harder.
- Not recommended unless you know EXACTLY what you're doing.
Tried this on my Wretch run. Those first 10 levels were... memorable. Mostly painful.
The Ultimate Elden Ring Keepsake Comparison: At a Glance
Need a quick reference? This table lays it out clearly. Finding your top Elden Ring keepsake depends on matching these factors to your playstyle.
| Keepsake | Best For | Early Game Value | Late Game Value | Risk Factor | Uniqueness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crimson Amber Medallion | New Players, Low Vigor Builds, Survivability | Very High | Low-Medium | Low | High (Unique early variant) |
| Lands Between Rune | Veterans, Speedruns, Specific Early Purchases | High (One-time) | None | Medium (Lose on death) | None |
| Golden Seed | Everyone, Flask Reliance, Long-term Planning | High (Permanent) | High (Permanent) | Low | Low-Medium (Findable, but finite) |
| Fanged Imp Ashes | Summon Users, Bleed Builds, Skipping Ranni | Medium | Low | Low | Low-Medium (Bell skip, Ashes findable) |
| Cracked Pot | Alchemist/Bomber Builds | Low (Niche) | Low-Medium (Niche) | Low | Medium (Finite, reusable) |
| Stonesword Key (x2) | Veterans, Loot Hunters, Specific Routes | Variable (Knowledge-Dependent) | Low (Keys buyable later) | High (Bad choices waste it) | Medium (Finite, but buyable later) |
| Bewitching Branch (x5) | Experimentation, Specific Crowd Control | Low-Medium (Niche) | Low | Low | Low (Craftable later) |
| Boiled Prawn (x5) | Boss Fights, Physical Defense Boost | Medium | Low | Medium (Limited uses) | Low (Buyable later) |
| Shabriri's Woe | Co-op Tanks ONLY | Very Low (Solo) | Low-Medium (Co-op ONLY) | Very High (Solo) | Medium (Findable later) |
| None | Challenge Runs, Purists | None | None | Very High | N/A |
Picking Your Actual Best Keepsake: Match Your Playstyle
Okay, data dumped. Now, translating this into *your* choice for the perfect Elden Ring keepsake. Forget the hype. Ask yourself these questions:
- Am I new to Souls games/Elden Ring? Pick Crimson Amber Medallion or Golden Seed. That extra HP or potential extra heal is a lifesaver while you learn enemy patterns. Avoid Stonesword Keys or niche items.
- What's my planned build?
- Glass Cannon Mage? Crimson Amber Medallion. You need that HP buffer.
- Melee Tank? Golden Seed (more heals sustain aggression) or Crimson Amber still solid. Boiled Prawn late contender.
- Summoner? Fanged Imp Ashes gets you started instantly.
- Bleed Build? Fanged Imp Ashes synergize early.
- Crafter/Alchemist? Cracked Pot is *your* best Elden Ring keepsake.
- Am I playing solo or co-op? Solo: Avoid Shabriri's Woe like poison. Co-op Tank: It suddenly becomes S-tier.
- Do I know specific early loot I want? If you *know* you want the Twinblade instantly? Stonesword Key is your pick. But this requires spoilers or prior knowledge.
- Do I value permanent or temporary gain? Golden Seed and Crimson Amber offer lasting (though diminishing) effects. Lands Between Rune is instant cash. Cracked Pot is permanent utility. Most others are consumables.
- Am I a min-maxer or completionist? Golden Seed or Stonesword Key might edge out others because they contribute to finite collectibles.
My Personal Verdict After Hundreds of Hours
For a true new player, blind playthrough? Crimson Amber Medallion. That HP buffer in the first few hours is incredibly forgiving while you learn the brutal dance of combat. It saved me more times than I care to admit during my first fumbling steps through Limgrave. For a slightly more experienced player, or someone who knows they rely heavily on flasks? Golden Seed. Getting that first extra flask charge slightly earlier feels impactful throughout the entire game. It's the safe, smart, long-term pick.
If I'm doing a specific challenge run where I need a weapon ASAP (like a Twinblade run)? Stonesword Key, no question. But that's niche. For co-op with friends where I'm designated punchbag? Shabriri's Woe all day. The Lands Between Rune? Honestly feels like a trap unless you have laser focus on an early buy. Fanged Imps are fun but quickly overshadowed. The rest? Too situational or weak to be the top Elden Ring keepsake contender for most. The Crimson Amber Medallion and Golden Seed consistently deliver value with minimal risk or required knowledge. They are the workhorses.
Expert Tricks: Maximizing Your Keepsake Advantage
Picking it is step one. Using it well is step two. Here's how to squeeze every drop of value from your best keepsake Elden Ring choice:
Crimson Amber Medallion Users:
- Don't swap it out immediately. Its value is highest when your Vigor is low. Keep it equipped until you find significantly better talismans (usually mid-Liurnia).
- Combine it with early armor for maximum early physical defense. That soldier set isn't glamorous, but the damage reduction paired with more HP is solid.
Golden Seed Users:
- Know where another early Golden Seed is! You need two seeds for the first upgrade. The easiest one is right by the gatefront ruins Site of Grace in Limgrave, near the big broken chariot. Grab that one pronto to upgrade your flasks.
- Remember to actually allocate the extra charge at a Site of Grace! The seed itself just sits in your inventory until you use it at a Grace.
Stonesword Key Users:
- Plan your door. Don't waste them! Research or recall which Imp Statue unlocks something vital for your build *right now*. The Dragon-Burnt Ruins cellar (Twinblade), the Fringefolk Hero's Grave (useful talismans but VERY tough early), or the well in Limgrave (minor dungeon) are common early targets.
- Be prepared for potential high-level enemies guarding the loot inside.
Fanged Imp Ashes Users:
- Summon them strategically! They are fragile. Use them to distract bosses or tough elite enemies while you heal or reposition. Don't expect them to solo anything significant.
- Upgrade them at Roderika when you find her in Stormhill Shack! Upgraded Spirit Ashes are massively more durable and effective.
Boiled Prawn Users:
- Use them before boss fights! Especially physical-damage bosses like Margit, Godrick, or the Crucible Knight. Pop one right outside the fog gate. That 15% reduction is noticeable.
- Remember you can buy more later from Blackguard Big Boggart near the Boilprawn Shack (after doing his quest).
Which Keepsake Do Most Players Actually Choose? (Community Pulse)
Curious what others pick? While hard data is elusive, community polls and discussions consistently show a few front-runners:
- Golden Seed: Often leads due to its universal appeal and permanent benefit. It's the "safe" meta choice.
- Crimson Amber Medallion: Extremely popular, especially after players experience early one-shots. A close second.
- Stonesword Key: Popular with returning players and those following guides for specific loot. High variance.
- Fanged Imp Ashes: Gains traction for unlocking summons instantly and its decent early power.
- Lands Between Rune: Chosen by players wanting an immediate economic boost.
The others (Boiled Prawn, Bewitching Branch, Cracked Pot, Shabriri's Woe) are niche picks, usually under 5% in polls. "None" is rare, chosen by masochists and challenge runners. This doesn't mean Golden Seed is *objectively* the best keepsake Elden Ring offers every time, but it highlights what the community perceives as reliable value.
Answers to Your Burning Best Keepsake Elden Ring Questions (FAQ)
Is the Golden Seed really the best starter gift?
It's arguably the *safest* and most consistently valuable choice for the widest range of players. It provides a permanent, universally beneficial upgrade (more heals or FP). However, "best" is subjective. If you desperately need that early HP buffer to survive, Crimson Amber Medallion might be *your* best Elden Ring keepsake. For a veteran rushing a specific build, Stonesword Keys rule.
Can I get more Stonesword Keys later?
Yes, absolutely. You'll find them exploring the world, and crucially, you can buy them later from certain merchants. The Twin Maiden Husks at Roundtable Hold sell them, but the price increases with each one you buy (starting around 2000 runes, going up to 5000, then 7000... it gets steep!). So those two starting keys are valuable early on, saving you a lot of runes.
Should I pick Shabriri's Woe for solo play?
NO. Seriously, don't. It constantly draws ALL enemy aggro to you. In solo play, this means every single enemy in a group will focus solely on you simultaneously. It's a death sentence in anything but the easiest encounters. Only equip this if you are specifically tanking for friends in co-op.
Will my keepsake choice lock me out of anything?
No. Every keepsake item, even the unique Crimson Amber Medallion variant, has functional equivalents or the exact item obtainable elsewhere in the world later. Picking one doesn't permanently deny you access to the benefits of others. It just gives you a head start on a specific path. You can find Golden Seeds, Stonesword Keys, the regular Crimson Amber Medallion, buy Boiled Prawns, craft Bewitching Branches and Pots, etc.
Is the Crimson Amber Medallion worth keeping?
Early game, absolutely. Mid-to-late game, its value diminishes significantly as your base HP pool grows much larger (that 6% becomes a smaller relative boost). You'll also find much better talismans that offer stronger effects like increased maximum HP by a larger percentage (like Erdtree's Favor +2) or damage negation boosts. It's usually one of the first talismans you replace when you find superior options.
What's the best keepsake for a magic build?
Two strong contenders:
- Crimson Amber Medallion: Mages start squishy. The extra HP is crucial.
- Golden Seed: More FP flask charges mean more spells cast before needing to rest. Also vital.
Can I change my keepsake later?
No. Your keepsake choice is permanent for that playthrough. You cannot change it after character creation. This is why the decision feels weighty, even though its impact lessens later. Choose wisely for those opening hours!
Final Thoughts: Your Journey Starts Here
Look, stressing endlessly over the "best keepsake Elden Ring" offers isn't worth paralysis. Crimson Amber Medallion or Golden Seed won't steer you wrong for a first playthrough. They provide tangible, reliable help during the steepest learning curve. Stonesword Keys are exciting if you know your target, but risky blind. The rest? Fun for specific experiments or later runs.
The real key is understanding what each one *does* and how it fits *your* plan. Don't just grab the Golden Seed because Reddit says so if you plan to summon aggressively – maybe Fanged Imps suit you better. Or if you're determined to tank for your buddy, embrace the chaos of Shabriri's Woe.
Now, go forth, Tarnished. Grace guide you. And may your keepsake choice grant you that tiny edge needed to claim the Elden Ring.